JODI PESEK

Educator  |  Class of 1986
​Inducted in 2026

Jodi was inducted into SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2026 as the Distinguished Educator.

Jodi Pesek, Principal of Omaha South High School (2020-2026) and a proud member of the Class of 1986, embodies the spirit, history, and promise of South Omaha. With lifelong roots in the neighborhood she calls home, her induction into the South High Alumni Association Hall of Fame represents both a personal pinnacle and a full-circle moment for the school and community that shaped her.

A product of Omaha Public Schools, Jodi attended Chandler View Elementary, Bryan Middle School, King Science, and ultimately Omaha South High School. From her earliest years, everything in her life centered around music. At South, she was deeply involved in Pomperettes/Flags, Marching Band, handbell choir, and musical theater—performing in every Sound Off and playing in the pit for school musicals. A gifted musician, she earned All-City and All-State honors in flute, held first-chair All-City, and was recognized with the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award as an outstanding senior. She also served as a student leader in the handbell choir, performing throughout the community and reinforcing the role of music as a bridge between school and neighborhood.
Her passion for music led her to make history in higher education as the first individual in the Nebraska university system to earn a master’s degree in music performance as a harpist. From her university days through her full teaching career, she served as an OPS harp instructor, mentoring generations of students and expanding access to music education across the district.

Jodi began her professional teaching career as orchestra director and then dean at Norris Middle School (1994–2002).  She moved into school leadership as an assistant principal and then program director at Wilson Middle School (2002–2011). After Wilson's transition to a focus elementary school, Jodi served as an assistant principal at Beveridge Magnet (2012–2013) before moving back to alternative education, first as the assistant program director and then as program director at Blackburn Alternative Program (2013–2020.) In 2020, she became the proud principal of her alma mater, Omaha South High School.

As principal, Jodi has guided South through transformational change, including the transition from a nine-period day to a block schedule, the development and implementation of career pathways, an increase in dual enrollment participation, and the expansion of Freshman Academy structures. She is proud of her staff, which includes numerous South High graduates who reflect the school’s legacy and lived experience. She has championed teachers and staff who support student programs across academics, activities, and athletics, resulting in increased graduation rates, a boys’ soccer state championship, a NebraskARTS award, and increased participation in the dual language program.

For Jodi, descended from Czech and Irish roots connected to both the Brown Park and 24th & Q street areas, South High is more than a workplace, it is part of her history.  Her grandparents (in the 1930s), parents (in the 1950s), siblings, and extended family members (in the 1970s & 1980s) all graduated from South High. Jodi grew up experiencing South High as the cultural and social heartbeat of her family. To have the honor of serving as South High's principal is the highlight of her career.

Jodi credits both Omaha South High School and the South Omaha community for supporting her family, nurturing her gifts, and providing opportunities to thrive and excel. Her pride in the South High Alumni Association and its ongoing commitment to students and staff remains strong and deeply personal.

This Hall of Fame induction honors a distinguished educator and leader, who is eternally grateful to be a part of Omaha South High School's past, present, and future.