Fall 2018 by NCSA

A PUBLICATION OF THE NEBRASKA COUNCIL OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

Fall 2018

www.NCSA.org

CO N T E N T S

3 The Mind Inside: Uncovering the Hidden

Barriers to Academic Success

BY BRITTANY MASCIO

5 Nebraskans United: Historical Coalition

Determined to Spark Momentous Change

BY TYLER DAHLGREN

7 A Legislative Preview with OpenSky

Executive Director Renee Fry

BY TYLER DAHLGREN

Creating Educational Impact through Global Engagement BY DR. STEVEN DUKE

Awards

Superintendent Turnover Remains Steady for Fall 2018 BY DR. JAMES E. OSSIAN

NCSA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2017-2018

Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. John Skretta Vice Chair. . . . . . . Brandon Mowinkel Immed. Past Chair. . . . Dr. Mike Sieh NASA Representatives President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Sjuts President-Elect. . . . . . Dr. Mark Adler Past President . . . . . Dr. John Skretta NASBO Representatives President. . . . . . . Jason Buckingham President-Elect. . . . . . . Erin Heineman Past President . . . . . . . . . . Brad Dahl NAESP Representatives President. . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Slama President-Elect. . . . Tammy Schaefer Past President . . . . . . Jason Calahan NASES Representatives President. . . . . . . . . Dr. Terry Houlton President-Elect. . . . . . . . Laura Barrett Past President . . . . . . . . Jason Harris NSASSP Representatives President. . . . . . . . . . Sheri Chittenden President-Elect. . . . . . Ross Ricenbaw Past President . . . Brandon Mowinkel NARSA Representative President. . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Meyer

Mindfulness... It’s a State of Mind BY LINDA KENEDY

NCSA STAFF

Dr. Dan E. Ernst Associate Executive Director/Lobbyist

How Times Have Changed BY GREG SJUTS

Sponsorship Calendar of Events

NCSA Mission

The mission of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) is to be an effective leader for quality education and to enhance the professionalism of its members. NCSA Today is a benefit of membership in the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, 455 South 11th Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68508. Telephone 402.476.8055 or 800.793.6272. Fax 402.476.7740. Annual membership dues are $335 (active members), $125 (associate members), or $50 (student members). NCSA Today is published quarterly. Send address changes to NCSA, Membership, 455 South 11th Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68508. Copyright ©2018 by NCSA. All rights reserved.

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Dr. Michael S. Dulaney Executive Director/Lobbyist

Megan Hillabrand Professional Development Manager Amy Poggenklass Finance and Membership Director Tyler Dahlgren Communications Specialist Carol Young Executive Administrative Assistant Connie Hilker Administrative Assistant The opinions expressed in NCSA Today or by its authors do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.

ME NT A L HEAL TH

The Mind Inside: Uncovering the Hidden Barriers to Academic Success BY BRITTANY MASCIO, Director of Marketing, Nebraska Loves Public Schools When Ross Szabo finished his Administrators’ Days keynote, the applause echoed the call of Nebraska educators everywhere: it’s time to openly talk about and appropriately address student mental health struggles. Szabo’s message and the conference sessions on trauma and mental health further proved to Nebraska Loves Public Schools’ Sally Nellson how desperate the education community is to have these student stories told. “Everywhere we went for two years, schools were talking about the importance of mental health – from the need, to the access of services, to the growing urgency of the issue,” the director and executive producer shared at the 2018 conference. “We listened and started to explore.” Nellson is currently in production of The Mind Inside, an I Love Public Schools docuseries that explores the landscape of mental health issues in Nebraska schools. The teaser about the comprehensive multi-episode series debuted on NCSA’s mainstage in July. Premiering this fall, The Mind Inside shows an intimate look at common behaviors and problems schools routinely face because of students’ underlying mental health issues. Filmed from a perspective within the school, the series uncovers the hidden barriers to academic success. The initial episode lays the foundation for the series, establishing what life looks like in public schools today and how

mental health problems impact the classroom. At Millard North Middle School, the primary setting of the first episode, staff describe the whole host of problems students bring to school with them, from trauma to peer frustrations, anxiety and depression, and more. “As an educational institution, our number one goal is to obviously educate students but we have to have them ready to learn,” Bill Jelkin, Millard Public Schools Director of Student Services, shares in the piece. “In some cases, all of those other issues are standing in the way of the education.” For Nellson, this statement about readiness is something she has heard before. In Standing Up to Poverty, one of the predominant takeaways of her 2015 film is poverty’s impact on all students – regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status, gender, or religion. For mental health, this topic has a ubiquitous nature, too, and a similar universal impact. “I’ll bet in a Title I school, there’s likely an expectation that these kids need some additional help. In more affluent districts, communities might just assume that there’s less need. However, kids are kids regardless of socioeconomic status. Kids are all subjected to the same kind of stimulus everywhere so one would think every school everywhere needs the same level of support, and it needs to be apparent to students that that support is there.” Continued on page 4 >>

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ME N T A L H E A L TH The series will be released throughout the 2018-2019 school year, coincidentally alongside the Be Kind movement, the positive campaign inspired by Ralston Superintendent Mark Adler and his wife, Joni and emphasized by the Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Dr. Matt Blomstedt. “To me it’s profound because [Be Kind] is a genuine conversation starter,” Nellson shared about the movement’s positive connection for students.

For months, Nellson and her crew worked to build trust with social workers, school psychologists and mental health partners to find students who were willing to share their voice about the depression, family trauma, and social anxiety, and other emotional disturbances they face. Due to the sensitive nature of the issue, gaining access to these stories presented challenges for Nellson and her team. “How do we share students’ stories in a way that is respectful and doesn’t exploit the situation of the student or of the family?,” Nellson shared about the process. “For us, and our project, it’s always been about the balance, the balance to honor the stories and to use what students and staff share to shine a light on the need that exists.” In the first episode, vignettes of students’ daily struggles are a key storytelling element Nellson uses to establish the nuance of what students face. From the three featured students viewers see how angry and aggressive outbursts, negligent and abusive households, and diagnosed mental health issues can influence life at school, not only for the students themselves, but for classmates and teachers as well. School social worker Eric Depue acts as the guide for audiences to understand each students’ story; his intentional and honest interactions with the students weave in vivid, heartbreaking examples that help further explain how environmental influences like abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and the pervasiveness of social media take a toll on students’ lives. One of the main themes in the premiere episode illustrates that despite the lack of comprehensive services schools are finding ways to address mental health needs and prop students up with support however they can find it. “It’s a testament to how well schools – school counselors, social workers, psychologists and teachers – use the limited resources available to them to still address the needs of students,” Nellson shares. “However, it’s only just the start and schools need more support.” 4

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“It’s what’s needed when we talk about mental health. We can start simply with a ‘why.’ Be kind, why? What’s behind this? It’s a way to express more openness and understanding and to begin to address underlying issues kids face in a way that’s more approachable to every kid who might be struggling.” As Be Kind efforts continue in buildings across the state, Nellson is hopeful The Mind Inside will complement efforts and add depth and understanding to the complicated story of mental health. To keep updated on The Mind Inside episodes, film screenings, and more, visit iloveps.org. ■

NE B RA S KA NS UNIT E D C O AL I TI ON

Nebraskans United: Historical Coalition Determined to Spark Momentous Change BY TYLER DAHLGREN, NCSA Communications Specialist John Hansen became president of Nebraska Farmers Union in 1990, and quickly found himself face-to-face with an issue that ranchers, farmers and schools within the state are still struggling with in 2018. To fund its schools, Nebraska relies on abnormally high property tax rates. It’s that way now, and it was that way then. One of the first things Hansen tried to do in his new role was to right a ship that had veered significantly off path. Nebraska Farmers Union was successful at first, playing a vital role in the passage of LB 1059 (1990, TEEOSA), which “proposed a major shift in the source of funding for Nebraska’s elementary and secondary schools” and survived three stages of legislative debate and an eventual veto from Gov. Kay Orr. “With the passage of LB 1059, there was a lot of expectations that we had made a substantial change and that things were going to get better,” Hansen recalled. “Things started in a good fashion, but then the level of funding began to recede and the legislature backed away from fully funding the TEEOSA formula.” The time in between then and now has been filled with numerous efforts at property tax reform. There have been some narrow misses along the way, including the Property Tax Review Committee formed by Gov. Ben Nelson in the late 1990s (on which Hansen served for 18 months) but no considerable change. Hansen holds the same position 28 years later, and, unfortunately, the concerns of his organization have remained the same. Disproportionately high property taxes, a frustrating inequity in the way Nebraska funds its public education system, have been a top priority for nearly three decades. “It just continues to bubble to the top and grow in importance,” Hansen said. Nebraska leads the nation in the amount of property taxes paid by agriculture, ahead of second-place California, and sits at 49th in the amount of income and sales taxes used to fund K-12 education. In response, stakeholders in education and agriculture, figuring their voices were more likely to be heard if they stood on the same side of the fence, collaborated to form Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education.

“Nebraskans United is a fairly broad mix of education and agriculture public interest groups that have been working together the last several years in order to put the focus on how we can adequately and fairly fund K-12 education while providing real property tax relief,” Hansen said. “We need to revisit our current policies and programs in tax structure, distribution formulas and the TEEOSA formula.” Hansen stresses the latter, saying the state desperately needs a comprehensive study of the TEEOSA formula carried out by “knowledgeable people that understand the formula thoroughly”, something that hasn’t been done since the mid-90s under Education Committee Chair Ardyce Bohlke. Results from the study would provide everyone with a better idea of how to proceed, he explained. Nebraskans United put together LB 1084 last session, which was introduced with some modifications by Sen. Tom Briese. While the bill, which called for the adoption of the Property Tax Request Limitation Act, didn’t pass, it had more ‘Yes’ votes and fewer ‘No’ votes than any other major proposal. A step in the right direction, and an indication of not only the coalition’s impact, but its potential moving forward. “The coalition, to its credit and by virtue of the fact that we have a lot of not only shared interests, but resources and influence, have prevented the governor’s efforts the last two years to put forward proposals that, in our view, were wholly inadequate, not properly paid for, and not substantive,” Hansen said. The strength of the coalition, he added, may have been surprising to the professional lobby, political reporters and Capitol surveyors. “They didn’t anticipate that we would have enough influence to be able to do what we did,” Hansen said. “Part of the influence we have is that folks back home, whether they are in agriculture or education, know that we have real problems that need a substantial remedy and that Gov. Ricketts’ proposals the last three years did not represent structural remedy.”

Continued on page 6 >>

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NEBRA S KA N S U NI TED C O A LIT IO N “Parents across the state want the best for their children. As they should,” Hansen added. “Farmers across the state understand the importance of providing a quality education, but end up coming to the tabled discussion with continually-rising property taxes and a consequent diminishing personal income.” “Because of the use of property taxes to fund education, we have had this non-productive conflict between the parent who wants the educational programs and services and the farmer who is stuck paying a disproportionate share of the total cost of K-12 education in rural districts saying ‘Yes, I want the best for your kid, but there is a limit on how much I can afford.’” It sets the two parties on a road to imminent conflict, and watching the situation persist for 28 years has been a searing frustration throughout Hansen’s professional life. Two interests that the state of Nebraska prides itself on, education and agriculture, often become competing interests, a scenario which never produces a winner. Now, the groups are coming together, blending into one. “We know, historically, if agriculture and education can’t come together and support a common agenda that works to the benefit of both, what will happen is the two competing interests tend to nullify each other and we end up not being able to go forward,” Hansen said. “It is significant that agriculture is saying ‘We need real property tax relief, but we also recognize the importance of education and believe that it needs to be adequately and fairly-funded.’” Farmers are stakeholders too, proud of Nebraska’s public schools and the accomplishments of their students. “In our view, Nebraska does a remarkable job of educating our students,” Hansen said. “We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of relative to our education system. The programs, services and quality of instruction is very, very good.” Nebraskans United is in the process of finalizing the rewrite of

LB 1084, exploring different funding and distribution mechanisms. The plan still calls for a study of TEEOSA, which Hansen points out as “extremely important”. “We will be taking that summary and starting to share it with elected officials and stakeholders,” Hansen said. “Other outreach will be with the folks back home. There is simply no substitute for having citizens that are well-informed and constructively engaged with their public officials. That level of involvement and engagement is critical, so we anticipate working through our various coalition partners to help get information out to our members and the public.” “Public officials are not mind readers,” said Hansen, who spent 14 years as an elected public official himself. Citizen involvement in this matter especially is particularly important, and though actual participation has been disappointingly low in the past, well-educated and well-informed people have the ability to make a serious impact on the process as a result. “As a public official, you are there to serve everyone,” Hansen said. “When people are just angry and mad, you sit through those events, but they aren’t necessarily constructive. It is always better to develop constructive partnerships with your public officials, which, in the end, is the way it is supposed to work.” Hansen also thanked NCSA for its partnership in Nebraskans United. “NCSA has been a wonderful partner and they continue to provide great information, historical perspective and constructive suggestions, which makes them a very valuable member of this coalition,” he said. A monumental coalition, determined to spark momentous change. “Nebraskans United represents a high watermark and the willingness of the education and agricultural communities to sit together at the same table and solve problems for the benefit of everyone.” ■

“In our view, Nebraska does a remarkable job of educating our students,” Hansen said. “We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of relative to our education system. The programs, services, and quality of instruction is very, very good.” — John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmers Union

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LE GISL ATURE

A Legislative Preview with OpenSky Executive Director Renee Fry By TYLER DAHLGREN, NCSA Communications Specialist A new school year has dawned, and though January is well down the road, early preparations for the next legislative session are never unseasonable steps for school administration teams and public education stakeholders to take. OpenSky Policy Institute Executive Director Renee Fry foresees an active 2019 session, with TEEOSA, property taxes, federal tax Fry cuts and the cash reserve all likely to hold priority spots on the legislative docket. “TEEOSA is always part of the budget debate and right now the Tax Rate Review Committee sees its funding increasing seven to eight percent,” Fry said. “The reason for the increase is LB 409 is sun-setting, which was passed to temporarily reduce the amount of spending on TEEOSA and help get us through a tough budget year.” The spike in funding could raise eyebrows and cause some senators to stir, possibly resulting in a battle. In reality, the funding is simply reverting back to prior law. Ongoing discussions concerning property taxes are always connected to education, too. “There will be a lot of focus on rebuilding the cash reserve, which we really dipped into the last few years, particularly as we are overdue for some sort of recession,” Fry said. “The other wildcard next session is the unknown impact of the federal tax cuts on revenue in Nebraska.” There are trends in other states worth keeping an eye on, like the expansion of Medicaid and general tax increases. Many states are dealing with the taxation of newer technology services like Uber, LYFT, Airbnb and VRBO, in addition to internet sales taxation. “Generally, like Nebraska, most states are seeing sales tax revenues that are falling behind as we have a sales tax base that is primarily goods while more of our dollars continue to go to services,” Fry explained. “States are seeing their sales tax revenue shrink as a share of the economy.”

For example, Uber and LYFT aren’t currently taxed in Nebraska, while taxi services are. Hotels are taxed, but Airbnb and VRBO properties are not. Fry could see an attempt at modernizing its tax code in Nebraska’s future. “There are a lot of good policy changes that can be made by broadening our sales tax base in an attempt to really modernize it,” Fry said. “We want to avoid taxing business inputs because that creates pyramiding and makes products more expensive for the customer, but there are a number of steps we can take that look at taxing consumer services in a way that is more comparable to how we tax goods.” Fry mentions cigarettes, for example, as a topic that has also been discussed the last couple of years. Nebraska ranks low in cigarette taxes, an area Fry feels could absorb a substantial tax increase without seeing a competitiveness issue arise. “Property tax reform is a fixture in each session, with different camps wanting different things. There is no easy fix,” Fry said. “No silver bullet, or it would have been done by now.” “You have these different camps,” Fry said. “You have the folks who are running the ballot initiative in 2020 who just want to cut property taxes without any revenue to pay for it. We take that path and we are going to head down the same road Kansas and Oklahoma travelled.” There’s the contingent that calls for no new taxes, firm in their belief that property taxes are strictly a local issue. “Which really ignores the fact that we rank so low in the percentage of K-12 funding that comes from the state,” Fry said. “It also ignores the reality that you can’t ask the schools to cut property taxes without providing additional resources so that they can meet state law and provide an adequate education.” A strong public education system is core to OpenSky’s mission of improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. A data-based organization, Fry said it is clear to OpenSky that having a strong public education system is one of the best investments the state of Nebraska can continue to make, as well as a strong economic development tool. Continued on page 8 >>

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LE GI S LA T UR E “Having a great public education system is a great selling point for a community to have when they are trying to recruit a business,” Fry said. “We think it is really important we continue to provide excellent school systems. Kids are the future of the state, and schools are critical to Nebraska’s economic growth and prosperity.” Fry, who has been in her position since 2011, was presented the NCSA Friend of Education Award in late May. “OpenSky is a real team effort and it was important to me to make sure our staff and board was recognized for their contributions in making this a successful organization,” Fry said. “We were very humbled and honored.” For seven years, OpenSky has formed a collaborative partnership with Nebraska’s education leaders. While Fry’s team brings data and research to the table, identifying where room for improvement exists and critical areas to protect, school administrations bring the personal story and a ground-level perspective. “We have been impressed with the leadership among the education community,” Fry said. “It’s a testament to why Nebraska has such a strong education system.” ■

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Proudly supporting Nebraska schools and their students by helping: • • • •

Provide additional courses Accelerate students Address teacher shortages Solve scheduling conflicts

highschool.nebraska.edu (402) 472-3388

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination.

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NCSA Stands with NDE, Education Community Leaders in Human Dignity and Equity NCSA was one of eight organizations who collaborated on a Statement of Principal reinforcing a commitment to human dignity and equity. The organization stood in support of NDE during Wednesday’s press conference at the State Capitol, where Executive Director Mike Dulaney echoed Commissioner Blomstedt’s message. “My call to action is that Nebraska will lead the way in addressing inequities of the past by focusing on opportunities to learn for all students and by adopting a relentless focus on outcomes that ensure all stakeholders deliver on the promise of equity,” Blomstedt said. According to a press release issued by NDE shortly after the conference, equity requires that opportunities and outcomes exist for all across race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation, family background, adverse events and/or family income. NCSA will be available to provide support, resources and ideas on addressing this important moral issue. Schools across the state are encouraged to become strongly involved in their own programs and the programs of other schools in fostering procedures that provide a wholesome atmosphere, an attitude of sportsmanship at activities, and a safe experience for all students, per the release. ■

PRO GRA M S POTL I G HT

Creating Educational Impact through Global Engagement By DR. STEVEN DUKE, University of Nebraska

Duke

In today’s globally connected world, it’s valuable for K-12 students to develop a global mindset at an early age. Giving students exposure to world languages and cultures helps them examine new ways of thinking and explore new ideas. It also prepares Nebraska students to live and work in an increasingly interconnected world with complex societal issues and challenges.

Additionally, Nebraska public schools have an increasingly diverse student population. As an example, within the Lincoln Public Schools district alone, approximately 100 different countries are represented and 100 different languages spoken. As a result, Lincoln Public Schools has made “Future Ready Global Citizens” part of their 5-year strategic plan. And, many Nebraska public school districts are taking similar steps. There is an incredible opportunity for the University of Nebraska to partner with school districts, superintendents, principals, teachers and families across Nebraska in preparing students and teachers with global mindsets. “It’s never been more important to help students develop the cultural competencies they’ll need to be successful,” says Dr. Susan Fritz, Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Nebraska. As the University’s chief academic officer, she is well-aware of the importance of students developing global perspectives along the educational continuum, from preschool all the way to college. “Activities that help students engage with the world, whether they be K-12 or college students, will enrich their lives and enhance their careers for years to come,” she continues. The University of Nebraska is already actively involved in global engagement as a community partner. Many University faculty and staff are involved in supporting students and exposing them to global challenges. These efforts, in turn, benefit the K-12 learning community in Nebraska.

A few examples: •

•

Schooling in Demographically Transitioning Communities. This research project at UNL pairs graduate student mentors and undergraduate mentees to consider the professional development implications of Nebraska’s demographically changing public school enrollment. Global Citizens Academy: From October to December 2017, twelve UNO international students and a UNO professor visited classrooms each week to introduce students to a variety of countries and cultures. The framework will hopefully be adopted by more schools throughout the Omaha metro area. Scott D. Morris International Food and Cultural Festival: UNK has been hosting this event for several decades, typically in the spring. International students set up games and booths to display information about their home countries in fun, dynamic ways. Hundreds of K-12 students have attended this long-running educational opportunity to meet and interact with UNK students from around the world.

Global engagement efforts that impact K-12 in-service and preservice teachers are also alive across NU’s campuses. UNK, UNL, UNMC and UNO colleges and departments host visiting scholars from other countries on a regular basis. This creates mutual learning and collaboration between NU’s faculty and their international guests. For example, visiting professors to NU’s education colleges study various approaches to teaching, learning and research, while their guests share their unique experiences and background with faculty and student hosts. These interactions provide rich opportunities for developing intercultural understanding, flexibility, curiosity and empathy for individuals who live in other parts of the world.

Continued on page 10 >>

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P ROGRA M S PO TL I G H T Education abroad impacts students’ understanding of global and regional issues and supports their development of intercultural and interpersonal communication skills within a global mindset framework. Because education abroad is a high-impact practice, NU has ramped up efforts to assist students to study abroad. The university now contributes $100,000 each year toward scholarships for NU students who study abroad. And, NU continues to bring the world to Nebraska. Dr. Steven Duke, NU’s Associate Vice President for Global Strategy and International Initiatives, says the four NU campuses had a combined total of 4,488 international students in Fall Semester 2017, up 47% in just seven years.

NU also encourages students planning to be K-12 teachers and administrators to study abroad, believing their education will be more complete if they experience and understand other cultures and build new relationships with people from different backgrounds than their own. As these future educators bring back their experiences, they incorporate them into their classrooms, benefiting generations of future K-12 students. Dozens of faculty are involved in leading or supporting education abroad programs across a range of disciplines and locations. It is rewarding to see that an increasing number of NU students travel outside the United States as part of their degree requirements. Education abroad is a high-impact practice with tangible outcomes. Research has found that students who study abroad, compared to those who don’t: • • •

are more engaged in academic experience after returning to campus have higher graduation rates, and receive higher starting salaries in their first job than students who have not participated in education abroad programming.

Among more than 1,400 NU students who studied abroad in 2016-2017 was UNK student Keegan Francl of Grand Island. She attended University College Roosevelt in the Netherlands, and wrote about how her experience changed her outlook: “One lesson I learned was how lacking I was in my role as a U.S. citizen. My classmates in the Netherlands were heavily involved not only with their country’s politics and national affairs, but U.S. politics as well. I now make a more conscious effort to stay informed about local and global affairs.”

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International efforts have expanded greatly at all four NU campuses. Recently, NU published its first Global Engagement report, summarizing activities and strategies that engage students and the campus community in learning about and interacting with the world. The report is available at https://nebraska.edu/global-engagement.html. Important work like this is never accomplished alone. The University of Nebraska applauds and supports the work of Nebraska’s K-12 teachers and leaders in ensuring that students learn about the world—and develop a passion for exploring global issues and experiencing global cultures. Cultivating a global mindset in our youth has both immediate and long-term benefits. It will start them on a path toward helping to address the challenges faced by our state, our nation, and our world. ■

AWARDS

Doug Lewis receives NCSA Distinguished Service Award Papillion-La Vista Assistant Superintendent Doug Lewis received the NCSA Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to public education at Administrators’ Days in Kearney. Lewis said it was an tremendous honor to be recognized in front of so many of his peers, all “quality educators striving to do the best for students every day and working to make a difference for public education in Nebraska.” Involved in a variety of functions, committees and activities throughout the state and on a national level, Lewis said he is always proud to say he is from Nebraska. “Nebraska schools have quality teachers, administrators and staff passionate about providing the best education for their students,” he said. “We have very supportive communities which are proud of their schools. Together, Nebraskans make sure every child has the opportunity and support to learn and succeed.” Lewis said the importance of getting involved has been the most meaningful takeaway from his career. “We have great state organizations, like NCSA, which provide a variety of ways to be involved,” he said. “You can make a difference and you can bring change. Sometimes it doesn’t happen quickly and most times it doesn’t happen easily, but if it is the right thing, it will get done.” ■

Perry Law Firm’s Kelley Baker receives Friend of Education Award For over 40 years, Perry Law Firm school attorney Kelley Baker has felt privileged to work side by side with Nebraska’s public school administrators, believing adamantly that school law is the “happiest area in all of law.” At Administrators’ Days in Kearney, Baker was presented the NCSA Friend of Education Award by Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney for his contributions to the education community the past four decades. “I was very touched and honored,” Baker said of receiving the award. “I get to work with positive people of integrity who strive to do the best they can for their students and communities.” In his acceptance speech, Baker, joined on stage by his family, called working alongside school administrators a “great joy” and expressed his admiration for their positive attitudes and commitment to doing the best they can for the schools they serve. “Public school administrators are extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to guiding young people and providing them with the foundations in academics and deportment that will help them be successful in life,” he added. Baker, recipient of the Friend of Education Award, has dedicated his life to protecting those efforts. ■ FALL 2018 NCSA TODAY

AW A RD S

Stokebrand receives NCSA Distinguished Service Award Ellen Stokebrand, Director of Special Education at ESU 4, received NCSA’s Distinguished Service Award at Administrators’ Days in Kearney. Stokebrand was presented the award on stage by Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney, and, in her speech, thanked the many people who have offered support throughout her career. “Since receiving the award, I’ve heard from so many people and, honestly, I’m overwhelmed and humbled by it all,” said Stokebrand. The collaborative approach to educating each and every child is what Stokebrand feels makes Nebraska’s public schools unique. Education, she said, is a team sport. “We work together,” Stokebrand said. “Teachers, administrators, school boards and families. Across districts and ESUs. With NDE and through all of the affiliates at NCSA. The relationships that support the entire education system are what stand out to me.” When reflecting on her career and the path she’s travelled to this point, Stokebrand said she’s amazed at how fast the time flies. “I feel like I just started teaching a few years ago,” she said. “I’ve made some terrific friends and have been able to take the opportunity to be involved in so many collaborative and leadership roles. When opportunity knocks, answer the door. I’m very blessed.” Stokebrand added that she enjoys wearing her “I Love Public Schools” shirt when travelling. The shirt is a natural conversation starter, and she’s always excited to tell her story. “I’m always proud to share that I’m from Nebraska and I love hearing that we do it right.” ■

NASES honors Stuart Clark with Distinguished Special Education Administrator Award Stuart Clark, Special Education Director at ESU 1, was awarded the NASES Distinguished Special Education Administrator at the NASES Fall Membership Meeting. Clark has held his position since 2006, supervising and leading the largest department at ESU 1. In addition, he works closely with ESU 1’s 22 partner districts and provides statewide support as a member of the Student Reporting System (SRS) advisory committee, NDE’s AdHoc committee, and the OER advisory committee, among other involvements. Sarah Hansen, ESU 1 Assistant Special Education Director, highlights Stuart’s statewide support, “His facilitation skills, ability to understand student behavior and his knowledge of special education finances are a few things Stuart is known for. People in both general and special education seek out Stuart’s guidance. He has a wealth of knowledge and has connections to people and organizations across the state of Nebraska that help him rise to any challenge.” Congratulations to Stuart, the 2018-19 NASES Distinguished Special Education Administrator. ■ 12

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T RE NDS IN S UPE RINT E NDENCY

Superintendent Turnover Remains Steady for Fall 2018 By DR. JAMES E. OSSIAN, Wayne State College

Introduction The 50th Annual PDK Gallup Poll is now available online. Issues include teacher pay, school improvement and funding, and college affordability. Featured also is the topic of school security. Because of the recent spate of highly publicized school shootings, the organization Ossian published a detailed report in May 2018 about school security concerns. Only 27% of K-12 parents feel strongly confident that their school could protect students from a shooting incident. Moreover, a third report fearing for their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical safety at school. Parents express support for mental health screening of all students, armed police in schools, and metal detectors at school entrances. However, a majority do not want their children in classrooms where the teacher is armed nor do they favor teachers or staff carrying guns. In fact, 36% of parent respondents felt that situation would make students less safe. When given the choice, parents would prefer money be spent on mental health services rather than on armed guards. An examination of respondent categories reveals that Republicans, conservatives, Whites, rural residents, and gun owners are more likely to support enhanced security measures. Democrats, Blacks, Hispanics, women, and less affluent parents are much less likely to support such action. Many Nebraska school leaders have probably already done so, but school security should be considered a major topic for a variety of school meeting agendas.

The New Year At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, there will be 32 school districts with a new executive leader, one less than a year ago. In all, there will be 241 individuals in the superintendent role for 244 districts, including three who will be serving as superintendents in two different districts.

Turnover for this fall left the 40-year average at 40 per year. The rate of turnover dipped from 14.2% in fall 2017 to 13.1% for this year. The median tenure-in-position figure decreased slightly from 4.68 years to 4.58 years, while the average tenure-in-position grew from 6.14 years to 6.18. National publications that focus on the school superintendency still report the average superintendent tenure across the country as approximately six years. Obviously, the Nebraska numbers reflect that trend. Of the 31 individuals who left a Nebraska Superintendency last year, 14 retired, 13 moved to another in-state superintendent or ESU administrator position, and two left the profession at least for the time being. Jack Moles, after 22 years at Johnson County, accepted the Executive Director position at NRCSA and Jay Bellar, after 20 years at Battle Creek, became the Executive Director for NSAA. Eighteen of the superintendents in year one are assuming the top executive post for the first time, and 91 of 244 (37.3%) superintendent positions will involve three years or less tenure in the same district, including the 2018-2019 school year.

The Veterans For the past 40 years, the number of Nebraska superintendents with 20 or more yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure in the same school district has averaged 13.1, with the high-water mark being 28 in the fall of 1991. To begin fall 2018, there are only three with 20-plus years. Pending retirements, this figure will probably be about the same over the next few years. Most likely, double-digit numbers will not return in the near future. The three 20-plus veterans are Jon Cerny, 26 years at Bancroft-Rosalie; Dan Bird, Burwell, 21 years; and Kevin Riley, 20 years at Gretna. Those who have been on the job between 15 and 19 years in the same district include: Bob Hanzlik, Stuart (19); Jeff Anderson, Fullerton; Brad Buller, Syracuse; Mike Sieh, Stanton; and Mike Teahon, Gothenburg, all at 18 years; Mark Aten, Overton, and Curtis Cogswell, McCool Jct. (17); and Greg Sjuts, Humphrey (16). The numbers for other superintendents with double-digit tenure are four with 14 years, five with 13 years, seven with 12 years, nine with 11 years, and eight with 10 years. Continued on page 14 >>

FALL 2018 NCSA TODAY

T RE N D S I N S U PER I NTEND ENC Y The Super Supes There are still three experienced superintendents who have chalked up at least 25 years of administrative service. Once more, please inform me if you know of any individuals who are approaching the 25-year mark in total tenure as a school superintendent and/or service-unit director. Dale Rawson: Benkelman, Kansas Schools, and Mead, 37 years; Tom Sandberg, Axtell and Wallace, 27 years; and Jon Cerny, 26 years. Best wishes to these veterans for several more productive years.

Service Unit Directors This is the eighth year in which ESU administrators are being recognized in this annual article. They are an experienced and capable group of educators, whose organizations provide invaluable assistance, ranging from staff development to technology, for the PK-12 districts in their service areas.

For fall 2018, 35 of 240 (14.6%) Nebraska superintendents are women. The number of female Nebraska school executives is gradually increasing but still considerably short of the national average. AASA’s Decennial Report, authored by Ted Kowalski in 2010, indicated that the national percentage of female superintendents was 24%. A five-year update of that report in 2015 showed that the percentage had grown to 27%. Other Nebraska women in the fall 2017 group are as follows: Amy Malander, Greeley-Wolbach, and Caroline Winchester, Chadron (9 yrs.); Ginger Meyer, Scribner-Snyder (8 yrs.); Beth Johnsen, Conestoga (7 yrs.); Jane Davis, Hershey, and Jami Jo Thompson, Norfolk (6 yrs.); Melissa Poloncic, Douglas County West, and Kate Urbanek, Mitchell (5 yrs.); Candace Conradt, Franklin, Sherrie Edmundson, Humboldt-TR, Stacie Hardy, Omaha Nation, Dawn Lewis, Arnold and Callaway, Lori Liggett, Gordon-Rushville (4 yrs.); Lindsey Burback, Emerson-Hubbard; and Tawana Grover, Grand Island (3 yrs.).

Looking Ahead

Atop the tenure list is Dan Shoemake, ESU 6 at Milford (13); Jeff West, ESU 13 at Scottsbluff and Paul Calvert, ESU 15 at Trenton (10); Kraig Lofquist, ESU 9 at Hastings (8); Bill Mowinkel, ESU 8 at Neligh (6); Ted DeTurk, ESU 2 at Fremont; Larianne Polk, ESU 7 at Columbus; Dan Schnoes, ESU 3 in suburban Omaha; and Liz Standish, ESU 18 in Lincoln (5); Brenda McNiff, ESU 5 in Beatrice; Deb Paulman, ESU 16 in Ogallala and Geraldine Erickson, ESU 17 at Ainsworth (3); Bill Heimann, ESU 1 in Wakefield; Greg Robke, ESU 4 in Auburn; Greg Barnes, ESU 11 in Holdrege; and Connie Wickham, ESU 19 in Omaha (2). After 10 years at Minden, Melissa Wheelock is beginning as the ESU 10 administrator.

Every year I attempt to identify consistent trends in the annual superintendent turnover data. The increase in female superintendents and the dwindling number of school districts are usually the featured trends. The trend for female leaders is holding; however, school reorganization has not seen much activity. For whatever reasons, the dual Superintendency is losing favor as a popular option. While the number of school leaders serving more than one district over the past decade has been as high as 14, normally in the low teens, the figure now stands at three. Declining population and resources, increased governmental mandates, and rural poverty might spur more decisions regarding school mergers.

Women Superintendents

Nebraska educational leaders continue to have a full plate. NDE mandates have not been reduced; political leaders are less supportive of education than were those in the past, and there is a new urgency in coping with enhanced security concerns. However, school superintendents are a competent and creative group; those talents will serve them well in the challenging years ahead.

The total number of women superintendents is 35 for the fall of 2018, two more than the 33 from last year. The 35 female executives is the highest figure recorded in Nebraska since the end of WWII. The tenure leader is Jamie Isom at Valentine with 15 years. Entering year 13 are Holly Herzberg, Hampton; Margaret Sandoz, Niobrara; Amy Shane, O’Neill; and Paula Sissel, Garden CO. Trudy Clark, Bruning-Davenport, and Dana Wiseman, Sutton, are beginning their 11th year, and Lynn Johnson is marking 10 years at Arlington. Women beginning a first year are Evelyn Browne, Banner County; Sadie Coffey, Shickley; Stephanie Kaczor, Riverside; Cheryl Logan, Omaha; Heather Nebesniak, Ord; Julie Otero, South Central (previously 7 years at Centura); Elizabeth Owens, Kimball; and Angela Simpson, Loup City.

NCSA TODAY FALL 2018

“In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.” — Gandhi Many colleagues assist in the production of this annual report, including Dr. Craig Pease and Dr. Bob Uhing at Wayne State College and Dr. Dan Ernst, Associate Director of NCSA. ■

T RE NDS IN S UPE RINT E NDENCY Nebraska Public School District Supt. Data, Fall 1979, 2000, 2018

Item

1979

2000

2018

School Districts

317

275

244

Number of Superintendents

317

261

241

Median Tenure in Position

3.97

3.74

4.58

Average Tenure in Position

6.16

6.36

6.18

Supt. with 1-Year Tenure

Percent Turnover

17.7

18.9

14.2

Supt. with 20+ Years Tenure

Women Superintendents

One

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FALL 2018 NCSA TODAY

E H A W E LLN ES S

Mindfulness…It’s a State of Mind By LINDA KENEDY, EHA Wellness

When you just read the word “mindfulness”, you might have wondered what, exactly does it mean? Or you might have thought, “I can’t do that – I don’t have time to meditate every day.” Or maybe it reminded you that you’d like to be more mindful, but you aren’t exactly sure how to do that.

Practicing mindfulness can help us do just that – it’s a relatively simple strategy that you can do anytime, anywhere.

Mindfulness is a buzz word these days in the business world and in education – both for students and staff. What is it exactly? Mindfulness generally defined, is paying attention on purpose in the present moment, non-judgmentally. Mindfulness is also being aware of your thoughts and purposefully focusing only on what’s going on right now. Basically, being mindful means that you are doing your best to focus on your task, conversation, or meal without letting your mind wander to the past or the future.

To get started, find a quiet place to sit. Close your eyes and begin to focus on your thoughts. Try to only focus on what you are doing at the present moment, which is sitting. Feel your feet on the floor, your legs and seat on the chair, your hands in your lap. If your thoughts wander to your to do list or anything that’s distracting you from focusing on sitting, simply acknowledge the thought and return to your focus on sitting – give it a try for 5 to 10 minutes. The time you spend practicing mindfulness is up to you – however, the more you practice, the better you will feel and the easier it is to be mindful when you need it most during stressful moments.

Kenedy

Why Mindfulness? We live in a fast-paced world of lots to do, not enough time to do everything and messages coming at us via our phones and computers at a rate that’s overwhelming at best some days. That all adds up to increasing stress levels which put our bodies and minds in a constant state of “fight or flight”. When we’re in this state, it means we are geared up to either run away or fight. Since neither of those choices are conducive to our work or home environment, the stress stays in our system. That’s when we start to feel tired, grumpy, and emotional and we may experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, weight gain, and joint pain. If we aren’t able to manage our stress, over time, it can lead to chronic conditions like heart disease, depression, anxiety and more. So, what can we do to manage our stress and stay healthy? There are lots of ways to manage stress and you probably have a few “go to” strategies that work for you. You might go for a walk, head out on the lake to fish, read a book, spend time with friends and others. Sometimes, though, we need something to do in the middle of the busy day that will help calm the mind and body so we can return to a more relaxed (healthy) state.

NCSA TODAY FALL 2018

How Do I Practice Mindfulness? Mindfulness isn’t something you learn, check off the list and then, when things get stressful you pull it out and “do it”. Mindfulness is something you learn about and then practice it again and again and again (and again). Then, when life gets crazy, mindfulness is already a habit and you are way ahead in the stress fighting game!

Once you have the “feel” of being mindful and focusing on the present, try practicing mindful moments throughout the day. Focus only on what you are doing at any given time returning an email, completing a project, or a conversation with a coworker. Continue to practice bringing your focus to the present. You’ll be amazed at how good you will feel (and how more productive you are)!

Be Present – Change Your Life This year, EHA Wellness is adding a mindfulness challenge that runs all year long. You’ll receive weekly messages and tips for being mindful wherever you are. If your staff is currently participating in EHA Wellness, you may also have seen posters that ask the question, “What if all you brought was your full attention?” At EHA Wellness, we encourage you to ask yourself – and your coworkers – that question. You’ll be amazed at how being present can change your life! Whether you’re looking forward to another great year with EHA Wellness, or you if haven’t yet joined the 265 groups participating, make 2018 the year to get your staff involved. Contact us today at 402-614-0491 or send us an email at contact@ehawellness.org. ■

A FFILIA T E LE A DERSHI P

How Times Have Changed By GREG SJUTS, NASA President

At our summer NCSA Executive meeting, the 2018-2019 NCSA Affiliate Presidents were informed to submit an article for the NCSA Today. Lucky for me, mine was due by September 1. I began thinking about a universal topic I could share with our membership, which led me to think about my class reunion I attended back in June. For those of you who Sjuts may not know, I graduated from Humphrey Public School back in 1983, and I returned home to my alma-mater to be the Superintendent in 2003. This year was my 35th class reunion, and while we were together, our class reminisced about the educational experiences we had at HHS. We also marveled at how technology, communication, and entertainment have changed from 1983 to today. In the past three decades, the United States has seen staggering technological changes. In 1984, just eight percent of households had a personal computer. In the early 80’s cell phones were enormous; I purchased my first cell phone in 1987 when I graduated from college, and it sat on the floor of my pickup. For those of you who have been around long enough, you may have owned a bag phone, too. The one thing I remember most about the bag phone was I rarely lost cell service whereas calls are lost all the time on today’s smart phones. Today, the average age for a child getting his or her first smart phone is 10.3 years of age compared to my first bag phone at the age of 23. The World Wide Web didn’t come about until 1989, so there was no need for a smart phone for me back then. When my classmates and I were in junior high and high school, believe it or not, we learned keyboarding on a manual typewriter. Our first access to an electric typewriter was in 1981 during our junior year in high school. I remember thinking the electric typewriter was the greatest thing around - no more ribbons to correct the many typing mistakes I made! At our reunion, we laughed at the thought of using these ancient forms of technology, and we tried to remember when schools first started using computers. We decided it was after our class graduated in 1983. I googled it when I got home, and I found an online article that said computers didn’t gain

widespread acceptance in high schools until the early 80’s, so we were close. Back in the day, schools became divided over which computer manufacturers to support. The rule of thumb back then was that grade schools generally used Apple computers while high schools preferred DOS based machines. Computers of all kinds were much more prevalent in colleges. By 1989, though, computer usage shifted from being a relative rarity in American public schools to being present in nearly every school district. Fast forward to today, and computers are not only present in the school districts, but they are also found in the hands of each and every student in many of those schools. In 1983, our school ran on electric typewriters and cassette players. Today, if anyone in a school doesn’t have access to a computer and internet, it is basically like turning off the power to a school. Everything we do in schools and in business revolves around computers and technology. Some schools allow students to bring their own devices to use at school. Other schools have gone to 1:1 programs, and students are no longer bound to a seat in school. They can access their education regardless of location, thanks to technology. Online learning and Google classrooms have become the way students learn today, which was unheard of in my high school days. Back when we graduated from high school, we sent out invitations by mail, sent handwritten and addressed thank you cards, and received calls on our landlines from family members who couldn’t make the parties. That’s not exactly how we communicate anymore. For this year’s reunion, we posted invitations on Facebook pages, texted people on our smart phones, and Snapchatted with people we knew. Computer access and cell phone usage aren’t the only things that have changed since the 80’s, though. One of my classmates brought along some 8-track tapes and cassettes of popular music from our high school days. He even had an 8-track and cassette player to play the music. We talked about how much we used to pay for the 8-track tapes and cassettes compared to what kids pay for music today. Around the year we graduated, vinyl records gave way to tapes. By 1990, 62% of U.S. music sales were cassette tapes. Tapes then gave way to CDs. Continued on page 18 >>

FALL 2018 NCSA TODAY

AFF I LI A T E L EA D ER S H I P In 2002, 96% of U.S. music sales were CDs, which soon gave way to digital files. The switch to digital came in two parts: first came the mp3 collections where people still bought actual music, and then came the rise of streaming services that did away with the concept of “owning” music altogether. The last area we thoroughly discussed and laughed over was how much the movie industry has changed. We laughed about all the drive-in movies we attended and all the fun we had in trying to sneak in for free. In my opinion, it is sad to think that most young people under 20 years of age have never had the experience of watching a movie at an actual drive-in theatre. While you can have a popup movie theater in your backyard with your laptop and a projector, the experience just isn’t the same. Each summer, I take my family to one of the very few remaining drive-in theatres in Neligh, NE. You can order a pizza and buy popcorn and pop from their concession stand and watch the movie from the back of your pick-up. For people who have shared similar experiences, those events are engrained into your memories forever. There may not be many drive-ins left, but kids and families still go to movie theaters, with films raking in millions of dollars each week, and they still watch movies in their homes. In 1987, most U.S. home entertainment spending was on VHS tapes. DVD and Blu-Ray sales peaked in the late 2000’s. Now, streaming videos have taken the place of Blu-Rays and DVDs. The era of physical videos is definitely on its way out, and the majority of kids today will certainly never have to rewind a VHS tape before taking it back to Blockbuster. For those who don’t know what Blockbuster is, you better google it quickly. As of April 2018, there were only 10 U.S. Blockbuster locations still in operation, mostly in Alaska. As I approach the remaining years I have left in my wonderful journey in education, I wonder how technology and how we communicate will change how and what schools and the world will look like. If the past 35 years are indicative of the changes we will see in the next 35 years, it will be a tremendous challenge for school districts and administrators to keep up with technology in the future. We left our reunion that evening well after 2:00 a.m. We shook hands and exchanged hugs, and we said that, God willing, we would all meet again in 2023 for another trip down memory lane. ■

NCSA a Proud Partner in the #BeKind Movement Ambassadors Kyle McGowan, Cinde Wendell and Keith Rohwer, along with Communications Specialist Tyler Dahlgren, represented NCSA at the #BeKind press conference on Friday, August 24 in Omaha. The event was held at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center and drew a large crowd of education organizations, leaders, high school students, and fire and police chiefs. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert addressed the crowd, and officially declared August 24, 2018 as Be Kind Day. Ralston superintendent Dr. Mark Adler and Millard superintendent Jim Sutfin spoke at the event. The Adler family lost their son, Reid, in January of 2015, after he took his own life following bullying and online threats. The movement, a rapidly-growing campaign for kindness, has been sweeping the state. “Today, we build a foundation for a culture of kindness,” Adler, joined by his wife, Joni, said. “If not now, then when? If not us, then who?” ■

NCSA TODAY FALL 2018

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SILVER SPONSORSHIP Great Plains Safety and Health Organization Mick Anderson andersonmd@unk.edu Rm 220E WSTC—UNK Campus 1917 W. 24th Street Kearney, NE 68849 308-865-8258 www.greatplainssafety.com Horace Mann Cindy Dornbush cindy.dornbush@horacemann.com 10612 Monroe Street, No. 4 Omaha, NE 68127 402-680-9382 horacemann.com Humanex Ventures Nick Hovermale nick.hovermale@humanexventures. com 2900 So. 70th Street, Ste. 100 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-486-1102 humanexventures.com Insuring Success Ty Christensen tchristensen@insuringsuccess.com 19016 Costanzo Circle Elkhorn, NE 68022 402-960-5387 insuringsuccess.com Modern Images Bradley Cooper brad@champshots.com 13436 So. 217th Street Gretna, NE 68028 402-991-7786 misportsphotography.com National Insurance Steve Ott sott@nisbenefits.com 9202 W. Dodge Road, Ste. 302 Omaha, NE 68114 800-627-3660 nisbenefits.com Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund Barry Ballou balloub@pfm.com 455 So. 11th Street Lincoln, NE 68508 402-705-0350 nlafpool.org

Nebraska Safety Center Mick Anderson andersonmd@unk.edu West Center, 220E Kearney, NE 68849 308-865-9393 www.unk.edu/offices/ safety_center OnToCollege John Baylor john@ontocollege.com P.O. Box 30792 Lincoln, NE 68503 402-475-7737 ontocollege.com TeamMates Mentoring Program DeMoine Adams dadams@teammates.org 6801 “O” Street Lincoln, NE 68510 877-531-8326 www.teammates.org TRANE Dave Raymond dave.raymond@trane.com 5720 So. 77th Street Ralston, NE 68127 402-452-7762 trane.com/omaha UNANIMOUS Will Hays will@beunanimous.com 8600 Executive Woods, Ste. 300 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-423-5447 beunanimous.com

Awards Unlimited Tim Moravec tmoravec@awardsunlimited.com 360 SW 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68522 800-950-3553 www.awardsunlimited.com Johnson Controls Jason Peck 14238 Hillsdale Circle Omaha, NE 68137 308-708-9479 Jason.peck@jci.com www.johnsoncontrols.com NE Public Agency Investment Trust Becky Ferguson P.O. Box 82529 Lincoln, NE 68501 402-323-1334 Becky.Ferguson@ubt.com www.ubt.com Renaissance Heather Mills 2911 Peach Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 55494 800-338-4204 ext. 4712 heather.mills@renaissance.com www.renaissance.com Software Unlimited, Inc. Corey Atkinson caa@su-inc.com 5015 S. Broadband Lane Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-361-2073 su.inc.com

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP BVH Architecture Cleveland Reeves creeves@bvh.com 440 N. 8th St. Lincoln, NE 68508 402.475.4551 bvh.com Kearney Visitors Bureau Sarah Focke sfocke@visitkearney.org PO Box 607 Kearney, NE 68848 800-652-9435 visitkearney.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER September 26

School Law Update – Holiday Inn – Kearney

September 27-28

NASES New Member Workshop – NCSA and NDE - Lincoln

September 29

NCSA Tailgate – NCSA – Lincoln (Purdue – 11:30am–2:00pm)

OCTOBER October 17

Safety and Security Conference – Holiday Inn - Kearney

NOVEMBER November 1-2

NE Fall Ed Tech Conference – Younes Conf Center – Kearney

November 7

Emerging Superintendents Workshop – NCSA – Lincoln

November 14-16

State Education Conference – Embassy Suites – LaVista

DECEMBER December 6-7

State Principals Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln

December 12

Legislative Preview – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln

*Region Meeting dates can be found on the NCSA website.

NATIONAL CONVENTION DATES ASBO – September 21-24, 2018 – Kissimmee, FL

ASCD – March 16-19, 2019 – Chicago, IL

CASE – November 8-10, 2018 – Biloxi, MS

NAESP – July 10-12, 2019 – Spokane, WA

AASA – February 14-16, 2019 – Los Angeles, CA