A PUBLICATION OF THE NEBRASKA COUNCIL OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Summer 2022
www.NCSA.org
2022 ADMINISTRATORS’ DAYS July 27-29, 2022 Younes Conference Center North - Kearney, NE Featured Speakers John K. Coyle
Thursday A.M.
John K. Coyle is a world leading expert in Design Thinking, an Olympic silver medalist, NBC Sports analyst, Professor of Innovation, and award-winning author. John’s talent is weaving facts, examples, and intellectual principles into engaging stories which bring his topics to life and leave you with actionable ideas.
Liz Huntley
Schedule Tuesday Evening - July 26 8:00 First National Capital Markets Hospitality
Wednesday - July 27 8:30-3:45 11:20-1:00 3:45-5:30 7:00
Thursday - July 28
Thursday P.M. Friday A.M.
8:00-9:15 9:15-9:30 9:30-10:15 10:15-10:30 10:30-11:15 11:15-1:15 1:15-2:30 2:30-2:45 2:45-3:30 3:30-3:45 3:45-4:30 4:30-6:00 Sam Glenn 5:00 Today Sam Glenn’s inspiration8:00 al and artistic speeches impact audiences, but at one time, he was 8:00 homeless, depressed, and defeated. It was a chance encounter at a buffet that helped Sam get his life pointed in a better direction. Atti- 8:00-9:00 tude is the driver and Sam knows 8:00-9:00 exactly how to recharge that spark 9:00-9:30 that empowers leaders to give, do, 9:30-10:00 10:00-11:00 and be their best.
Liz Huntley is an accomplished litigation attorney, dedicated child advocate, author, and lecturer. Liz is the President and Co-Founder of the Hope Institute, an Alabama organization that helps schools build a culture of character for their students. Liz’s life is driven by her own journey as described in her memoir More Than a Bird.
NDE Day Program Networking Lunch Exhibitor Reception Hospitality Suites Open
Welcome and John K. Coyle Exhibit Engagement Select-a-Session 1 Exhibit Engagement Select-a-Session 2 Awards Lunch and Ice Cream Social
Liz Huntley Exhibit Engagement Select-a-Session 3 Exhibit Engagement Select-a-Session 4 Administrator Reception Administrators in Action NCSA Trivia Night Hospitality Suites Open
Friday - July 29 New Member Breakfast Breakfast Buffet Welcome and Honors
Federal Update Sam Glenn
Learn more and register online at ncsa.org
C ONTENTS
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NCSA’s Groundbreaking Conference Celebrates Women in Leadership: “This Celebration was a Long Time Coming”
BY TYLER DAHLGREN
6 NSASSP Announces 2022-2023 Nebraska High School Principal of the Year BY JEFF STEINBECK 7
NSASSP Announces 2022-2023 Nebraska Middle School Principal of the Year BY JEFF STEINBECK 8
Leaning into Purpose with Nebraska Administrators: Dr. Mike Lucas and Jason Alexander BY TYLER DAHLGREN
12 Keeping our Schools Safe: Becoming Proactive and Preventive BY JOLENE PALMER 13 Lessons From the Past…Guiding the Future BY MCKAYLA LABORDE 14
After Class and into the Future: The World of Opportunities "Beyond School Bells" BY TYLER DAHLGREN 16
Trish Guinan Brings Collaborative Spirit and Wealth of Experience to New Role with NSEA BY TYLER DAHLGREN
NCSA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2021-2022
Chair – Brad Jacobsen Vice Chair – Sara Paider Immed. Past Chair – Dr. Mark Adler NASA Representatives President – Kevin Wingard President Elect – Dr. Melissa Poloncic Past President – Dr. Jeff Edwards NASBO Representatives President – Dr. Liz Standish President Elect – Jeremy Knajdl Past President – Erin Heineman NAESP Representatives President – Erin Gonzalez President Elect – Josie Floyd Past President – Sara Paider NASES Representatives President – McKayla LaBorde President Elect – Misty Beair Past President – Lona Nelson-Milks NSASSP Representatives President – Patrick Moore President Elect – Dr. Tiffanie Welte Past President – Brad Jacobsen
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Research for the Real World
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NCSA Election Results BY MEGAN HILLABRAND
Dr. Michael S. Dulaney Executive Director/Lobbyist
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NCSA Honors Retirees
Dr. Dan E. Ernst Associate Executive Director/Lobbyist
25 NASBO Announces Outstanding Business Official of the Year BY MEGAN HILLABRAND 27
Sponsorship
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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 ©2019 by NCSA. All rights reserved.
NCSA STAFF
Amy Poggenklass Finance and Membership Director Megan Hillabrand Professional Development Manager Tyler Dahlgren Communications Manager Jen Sylvester Executive Administrative Assistant Brenda Petsch 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.
SUMMER 2022 NCSA TODAY
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P ROG RA M S PO TL I G H T
NCSA’s Groundbreaking Conference Celebrates Women in Leadership: “This Celebration was a Long Time Coming” By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager
Attendees at the Celebrating Women in Leadership conference participate in LaVonna Roth’s highly interactive opening keynote session. The two-day event was the first of its kind in Nebraska.
A dream conference became a reality when NCSA held the inaugural Celebrating Women in Leadership in Kearney from March 23-24. Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney said the event was a long time coming, and given feedback from members, the conference met, and far exceeded, expectations. “It was a great event that allowed female leaders to get together, collaborate and, most importantly, build camaraderie,” said Kearney Public Schools Director of PreK-5 Education and NCSA Vice Chair Sara Paider. “For us, it was a chance to refresh and reset before returning to school focused on what we are in this world to do.” Nationally-renowned keynote and founder of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E. LaVonna Roth took the stage following Wednesday’s opening dinner and networking session and shared an invigorating message in an interactive format that energized the 80 school leaders in attendance. Thursday morning started with a virtual wave to colleagues across the river, where the School Administrators of Iowa were holding their own groundbreaking Women in Educational Leadership conference in coordination with NCSA. The collaboration was innovative, with speakers (Roth and Dr. Lisa Hinkelman) presenting at each location on opposite
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days, and the foundation for the event. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration between our two organizations,” said Dulaney. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with SAI and working together on more ventures in the future.” Hinkelman kicked off Thursday morning with her From Confident Girls to Competent Women: New Research & Insights for School Leaders presentation, which was followed by the event’s grand finale, a panel discussion moderated by Paider that included Dr. Melissa Wheelock (ESU 10 Administrator), Dr. Kim Saum-Mills (Assistant Superintendent for Leadership, Planning and Evaluation, Millard Public Schools) and Dr. Melissa Poloncic (Superintendent, DC West). “It was an honor to be on stage with such instrumental women, leaders who have made such huge impacts in the world of education,” Paider said. “Those three have paved the way for so many of us striving to make a difference, so it was a humbling and exciting experience.” Moderating the discussion was a no-brainer for Paider, whose slight, early nerves quickly gave way to a line of questioning that led to incredible insight and a few big laughs from the panel.
PRO GRA M S POTL I G HT
NCSA held the first ever Celebrating Women in Leadership event in Kearney near the end of the March. Pictured after a panel discussion are, from left to right, Megan Hillabrand, Kim Saum-Mills, Sara Paider, Melissa Wheelock, Melissa Poloncic, and Amy Poggenklass.
“As serious as we want to be with everything, it’s still really important to see the humor in things once in a while,” Paider said. “When you lose humor, you sometimes lose focus on what your intentions are and what we’re doing here.” Paider was inspired by the session, which went an hour and drew healthy applause from an audience that felt the same way.
Keynote presenter LaVonna Roth ignited the 80 school leaders that attended this year’s inaugural Celebrating Women in Leadership event in Kearney. Here, Roth chats with a table just before her presentation.
“I felt like ‘Wow, these women are real. They’re like me. They’re moms and they were teachers and then principals and now they’re superintendents and leaders of an ESU, but
they’re still real, down-to-earth, normal people who have the same thoughts and aspirations that I do,’” Paider said. NCSA is excited to grow the Celebrating Women in Leadership event in the future, and Paider referred to this year’s conference as a great foundation for something that will be bigger and better down the road. “We had a really great turnout for it being the first year and I have already encouraged several female education leaders to attend next year,” she said. “It was highly invigorating and we all walked away having learned a lot.” ■
“It was an honor to be on stage with such instrumental women, leaders who have made such huge impacts in the world of education. Those three have paved the way for so many of us striving to make a difference, so it was a humbling and exciting experience.” - NCSA Vice Chair Sara Paider
SUMMER 2022 NCSA TODAY
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AF F I LI A T E AWAR D S
NSASSP Announces 2022-2023 Nebraska High School Principal of the Year By Jeff Steinbeck, NSASSP Public Relations Representative The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Jeff Gilbertson as the 2022 High School Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and at the state level. The award honors principals who have GILBERTSON demonstrated excellence in the areas of: Personal Excellence, Collaborative Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Personalization. Mr. Gilbertson has been in education since 1996 when he started his education career as an elementary teacher in Lincoln at Brownell Elementary and Ruth Hill Elementary. In 2001, he became an elementary principal in Grand Island and has also served as a middle school principal. Mr. Gilbertson then served as a Director of Secondary Education for Grand Island Public School and in 2012 he became the Executive High School Principal at Grand Island Senior High. Mr. Gilbertson has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) for 18 years, the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) for 13 years, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for 11 years.
“He has goals for himself as our principal, and those goals are to help us teachers realize the gravity of our work every single day and the significance of our impact on every single student. He often reminds us of why we went into teaching-love of subject and love of kids.” - Judy Lorenzen, English Teacher at Grand Island Senior High
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Dr. Tawana Grover, Superintendent of Grand Island Public Schools stated, “He is a strong instructional leader, manager of a very complex operation, and yet, demonstrates care and concern for all. He has a strong vision for the future, and continues to think of innovative approaches to meet student needs.” Former Grand Island student who was a Student Representative to the school board, Kendall Bartling commented, “The attitude that Mr. Gilbertson holds that 'students come first' has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, myself included. As I begin to reflect on my high school career in this, my final year at the Academies of Grand Island Senior High, no single person has had as much of an impact on my emotional well-being and my future aspirations as Mr. Gilbertson.” Judy Lorenzen an English Teacher at Grand Island Senior High notes, “He has goals for himself as our principal, and those goals are to help us teachers realize the gravity of our work every single day and the significance of our impact on every single student. He often reminds us of why we went into teaching-love of subject and love of kids.” Mr. Jeff Gilbertson received his Bachelor of Science Degree in History/Sociology from The University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1989. He then received his Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Concordia University in 1996. In 2001, he earned his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Doane University. In 2017, Mr. Gilbertson received his Education Specialist degree from Doane University. He has attended the National Career Academy Coalition conference and has been a presenter for the conference. His work has been highlighted by the development and implementation of a transformed high school to a high functioning Wall to Wall Career Academy High School that is aligned to National Standards of practice. Congratulations to Jeff Gilbertson for his accomplishments as a Secondary School Principal at The Academies of Grand Island Senior High School. Mr. Gilbertson will represent Nebraska and NSASSP at the National Principals Conference hosted by NASSP in October of 2022! NSASSP appreciates his contributions to education and is proud to name Jeff Gilbertson of The Academies of Grand Island Senior High School the 2022 High School Principal of the Year! ■
A FFILIA T E AWARDS
NSASSP Announces 2022-2023 Nebraska Middle School Principal of the Year By Jeff Steinbeck, NSASSP Public Relations Representative The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Brian Fleischman as the 2022 Middle School Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and at the state level. The award honors principals who have FLEISCHMAN demonstrated excellence in the areas of: Personal Excellence, Collaborative Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Personalization. Mr. Fleischman has been in education since 1998 and has been the PK-12 Principal at Overton Public School since 2008. In the classroom, Mr. Fleischman taught Junior and Senior High Math at Cedar Bluffs Public School. He is currently a member of the University of Nebraska at Kearney Principal Advisory Panel and has been since 2016. Mr. Fleischman has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for 14 years. He is currently serving as a member of the NSASSP Executive Committee and is also membership coordinator for NSASSP.
“Mr. Fleischman is passionate and driven to improve education through personal relationships, continued education, and advocacy. He shares information with teachers to keep them knowledgeable about developments and decisions related to education.” - Ms. Alisha K. Remmenga, Math Teacher at Overton Public school
Mr. Mark Aten, Superintendent at Overton Public School shared some of Mr. Fleischman’s accomplishments, “Brian, working with other administrators, helped develop an outstanding teacher evaluation tool and an informal walkthrough program which compliments the formal evaluation process. Brian was instrumental in developing and implementing the one-to-one student iPad initiative. Our students now have their curriculum in a digital format and one more tool to help them succeed.” An Overton student, Abigail Lawton states, “He truly wants the best for the teachers and students at Overton Public School. He is selfless and his passion for others’ success is very evident. He wants students to be able to enjoy their learning experiences, and in turn, teachers to be able to appreciate their job teaching students necessary life skills.” Ms. Alisha K. Remmenga, middle grades math teacher at Overton Public school notes, “Mr. Fleischman is passionate and driven to improve education through personal relationships, continued education, and advocacy. He advocates for education and contributes to the profession. He is known for contacting representatives about reform bills involving education. He actively communicates with other local principals to discuss trends across the area. He shares information with teachers to keep them knowledgeable about developments and decisions related to education.” Mr. Fleischman received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Midland Lutheran College in 1998. He then went on to complete his Masters of Science in School Administration from Wayne State College, receiving his Secondary Principal certification in 2008 and his Elementary Principal certification in 2010. Mr. Fleischman recently received his Education Specialist degree in 2021 from Wayne State College. From 2015-2016, Mr. Fleischman served as the Region IV President. In 2016, Brian received High School Principal of the Year recognition from the Region IV principals group. Congratulations to Brian Fleischman for his outstanding performance as the PK-12 Principal at Overton Public School. Mr. Fleischman will represent Nebraska and NSASSP at the National Principals Conference hosted by NASSP in October of 2022! NSASSP appreciates the contributions to the profession and is proud to name Brian Fleischman of Overton Public School the 2022 Middle School Principal of the Year! ■
SUMMER 2022 NCSA TODAY
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LE A N I N G I N TO PU R PO SE
Leaning into Purpose with Nebraska Administrators: Dr. Mike Lucas and Jason Alexander By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager
This is the third of four installments of “Leaning into Purpose”, a series of sit-down conversations moderated by NCSA Communications Manager Tyler Dahlgren and ESU 5 Mental Health and Wellness Director Jen McNally with a revolving guest list of Nebraska administrators from rural and metropolitan districts across the state. We’ll jump into purpose, reflect on virtuous careers, and celebrate the administrators who make Nebraska’s schools so special. It was a simple black and white pencil box, a serviceable yet entirely unspectacular piece of cardboard lugged off to school by thousands of students each day. But for a 6th grade student named Jason Alexander, that pencil box was a life-changer. His aunt, a ALEXANDER teacher, spoke glowingly about her profession and his father, a state patrolman, would talk about how he missed the boat, about how he wished he would have become a teacher. It was in the 6th grade, the
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pencil box days you could call them, when Alexander made up his mind on what he wanted to grow up and be. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” he says without a trace of doubt nor regret. “I had great teachers. I had great coaching, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” He kept that pencil box, not as a reminder of who he was, but as a symbol for who he was going to be. It was sturdy, just like his aspirations, and when Alexander stepped to the head of his first classroom (6th graders, ironically enough), the pencil box sat on his desk. “I sat it on my desk that first day and said to my students, ‘If you ever need somebody to talk to, or if you ever have a question, you put it in this pencil box, and I will be there for you,’” Alexander remembers. The pencil box is likely worn now, its exterior more banged up now than it was then, but its significance hasn’t waned for Alexander, now the Superintendent of Beatrice Public Schools. It probably never will. *** It was a simple conversation between an accounting major from Florida and a professor named Olive Burns in the education offices at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
LE A NING INT O P URP OSE It’s funny, Burns wasn’t a master persuader or anything. She didn’t have to be. When she spoke about education, she did so with her heart. And Mike Lucas discovered he spoke the same language. Even back then. The two shared their conversation, Burns expressLUCAS ing the need for male role models in the world of elementary education. The message resonated with Lucas, a child of divorce who grew up in a single parent home. This was it. This was his passion. His path. “By lunchtime, she had talked me into becoming an elementary education major,” Lucas says with a smile. By age 25, Lucas had stepped into administration. He accepted his first principal job in small town Nebraska and the rest, as they say, is history. Well, living and breathing history, at least. Lucas is superintendent of Westside Community Schools now and one of the more recognizable faces in our state’s education arena. *** It’s fitting for Lucas and Alexander to share this installment of “Leaning into Purpose”, because while neither’s story starts with a blindside, each of their journeys was propelled by one. Alexander taught the 6th grade and coached in Sargent for a decade before following his principal’s advice (and nudges) and taking the next step. He loved the Sandhills, the people he worked with, and the students he served. “I just love school,” said Alexander. “I’ve always loved school. I loved going to school. I love being at school. I would work until two o’clock in the morning just because I didn’t want to leave.” Leadership was the logical next step. Alexander received his Masters and headed to Burwell to begin his first administrative job. Elementary Principal. Or so he thought. Those were the days of Class 1 Schools, and, unbeknownst to Alexander, Burwell was one of those Class 1 Schools, meaning he wasn’t heading northeast solely for a principal job. He was the superintendent, too. “I interviewed in April, got the job in May, and by July, I was running a six-member school board on a one-million dollar
budget,” Alexander said. “And I thought, ‘What the heck have I gotten myself into?’” The principal duties came easy. Alexander was, and still is, a natural when it comes to working with teachers, students, and parents. The other stuff? Not so much. He spent two hours a day in Dan Bird’s office learning everything he needed to know about being a superintendent.
“I sat it on my desk that first day and said to my students, ‘If you ever need somebody to talk to, or if you ever have a question, you put it in this pencil box, and I will be there for you’” —Jason Alexander
Bird became a mentor, and Alexander became a leader. He was there for six years before moving to Ord for 11 and then Beatrice. “Every stop has been unique in its own way,” said Alexander. “The thing that’s remained constant is the dedication of the people I’ve worked with. It just amazes me how committed our teachers are to the kids. They’re patient, not only with kids, but with a young administrator who had no clue what he was doing, who only knew he wanted to do the right thing. Those teachers helped me grow.” *** Mike Lucas’ daily commute home from the elementary school in Fort Leavenworth was half an hour. It was a warm day in May, the last day of school before the summer of ‘95 commenced, and Lucas smiled the entire way down Highway 73. “I was thinking about all the fishing I was going to do and the softball I was going to play all summer long, so I had a permanent grin going on,” he remembers. “Then I pull up and my wife at the time says, ‘Hey, I signed you up for the master’s program at Benedictine.’” That was a Thursday. Classes started on Monday. So much for summer, thought Lucas, who showed up on the first day Continued on page 10 >>
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LE A N I N G I N TO PU R PO SE Leaning into Purpose with Nebraska (continued from page 9) with an admittedly bad attitude. Standing at the front of the class, however, was none other than Dr. Steve Joel, whose message landed much like Olive Burns’. “By 11 o’clock, I wanted to be an administrator because Dr. Joel is so dynamic and can sell ice cubes to eskimos,” Lucas joked.
“The lengths that they will go to to make somebody feel seen and heard are incredible.” —Jen McNally
Dynamic salesman or not, it’s obvious that Lucas is far from a difficult sway when it comes to education. Like Alexander, he just loves school. Maybe it’s the former athlete in him, or maybe it’s his general collegial nature, one that’s unassuming and powerful at the same time. Whatever it is, Lucas was born to lead school districts. He’s right where he belongs. “I love the teammate aspect of administration and leadership,” Lucas said. “Sometimes, I wish I would have taught and coached a couple more years, but I just fell in love with the ability to treat a building as a principal or a district as a superintendent as a team and having that same camaraderie and shared vision and goals that a college football team or a high school basketball team has. That’s been the driving force.” *** Alexander and Lucas are similar, and not just because they each like to fish. Two leaders, revered by their communities, who are entirely comfortable being out in front, not so much because they enjoy the spotlight, but because they’re proud to stand where they stand. To represent the people they represent. When Alexander walks in front of the student section at an Orangemen basketball game, the student section cheers like crazy. When Lucas was working in tiny Franklin, Nebraska, he won three straight pig wrestling championships at the county fair.
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That says it all, doesn’t it? “The lengths that they will go to to make somebody feel seen and heard are incredible,” said Jen McNally. “They both just see people.” *** In just under 90 minutes, we threw the gamut at Alexander and Lucas, and, being the heavy hitters they are, our questions were smashed out of the park. To capture it all, we’d need more space. Perhaps a novel, or a series of novels, would do the pair justice, but even that’s a stretch. Here are some of the highlights, starting with the two most important questions of them all. Q: This is Leaning into Purpose, so what is yours? What is your ‘WHY’? Lucas: It sounds corny, but it's really the kids. We're in the opportunity business, and it's our job to create opportunities for our students. I love the servant-leadership aspect of what we get to do, because it's not only about kids in schools, but it's really about communities. That connection is so cool to me. Alexander: My purpose in life has always been just to be a positive influence on the people I'm working with. And even as a superintendent, I don't feel like I've ever had people that work for me. I feel like I have people that I work with. And I just feel like my purpose is to work with people day in and day out, to leave the world a better place than what it was the day before. And, of course, all of that revolves around kids. Some day when my journey is over, I just want people to know that I wanted their lives to be better. And sometimes that's hard, because you have to make tough decisions. But when it comes to kids, I just want people to know that I cared about kids. All kids. Q: How much do you value your network of Nebraska administrators, the school leaders who will be reading this article? Lucas: Being a superintendent can be lonely. It's important that we're there for each other, because unless you walk in those shoes, it's very difficult to ascertain all the things that we feel pressured about. I can't tell you how many times I reached out to friends and colleagues over conference calls or texts, just to make each other laugh, or to ask serious questions. That network is very important.
LE A NING INT O P URP OSE Alexander: There's not one of them that if I needed help, I couldn’t call, I couldn’t email, I couldn’t text. There’s not going to be judgment that comes with it, either. It's almost like a family in itself. I almost can't put into words how important this network of administrators is, and how important it is to be part of that
Favorite Restaurant?
JA: In Beatrice, I’m taking you to Classics, they have great burgers. Outside of Beatrice, that’s tough. I love a good piece of fish. Bone Fish would be good, or a fish market. ML: Big Mama’s Kitchen
Favorite Musician?
JA: Toby Mac for inspiration. Kenny Chesney. On the elliptical, it’s Def Leppard. ML: I’m a big country music guy who grew up in the South. Alabama is the greatest band of all-time.
Favorite Movie of all time? JA: Top Gun ML: Braveheart
network. If you're willing to help them when they need it, they're never going to forget that. And then they turn around and help you when you need it. And trust me, there will be plenty of times you need help. Being a part of NCSA, and a part of the network of administrators that exists, is critical. ■
Favorite TV Show? JA: Storage Wars ML: Friends
Stuck on an island with one author’s catalogue, who do you pick?
JA: Patricia Cornwell or John Grisham ML: Judy Blume. Remember, I used to teach third-grade. I read a lot about war generals and football coaches, too.
Favorite Hobbies?
JA: Fishing. Open-water or ice. It’s like Storage Wars, you know, you never know what’s on the other end of the line. ML: Fishing. Golfing. Hanging out with my grandson. Walking dogs. Lifting weights.
16th Annual NCSA Tailgate Party September 17, 2022 - 8:00-10:30 a.m. Nebraska vs. Oklahoma The NCSA staff is excited to welcome all NCSA members to join your colleagues at the NCSA parking lot before kickoff to talk Huskers over some great food and beverages! The fun starts at 8:00 and runs until 10:30. You don’t need tickets to the game to join in the tailgating fun!
SUMMER 2022 NCSA TODAY
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SCH OOL S A F ETY A ND S EC U R IT Y
Keeping our Schools Safe: Becoming Proactive and Preventive By Jolene Palmer, Nebraska Department of Education School Safety & Security Director The number one priority of every school is keeping students safe at school. The focus on proactive and preventive strategies has the most evidence of accomplishing this goal. Here are four strategies to increase the proactive and prevention in your schools. 1. Threat Assessment In almost every school shooting there have been multiple warning signs displayed by the killer. They were either missed or ignored. Threat Assessment helps to identify and inform school officials about those warning signs. Threat Assessment also helps identify individuals exhibiting concerning behavior who need support to turn around their impending actions. Threat Assessment training is offered multiple times in the year. The next scheduled training is at the end of June and again in early September. Registration for training can be completed at esupdo.org (workshop calendar). Training is at no-cost to schools who plan to participate in Safe2HelpNE. PALMER
2. Safe2HelpNE Report Line - In 81.9% of the incidents, someone had knowledge of the pending attack. We need a place for people to anonymously make reports about what they know or what they heard. The Nebraska Legislature has provided the opportunity for all schools (public and nonpublic) in Nebraska to participate in Safe2HelpNE at no cost to further proactive approaches to school shootings and other concerning behaviors. Here is current evidence of the effectiveness of Safe2HelpNE: a. Over 1,300 reports have been received since Jan. 7, 2020. b. Bullying and suicide are the most reported concerning behaviors. c. To date, 59 alleged school attacks have been reported. We know of six school attacks that have been thwarted. Schools are not required to report outcomes so there could have been more attacks thwarted and we are unaware.
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d. There have been 41 reports of weapons on school property. e. Child abusers have been arrested. The more schools participating in Safe2HelpNE will build a strong picture of the importance of having a report line providing districts information for their threat assessment teams to identify concerning behavior. Currently the report line serves approximately 40% of the students in the state. The data above is clear Safe2HelpNE is making a difference in keeping students safe at school. The number of students being served should be 100% if the safety of students at school is truly a priority. 3. Scan and monitor social media in real time – In almost every incident, the killer has posted information on at least one social media platform. Schools are encouraged to have someone responsible scan and monitor the chatter and posts related to their school throughtout the day. NDE has provided specialized training for schools to do this and plans to provide the training again at the School Safety Summit in October. 4. Updating of the Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) which designates actions the school will take for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery on any hazard, threat or incident possible in a school. Inside the EOP are critical sections to keep students and staff safe at school, identifying roles and responsibilities, the strategies the school will use each day to prevent an incident (including threat assessment), a strategy for immediate response using the Standard Response Protocol should a school need to take action in a situation, how to respond and steps to recovery using a strategy such as Psychological First Aid. To date, approximately 240 districts (public and nonpublic) have attended training and are working on updating their EOP. Every public school district is mandated by Federal and State Law to have an EOP. Four simple strategies to further being proactive and preventive will help keep your school safer for students and staff. When we prevent the unthinkable, we save time, money, effort, and major heartache. The cost of the unthinkable is unimaginable. Please consider thinking and imagining what life can be using proactive and preventive strategies. ■
A FFILIA T E LE A DERSHI P
Lessons From the Past…Guiding the Future By McKayla LaBorde, NASES President
After 18 years in educational leadership and another exciting school year under my belt, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on why I am so incredibly lucky to work in education. I come from a family of educators and have experienced the purpose and gratCraig Beach, First Year Special Education itude that results Teacher 1967 from a career serving children in public schools. My talented brother followed in my mother’s footsteps as a music teacher and I chose to follow the path of my father into Special Education administration. Serving as NASES President this past year has re-energized my commitment to the field and has been especially fulfilling knowing how important NASES was to my dad, Craig Beach. He was a NASES member since the group’s inception in the 70s and served as the NASES President during the 1990-1991 school year. I sat down with him to glean some wisdom from years past and it solidified for me that the more things change… the more they stay the same. McKayla: How did you get started in Special Education? Craig: By accident, really. I was a first-generation college graduate in 1967 (the first out of 100s of extended family members) and a Sociology major who wasn’t sure what he was going to do after graduation. One of my professors shared that there was a fellowship for a new federal program in a nearby high school supporting students with learning differences and they needed a teacher. I had no idea what I was doing, but I loved working with the 18 students in my classroom, although I recognized they were capable of much more than was expected of them. I soon started subbing in the Shop and PE classes and developed a relationship with those programs, which got my foot in the door and allowed me to give my students an opportunity to participate in general education classrooms for the first time in their lives.
McKayla: What was the best part of your job as a Special Education Director? Craig: I really enjoyed recruiting and hiring great staff, but the challenge of including students with disabilities into general education when that wasn’t the common practice was my most important work. I was the very first Special Education Director in my district starting in 1974, and there were some administrators and teachers who just weren’t ready for it. We had leverage with the passing of Public Law 94-142 (the first federal special education legislation) in 1975, which we often had to use to promote change. It just took time and gentle pressure, relentlessly applied. McKayla: You were a champion for inclusion…what did it mean to you? Craig: Inclusion is one of the only things that has truly transformed our educational system in the past 50 years. It took a lot of effort, time, and money to change the way teachers think and schools behave. I was there when it all began… IEPs, the Americans with Disabilities Act, mandated services for Birth-21, preschools for children with disabilities. I remember it being like the Wild West, but such an exciting time. And the work was a great fit with my skills and disposition. Changing minds and hearts can be difficult, but it was well worth it for the students. McKayla: How did your involvement in NASES and NCSA help you grow as a leader? Craig: Having the opportunity to connect with others doing the same thing I was trying to do was critically important. Special Education was so unique and often isolating. There was no internet or email, so the interaction and support that we gave one another through the regional NASES groups was a lifesaver, especially in rural areas. I also enjoyed being able to mentor new staff coming in. Continued on page 14 >>
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SCH OOL-C O M M U NI TY C O L L A B O RA T IO N
After Class and into the Future: The World of Opportunities "Beyond School Bells" By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager
Jeff Cole was teaching in New York City when he was tasked with developing an internship program in the high school he served. A young and hungry educator, Cole accepted the challenge and dove in. The implementation process left him with two fundamental beliefs. First off, when building that type of program from the ground up, The Big Apple is a good place to be. Possibilities in NYC are endless, and it didn’t take long before Cole was sending sophomores into businesses all across the sprawling concrete jungle. Secondly, Cole learned that the education of a student neither stops, nor pauses, nor ends with the ringing of a bell, an idea that has served as the foundation for his entire career. Summers, weekends, before and after school, you name it and Cole has utilized it. The internship program quickly evolved into a nonprofit organization called Friends of the High School for Environmental Studies. “That was really where my passion for after-school and summer learning began,” said Cole. That passion would lead him to Nebraska, where he would
aim to do something similar in the state capital for the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation before joining the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation in 2006. “It’s been a natural evolution,” he added. Cole would serve as the Network Lead for Beyond School Bells, a “statewide public-private partnership geared to support sustainable, high-quality, school-community collaborations and provide youth with what they need to be successful in school and in life.” Nebraska understands the importance of school-community collaboration like few other places. Towns across the state fiercely value relationships with local schools and the students cycling through. Once again, Cole had struck gold. He was in the ideal place to carry out the task at hand. “In Nebraska, we are fortunate to have high-quality public schools, because there are a lot of public school systems across the country really struggling right now,” said Cole, who is part of a 50-state network working on after-school programs. “In our state, we believe that after-school programs can support, but don’t need to duplicate or remediate for a poor-quality school day program. It creates this unique
Lessons From the Past…Guiding the Future (continued from page 13) During my career, NASES moved from being a group of administrators that got together over pizza and beer, to a legitimate professional organization focused on advocacy and growth. It was fun to watch, and NCSA recognized we were onto something and supported us as an affiliate. McKayla: What’s your best advice for school administrators these days? Craig: You set the tone for your work…take that part of your leadership very seriously. The culture of a district or a school is infinitely influenced by its leaders, especially when it comes
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to including students with disabilities. Be sure your words and your actions reflect your beliefs and remember that they aren’t “your” students or “my” students…but "our" students. My father retired after 40+ years in Special Education from North Platte Public Schools in 2004…my first year as a Special Education administrator. I’m honored to be a part of the NASES family and will do my best to carry on the legacy of his work and the work of other trailblazers in our great state. There is still much to be done…so with an eye towards the future, I’ll never forget our past! ■
S C HO O L- C O MMUNIT Y C O LLA B ORATI ON “The last thing we need is Nebraskans leaving the workforce because they’re worried about their children and what they’re doing when they’re not in school,” he said. “By communities building these support structures for parents, you create a place that’s inviting for young families looking for a place to build their lives, which supports the local economy.”
opportunity to be a bridge for community partnerships that enhance school day learning, but do it in a creative way that allows you to take advantage of community resources.”
The situation is a true win-win-win for the students, the schools, and the community, and the biggest triumph is that first spark. Young people are wired to learn, Cole said, and in many different ways.
Nebraska’s excellent K-12 education system has been a solid base for the growth of Beyond School Bells. If something benefits a student, if it opens a door to opportunity for a young person, then Nebraskans are willing to jump on board.
“Once you excite and inspire a young person, it’s endless where they can take it,” Cole said. “That’s what we want after-school to be. That creative space that lights sparks and launches dreams.
“We’re lucky in that we have communities that really support kids and after-school has evolved to be an important part of that education continuum in communities across the state,” he added. “People have understood that after-school is different, that it does need broad-based community support to be successful. It can’t just be the responsibility of districts. They quickly see the value of after-school once they start down this path.”
For anecdotal proof that the initiative has succeeded, Cole doesn’t have to look very far. His daughters, now 25 and 22, both attended a summer camp at the Asian Community Center in Lincoln at a young age. The experience sparked an interest in Asian culture and both speak Mandarin fluently. Just before Cole spoke to NCSA, he was on the phone with his eldest, who is in Taipei finishing an advanced Mandarin program. Talk about a launching point.
So what type of students stand to gain the most from after-school innovation? Well, any and all, really. Well-to-do families with the means to put their children in line with these types of programs figured it out a long time ago, Cole explained. Beyond School Bells eliminates barriers for less fortunate students.
“Her experience reiterated to me how important after-school activities that complement but don’t duplicate school-day learning are,” Cole said. “Experiences that allow kids to do the things that they’re passionate about and the impact that has on a young person’s life when done in partnership with the schools where they’re getting a quality education, it’s incredible.”
“We think the benefits are universal, but the opportunities are sometimes limited,” Cole said. “What we really want to do is build on the base of high-quality public schools by providing these ELO experiences available to kids regardless of their economic ability to pay for it.”
Cole said they’re starting to see a pipeline of young people who have benefitted from after-school programs now working for, running, and advocating for the very same programs they came up through.
To do so, the organization itself relies heavily on an extensive list of partnerships created, cultivated, and fostered across the state. By nature, Beyond School Bells is collaborative, Cole said, and those partnerships are built around a common denominator.
“We’re lucky to be in the work that we’re in,” Cole said. “We really feel like it’s a calling that has immediate benefits. You feel good about the work you’re doing every day, and you also feel like you’re working to develop a foundation for a stronger Nebraska in the future.”
“What is every community’s most important resource? It’s our youth,” Cole said.
Students are like sponges, Cole said, and bringing learning to life in so many ways for so many years has been rewarding beyond belief.
Investing in youth through ELO programs can provide communities with long-term health, he continued. With the cost of childcare on the rise, many folks are stepping out of the workforce and staying home.
And when the bell rings, well that’s just the start. ■
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PAR T N E R S PO TL I G H T
Trish Guinan Brings Collaborative Spirit and Wealth of Experience to New Role with NSEA By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager
Trish Guinan joined the NSEA staff in 1997 with 20 years of teaching experience and 48 school districts to serve in northeast Nebraska. Forty-eight places she’d never visited before but would soon know like the back of her hand. The career shift was spurred on by 20 elemenGUINAN tary teaching positions being cut in Fremont Public Schools, a startling move in her own district that frankly didn’t sit well with Guinan. She was eager to advocate for the profession she loved, and NSEA provided an opportunity to do just that. Guinan would start in the field, venturing across the northeast pocket of the state from school to school. This was the late 90s, mind you, before every car was equipped with OnStar and built-in GPS systems. When road maps weren’t used for collecting dust and hollering “Hey, Siri!” into inanimate objects would still cause a crooked stare. Those 48 school districts, no matter the size of the town they sat in, weren’t always a cinch to track down. Not the first time through, anyway. Luckily, Guinan’s colleagues at NSEA shared a tried-and-true trick with their newest field staff member. “Look for the water tower, they’d say, because the school is always nearby,” Guinan said. “And in most cases it was. It worked nearly every single time.” Perhaps it’s a coincidence, or maybe it’s something stronger, but the belief that a school is the cornerstone of a community has guided Guinan’s work for 25 years. It’s a steadfast belief for Guinan, who earlier this year became the association’s Executive Director. For the board, the longest serving employee who was also a former teacher, was an obvious choice. “Having somebody with the wealth of knowledge and experience that Trish has was a no-brainer for us,” said NSEA 16
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Board of Directors President Jenni Benson. “It’s really important to the board, all educators, to select a candidate who could step right into the position knowing the association well; someone who has been in the classroom and understands the services we provide to our members but also understands the state of Nebraska.” Advocating on behalf of Nebraska’s teachers is second nature for Guinan. Going to bat for an entire profession is easy when you’ve stood where they’re standing, and Guinan knows Nebraska’s schools are worth every ounce of effort she’s expended over the course of a 45-year career in education. “Our public schools in Nebraska are extremely effective,” Guinan said. “Over and over, parents are pleased with the product and the work we do.”
“You see people struggling, and you want to do whatever you can do to help them. That’s why coming to NSEA 25 years ago was very enticing to me, and that’s what motivates me every day.” — Trish Guinan
When Guinan says we, she means it. She’s bringing a collaborative spirit into her new role, and, coming from a role where she worked almost exclusively with NSEA members, has already learned a great deal about the value of partnering with other associations in the education sphere. Common ground is solid ground. “I’ve been trying to focus more on our common ground, not the things we disagree on or the silos that exist in the work that we do,” Guinan said. “Instead of having those silos, how do we find that common ground to work with more of an inclusionary mindset? Working together across the board with our educators, with our communities, with our administrators, and with our school boards, it’s vitally important that we
PA RT NE R S POTL I G HT always put kids at the front of what we’re doing. If we don’t, then we’re in the wrong field of work.” Working closely with administrators is something Guinan looks forward to. One of her greatest mentors in the profession was Dr. Ken Thompson, a former high school principal in Fremont who inspired Guinan with his engaging and inclusive leadership style. “I saw myself evolving into a better teacher once I was under an administrator who I really felt was invested in me.” It’s a challenging time in education, that’s no secret, but it’s also an exciting time. It’s a time of opportunity, of school districts going to great lengths to meet the needs of each and every student that walks through their doors. “It’s certainly a challenging time, and also a divisive time, we’re living in,” said Benson. “But we can work through it. We have before, and we’ll do it again.”
Guinan has seen it first-hand in Fremont, where her former district is partnering with Metropolitan Community College in building skilled workers to walk right into high-demand jobs. Benson, who taught 50 to 60 students in Southeast Community College’s Career Academies during the program’s early stages, has seen a wave of awesome innovation sweep through schools across the state. A Nebraska Passport Champion, Benson is well-traveled and proud of Nebraska’s schools for so willingly crossing the cutting edge. She sees it on visits to Bridgeport and Wheeler Central and McCook, where she led an Intro to Ed class made up of seven students who wanted nothing more than to come back and teach in McCook someday. “If you can grow your own in those types of programs and if we can provide support through Educators Rising and other avenues we’re offering to help them, it affirms the innovation across the state,” Benson said. “Because we want them to stay. We want them to have children and become a part of their community. That’s important for our state.” Guinan is so geared towards the future, that it’s fun from time-to-time to look back at the past. Her mother worked for Mutual of Omaha and her father owned a gas station and worked 80 hour weeks that included servicing the school buses. He ended his career as the district’s school bus supervisor. Both prioritized education. In fifth grade, Guinan’s dream job switched from hairdresser to educator when she found out her dad’s favorite subject was math.
“I am my father’s daughter, and I liked math, so I just started focusing on that,” she recalls. “I never changed my mind. If I wasn’t working for NSEA, I’d still be teaching.” She tells people that all the time, but harbors no regrets, only thankfulness. The journey has been a rewarding one, and this next stop will be, without a doubt, the most impactful. “You see people struggling, and you want to do whatever you can do to help them,” Guinan said. “That’s why coming to NSEA 25 years ago was very enticing to me, and that’s what motivates me every day.” When Guinan’s not in the office, it’s likely she’s walking or biking or doing anything outside. She’ll take strolls around the Capitol on particularly nice mornings and pass through her neighborhood (NCSA Ambassador Dr. Keith Rohwer is a nearby neighbor) on particularly nice evenings. “Being outside is really something I look forward to after being in meetings all day,” she said with a smile. Guinan’s still linked to her first vocation, and always will be.
“I saw myself evolving into a better teacher once I was under an administrator who I really felt was invested in me.” — Trish Guinan
“When you’re an educator, whether you’re an administrator, teacher, or para, you work with your friends and those tend to turn into lifelong friendships,” said Guinan, who meets with a small group of old teaching friends at least four times a year to celebrate birthdays and reminisce on unforgettable times. “We haven’t taught together for over 25 years, and yet we still do that. For 25 years we’ve been doing that.” Guinan’s passion for education burns as brightly now as it did when she was using the old water tower trick in the late 90s. Some things never change, and some things never should. ■
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P ART N E RS H I P
Research for the Real World The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Department of Educational Administration (EDAD) faculty conduct leading research and outreach related to the most pressing and complex challenges and opportunities in the education field and support students in connecting theory to practice. Below is a summary of recent hands-on research published by UNL EDAD faculty. Contact them to learn more. Educational Administration program focuses on preparing Indigenous school leaders By Shavonna Holman, Ed. D. For over 21 years, the Indigenous Roots Teacher Education Program in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences has prepared American Indian students to become elementary education and bilingual teachers working in American Indian-serving school districts in Nebraska. According to the Nebraska Department of Education, data from this year shows that of the 2,100-plus school administrators in the state, only 0.1% are American Indian/Alaskan Native. “Representation in the classroom matters significantly to Indigenous students,” said Nancy Engen-Wedin (Dept. of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education), who has served as the ROOTS Project Director for more than two decades. To build on the success of ROOTS, Engen-Wedin, Dr. Shavonna Holman and a group of faculty and staff collaborated to secure a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will allow the program to expand efforts to training Indigenous school principals and administrators. HOLMAN
This new program is built on the existing partnerships with Little Priest Tribal College, the Nebraska Department of Education and K-12 school districts in northeastern Nebraska to address the rising demand among reservation schools to place American Indian role models in classrooms and as school administrators.
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The curriculum for this program has been adapted to better represent the indigenous communities and students, and to challenge historical perspectives in teaching and educational administration. Six American Indian students have been selected to participate in the program’s first administrative cohort, with school districts serving Native students helping to identify potential students for the program. Students will complete coursework and internship experiences, and graduate after two to three years. The course structure will mirror the Master of Education in Educational Administration program, a 36-credit-hour program that meets Nebraska Department of Education requirements for the elementary or secondary principal endorsement. The program blends online and face-to-face instruction and the latest technology for communication, including videoconferencing, a learning management system and virtual reality. “This project is based over 20,000 square miles, so it’s important to use dynamic web-based course delivery to meet the students where they are,” said Shavonna Holman, assistant professor of practice and P-12 school leadership Master of Education coordinator in the Department of Educational Administration. Upon graduation, students will receive induction assistance in securing employment in qualifying school districts serving American Indian students. They also will receive support during their first two years as school administrators, in which they will have opportunities to engage in statewide professional development and share their experiences with stakeholders to elevate Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Shavonna Holman serves as the coordinator of the Masters in Education program and is an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Holman has worked at the university since 2013. Prior to higher education, Holman spent more than 10 years in the public education sector serving both as an elementary teacher and elementary principal in diverse and urban settings. ■
NC S A REP ORT
NCSA Election Results
By Megan Hillabrand, NCSA Professional Development Manager The Nebraska Council of School Administrators is pleased to recognize our new president-elects for the 2022-2023 year. Each affiliate president-elect is selected by their peers through the affiliate election process. We thank you for taking the time to vote and encourage you to always participate in the election process of your affiliate. It is a great honor to have been voted into office by your professional colleagues. We are very fortunate to have highly qualified and successful school administrators that are willing to run for leadership positions within their affiliates. We salute all those individuals that were willing to accept a nomination to have their name on a ballot. Your affiliates remain strong because of quality administrators willing to lead. In addition to the new role within their affiliate associations, we would also like to welcome the president-elects and replacement board members to membership on the NCSA Executive Board, our organization’s governing body. The new executive board members are well qualified to serve and begin their official term on the NCSA Executive Board on September 1, 2022. We look forward to their participation on the board and guidance of the organization.
We congratulate and welcome our new President-Elects:
NAESP
NASA
NASBO
NASES
NSASSP
NSASSP
Mrs. Pam Lowndes, Prairie Queen Elementary School
Dr. Dan Schnoes, ESU #3
Dr. Bill Robinson, Norfolk Public Schools
Mrs. Betsy Skelcher, Scottsbluff Public Schools
Mr. Kenny Loosvelt, York Middle School
Mr. Nate Seggerman, Norris High School
NCSA Elects 2022-2023 Leadership In addition, at the May 25, 2022, NCSA Board Meeting, elections were held for the 2022-2023 board leadership positions. We are excited to announce the 2022-2023 Chair and Vice Chair of the NCSA Executive Board: Chair (left) Mr. Kevin Wingard, Milford Public Schools Vice Chair (right) Mr. Patrick Moore, Blue Hill Public Schools
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RE T I RE ME N T
NCSA Honors Retirees Each year NCSA is sad to lose but happy to congratulate our members in education who are leaving the profession due to their long-deserved retirement. We are honored to share with you a glimpse of their future plans or just a bit of advice that only those who have worked with children and parents for so long can give! Please Note: The NCSA staff made every effort to include all those individuals who responded to our request for information on retirements. Kelli Ackerman Director of Accounting & Payroll Lincoln Public Schools Being a member of NCSA is invaluable. Thank you to Mike, Dan & NCSA staff for working so hard every day for public education. Having a network of administrators that share a passion for public schools brings so much joy, friendships, and lifelines as we get through the tough days. The years go by fast, mentoring the next generation is so important. I encourage all administrators to be a member of NCSA and sign up to be a mentor for new administrators. Dr. Greg Barnes ESU 11 Administrator ESU 11 After 35 years in public education in Nebraska, what can I say? I've been blessed, it has been an honor, it has gone fast, and I thoroughly enjoyed the profession. What I've enjoyed the most, and what I will miss the most, are the people (educators/ friends). There are challenges ahead in public education, but we have many of the best minds in our profession and where there are problems, you will find solutions. Thank you NCSA, thank you colleagues, thank you friends, and most importantly thank you to my family. What a ride it has been! Brian Begley Principal Millard Public Schools - Millard North High School I am proud of my 30 years of service to our Millard students, and I wish all of my administrative colleagues success and good health.
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Brad Best Superintendent Heartland Community Schools I have enjoyed all 39 years and the last 32 as an administrator. I firmly believe that everyone you meet, whether it be a colleague or a cashier, shapes who you become as a person. I have been blessed to have been shaped by so many of you. All of the noise in the world can wear on a person, but you will always be right as long as you focus on doing what is best for kids. As the experts in education, keep fighting for them and for those that work with them each day. Best wishes! Allyson Bohlen SPED and Preschool Director Adams Central Public Schools I am affiliated with NAESP and NASES as I was an Elementary Principal for 20 years. This is my first year with NASES.
Dr. Erik Chaussee Principal Millard Public Schools - Grace Abbott Elementary School It's hard to believe that 43 years have gone by with my employment to public schools. I started kindergarten in 1962 and have been on the same calendar for 60 years! It has been an honor to work with so many great people over these decades and to be involved in the lives of so many kids, parents, and staff members. I will miss so much of it. Sheri Chittenden Secondary Principal Paxton Consolidated Schools For 40 wonderful years I’ve been honored to serve as a Nebraska educator at Paxton Consolidated Schools. It was a privilege to be Paxton’s K-12 Spanish teacher for 22 years and secondary principal and activities director the past 18 years. Helping others to be successful has always been so important to me. With that said, NCSA is the organization that helped ME to be successful - Administrator Days, NCSA Region V Principals Meetings, School Law, School Safety, Tech Ed Conferences and more helped me learn and grow. Most importantly, thank you NCSA Staff for creating opportunities for Nebraska school administrators to network. This was especially helpful during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when we relied on each other to find our way. It was an incredible honor to serve as the NCSA Vice-Chair and NSASSP President during
RE T I REMENT my career. I will treasure all of the relationships with the most hard-working, humble Nebraska school administrators and the amazing NCSA staff! Dr. Douglas Christensen Lead Professor/Director Ed Specialist Degree Doane University Leaving behind footprints in the lives of children is about as good as it gets. Dr. Chris Deibler Principal Lincoln Public Schools - Pound Middle School When we decided to be educators we chose to spend our careers surrounded by "quality people." I can only hope you all have as much fun in your work as I have for the last 36 years. Thanks to LPS for taking a chance on me and for supporting my work with students, families, and staff. It's been a great ride. Happy Trails to You! I believe it can be summed up with this quote: "It's people, not programs." - Todd Whitaker Mary Derby Elementary Principal Papillion LaVista Community Schools - Bell Elementary I am honored to serve as an elementary principal in Nebraska for the past 24 years in North Platte and Papillion. At the local level, I was an active member in Region V and now a member of Region II. At the state level, I served on the NAESP Executive Board. I was named the 2017 National Distinguished Elementary Principal from Nebraska. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with and develop friendships with outstanding administrators across the state. My career has been enriched by my association with and involvement in NCSA. I am proud to be among those who have worked so hard for the benefit of all students across the state. In retirement, I plan to continue my involvement by joining NARSA . They tell me that's the group that has all the fun! :) Pam Dobrovolny Early Childhood/Head Start Director & Assistant Director of Special Education Plattsmouth Community School District It's been a pleasure to have worked with outstanding professional educators over the past 31 years. I wish my colleagues the very best as you continue the mission of educating, providing opportunities, and tending to the needs of ALL students!
Dr. Kent Edwards Superintendent Kearney Public Schools It has been an incredible honor to serve public education for nearly forty years along with so many talented and dedicated peers. The future of our students is a bright one given the capable hands leading the profession. David Essink Director of Human Resources and Operations Hastings Public Schools I feel blessed to have worked with amazing colleagues over the years who have gone the extra mile for kids. Nebraska is a great place to be an educator and I would definitely do it all over again the same way. My career started at Ewing, then Clay Center, and finally Hastings. I want to thank the mentors I had as well as the relationships built over the years. NCSA, NSASSP, NMLEA, and NASPA have all been there for me throughout my career. Thank-you to all educators and what you do to serve students! Dr. Cindy Gray Associate Superintendent Elkhorn Public Schools I will miss the many great colleagues across Nebraska but am hopeful that I can maintain contacts as I transition to work with the EDS program at Doane University. Laurie Hanna Director of Assessment & Accreditation Bellevue Public Schools I can't believe how quickly time has flown by. I've been blessed with 35 years of being an educator in 4 states, 5 school districts, and one ESU as a teacher, dean, principal, and district administrator. 30 of my 35 years have been spent here in Nebraska where I can truly say I have been honored to work in the midst of the very best of the best. While I am excited for the next chapter of my life, I am also going to greatly miss my school people! You all are amazing, and I wish you the very best. I will be cheering you on and will always be so thankful for you as you continue the good work that you do!
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RE T I RE ME N T Dr. Ron Hanson Superintendent North Platte Public Schools It has been a wonderful 38 years as an educator working with some best educators in the Nation. It is time to spend more time with family and friends. It is time to enjoy life to its fullest. Robin Hoffman Business Manager School District 145 - Waverly It has been a pleasure to serve the students and staff of School District 145 - Waverly for the past twenty three years. Each of you should be proud of the work you perform for students on a daily basis. Best of luck as you continue to educate students in Nebraska and do what is best for kids. Thanks to all who have helped me with my career in school finance over the past years. Marty Hughes 6-12 Principal Auburn Public Schools - Auburn High School With a total of 40 years in education, Hughes started his career in Farnam teaching and coaching. He then moved on to Culbertson for 9 years and Dundy County-Stratton for 17 years continuing to teach and coach. He became an administrator and led Parkview Christian for two years before completing his final 5 years at Auburn where he was a principal. It has been a fulfilling journey from the beginning. He feels that building strong positive relationships is a major key to any educator's success. Having the mindset of "Who needs me today" and "Would I have wanted to be taught by me today?" gave him purpose and focus in his successful career as an educator. "I am grateful for the incredible teams of educators, support team, and awesome students I worked with during this journey." Dr. Patrick Hunter-Pirtle Director of Secondary Education Lincoln Public Schools I have worked in four different school districts in Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska for over fortythree years. Thirty-six of those years have been for the Lincoln Public Schools, and twenty-six of those years were at Lincoln Southeast High School as an English teacher, Department Chair, Associate Principal, and Principal. I worked with dedicated colleagues who cared about students, and students who were discovering themselves, motivated and dedicated to helping others. As the Director of
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Secondary Education I have worked with administrators who are passionate, hard working, and always go the extra mile for their students! It has been a great career and life! Charles Isom Superintendent Hemingford School Good luck everyone, keep up the good fight.
Dr. Steve Joel Superintendent Lincoln Public Schools I have enjoyed my 30 years as superintendent in this wonderful state and want to wish all of my colleagues the very best as you continue the journey of supporting the continuation of great schools in our state. While the challenges ahead will be difficult, I have great confidence that the collective commitment of all Nebraska educational leaders will result in even greater outcomes for students. I wish you all the very best. Lori Liggett Superintendent Gordon-Rushville Public Schools Thank you to all of the remarkable teachers, administrators, staff members, BOE members, patrons, and colleagues I have had the good fortune to work with! There truly isn't a more rewarding profession than education! No matter how challenging it gets, there is always something to feel good about and be proud of every day as an educator! Darrin Max Superintendent Burwell Public Schools I want to thank all the people in the education profession that have dedicated their lives to educating our youth. I have had a wonderful career as an educator and the past 31 years have been filled with great memories and great friendships. I want to personally thank Jack Moles for hiring me as a first year teacher in Arapahoe and to Dan Bird for mentoring me to be a Superintendent in Burwell. I appreciate your friendship. Take care and Go Horns!!! Bill McAllister Superintendent West Point Public Schools You are in the greatest profession in the world, we develop tomorrow's leaders. We are
RE T I REMENT truly in the leadership business. Value all those around you. Encourage up. Be an example that people desire to follow. Thank you all, It has been a great ride. Hugh McDermott Principal University of Nebraska High School Thanks to all of you who have helped me be a better educator! Craig M. McLey Principal DHHS Schools - Nebraska Youth Academy Thirty-three years ago I began this incredible journey. There are so many colleagues, friends and administrative assistants that helped in this journey, that there are too many to list. Going back to my early years as a student at Wood River Rural HS, my teachers instilled in me the internal drive to treat students as individuals, because we are so very different from one another. The teachers that I had along with my classmates, Mr. Michael Derr (Supt-Harvard) and Mr. Scott Mazour (Principal-Cedar Hollow) inspired us to become teachers and eventually Administrators. I will never forget the countless number of students who I had the privilege of being a part of their educational journey. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge and thank my family. My wife Andi, who is a teacher at Adams Central, and my two daughters; Catie - a LMHP at ESU 4 and working on her School Psych Degree and Megan who teaches in the Ralston Public Schools System. All three of these ladies inspire me every day to be a better educator, a better husband and a better dad. Pat Meeker Assistant Principal Millard Public Schools - Kiewit Middle School
Rita M. Moravek Curriculm Director Alliance Public Schools The years have passed too swiftly and I have not once regretted going into the profession of education. I would like to thank all the people at Alliance Public Schools who have helped me for all these years. You have been much more than just colleagues to me. Though I am retiring, I'll not be far away. My husband and I will still be at all the games and activities. I wish all the fine educators in this great state the very best of luck in the coming years!
Dr. Melanie J. Mueller Director of Research, Assessment and Evaluation Papillion LaVista Community Schools In having worked in Papillion LaVista Community Schools (PLCS) for 33 years as a junior high math teacher and volleyball coach, an assistant principal at the same school, Papillion Junior High, and now as the Director of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation for the last 12 years, I realize that I have another great opportunity to learn and grow. I will dearly miss the PLCS family and especially ALL those individuals who have mentored me along the way. It is beyond words to see my former students and athletes, employed at PLCS, continue to excel and succeed in various capacities! But it is my turn to move forward... no matter what tomorrow and thereafter might bring. Melody Pebley Special Education Supervisor Grand Island Public Schools Thank you to NCSA and all of the members of NASES who helped me in so many ways over the years. It has truly been my pleasure to work with all of you. Lisa Salmon Business Manager ESU 1 It has truly been an honor and a privilege to work within the field of education these past 40 years. I have been extremely fortunate and blessed to work with a great team of individuals throughout the years and they will remain #1 in my heart! Randy Schlueter Superintendent Tri County Public Schools What will I miss the most? All aspects of public education; from the interactions with students and staff to creating an environment conducive to learning. I have spent 48 years in public education, 25 as an administrator, and I cannot think of anything else that would have been more enjoyable as a profession. Thank you to all of you who have helped shape and guide me through my administrative journey. The memories that I have working with such a wonderful group of colleagues will bring a smile to my face whenever I think about the role of an administrator. Through the next part of my life I will be able to set my own schedule and spend time with my kids and grandkids. Good luck as you continue the difficult task of a building level or district administrator. Continued on page 24 >>
SUMMER 2022 NCSA TODAY
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RE T I RE ME N T Sally Schreiner Campus Administrator ESU 4/NCECBVI At NCECBVI, I had the opportunity to travel statewide and attend regional and statewide NASES meetings. Regardless of the location, size of school district, or ESU area, we are all addressing similar challenges. NCSA provided me with the opportunity to build relationships, mentor each other, and work together along the way. It's been a great ride! Amy Shane Superintendent O'Neill Public Schools It has been my greatest pleasure to serve teachers and students for the past 37 years! I'm looking forward to continuing that work in some fashion in the future, in a flexible manner that will allow me to travel and spoil my grandchildren! Greg Sjuts Superintendent Humhprey Public Schools It is with excitement and sadness that I'm retiring after 35 years in education. I want to thank Dr. Dulaney, Dr. Ernst, the entire NCSA staff, all the teachers, support staff, administrators, and school board members that I've had the privilege to work with during my career in education. Learning from my colleagues has been invaluable to me professionally and I hope that I was able to contribute a fraction of what I've learned from others to those with whom I worked. I've been so fortunate in my career to work with outstanding individuals who have influenced me as a leader and as a person. Being around kids every day has been an awesome way to spend my life and I will cherish the professional relationships I established over my educational career. Lastly, my most important thank you goes to my family and my wife, Kim. Thank you for your unending support, I know that I could not have done this without you. Best of luck to my fellow administrators-continue to be difference-makers in the lives of our students! Dr. Jim Sutfin Superintendent Millard Public Schools It has been one of the great privileges of my life to serve public education. There is no better place for our students to receive an education than Nebraska. Keep fighting the good fight, our children are worth it!
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NCSA TODAY SUMMER 2022
Russ Uhing Director of Student Services Lincoln Public Schools I feel very fortunate to have had an incredibly fulfilling 37-year career in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. I have great respect for all educators and wish you the best! Dr. John M. Weidner, Sr. Superintendent Twin River Public School
Salli Wells Principal Gretna Public Schools - Palisade Elementary School It's been an honor to work with such good people. Kurk Wiedel Elementary Principal Thayer Central It has been a true pleasure teaching and administrating at Thayer Central over the past 34 years. I have been fortunate to work with some of the finest students and staff in the state. Educators are facing some of the most difficult situations that have ever faced them. Continue to do whatever is needed to make the 7 1/2 hours of the school day the best it can possibly be as every student deserves this. Mike Williams Superintendent Arcadia Public Schools Education has changed over the 33 years of my career - some for the better, some for the worse. In the end, it is still a career that I would highly recommend to anyone as being rewarding and fulfilling. Thank you to all of the administrators, teachers, staff, and many of the board members I have worked with, as well as my network of fellow administrators in making my time around kids as productive and positive as possible. My message for other educators is to keep working hard for your students. Believe it or not, they do appreciate it!
A FFILIA T E AWARDS
NASBO Announces Outstanding Business Official of the Year Award By Megan Hillabrand, NCSA Professional Development Manager
The NASBO Outstanding Business Official of the Year Award is presented each year during the NASBO State Convention to recognizes individuals who have exhibited outstanding and visionary leadership in school business management. Kelli Ackerman retired this year from her position as the Director of Accounting & Payroll at Lincoln Public Schools which she held since 2018. She began her career in 1984 as the Business Manager and School Board Secretary at Arapahoe Public Schools, where she stayed for 15 years. She then moved into the private sector before returning to the education world at Holdrege Public Schools in 2007. In addition to her day job, this member serves on the National Council on Teacher ACKERMAN Retirement, is a past president of NASBO, and has mentored so many across the state on the budget process and beyond. Retired Superintendent Cinde Wendell shares, “I have known Kelli for about 15 years since I hired her as the business manager for Holdrege Public Schools in 2007 when I was serving as Superintendent. Kelli is a very skilled business manager who has a way with people and numbers. She is an extremely hard worker and shows great attention to detail. Even though Kelli ran a tight ship, she has very compassionate ways about her. She supervised office personnel expecting excellence in their work and at the same time fostering strong working relationships within the business office.” Retired Superintendent, Steve Wickham, emphasizes Kelli’s service. “After working with a few different people on the budget process as a new superintendent, I was still frustrated and not sure what I was doing when a colleague suggested I give Kelli a call. That call was one of the best things I had done in my position at that time! Kelli was always willing to meet with me and we often worked into the evening hours when I knew she should be home. Later, I learned that she was helping other new superintendents, and even some veterans, review and finalize their budgets prior to submittal. I am very grateful to Kelli for those many hours she spent with me and some of my other colleagues to be so unselfish with her time and help us during our time of need. Kelli helped me mold my professional career as a superintendent, I made a new lifetime friend, and will never forget how she helped me as a colleague.” Congratulations Kelli Ackerman, the 2022 NASBO Business Official of the Year! ■
Also Retiring: Beverly Becker Business Manager Louisville Public Schools Shelly Dostal K-5 Principal and Curriculum Director Raymond Central Public Schools Jody Hitesman Special Education Director South Central USD #5
Carrie Holz Business and Communications Director Ashland - Greenwood Public Schools Dr. Beth Johnsen Interim Superintendent Conestoga Public Schools Tim Krupicka Principal Northwest Public Schools High School
Maureen Oman Principal Grand Island Public Schools - Lincoln Elementary Vicki Schulenberg Supervisor of Elementary Personnel Services Lincoln Public Schools
Jake Shadley Asst Principal/Activities Director Lakeview Community Schools - Lakeview High School Dr. Jean Ubbelohde Coordinator of Early Childhood Millard Public Schools
SUMMER 2022 NCSA TODAY
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GOLD SPONSORSHIP American Fidelity Ryan Wedel ryan.wedel@americanfidelity.com 9000 Cameron Parkway Oklahoma City, OK 73114 785-232-8100 americanfidelity.com
D.A. Davidson & Co. Paul Grieger pgrieger@dadco.com 450 Regency Parkway, Ste. 400 Omaha, NE 68114 800-942-7557 davidsoncompanies.com/ficm
Family Heritage - A Global Life Company Mark Beelek mbeelek@futurasecuritygroup.com 601 Old Cheney Road Ste. B Lincoln, NE 68512 402-617-6657
Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund Barry Ballou balloub@pfmam.com 455 So. 11th Street Lincoln, NE 68508 402-705-0350 nlafpool.org
Audio Enhancement, Inc Keith Hanak keith.hanak@audioenhancement.com 9858 South Audio Drive West Jordan, UT 84081 660-441-9306 audioenhancement.com
DLR Group Brett Nanninga bnanninga@dlrgroup.com 6457 Frances Street, Ste. 200 Omaha, NE 68106 402-393-4100 dlrgroup.com
First National Capital Markets Craig Jones craigjones@fnni.com 1620 Dodge Street, Ste. 1104 Omaha, NE 68197 402-598-1218 fncapitalmarkets.com
OnToCollege John Baylor john@ontocollege.com P.O. Box 30792 Lincoln, NE 68503 402-475-7737 ontocollege.com
Boyd Jones Construction Emily Bannick ebannick@boydjones.biz 950 So. 10th Street, Ste. 100 Omaha, NE 68108 402-553-1804 boydjones.biz
ESUCC Kraig Lofquist klofquist@esucc.org 6949 So. 110th Street Omaha, NE 68128 402-597-4866 esucc.org
Horace Mann Keith Jorgensen keith.jorgensen@horacemann.com 617 Stolley Park Road Grand Island, NE 68801 402-290-3116 horacemann.com
Trane Matt Foertsch mfoertsch@trane.com 11937 Portal Road, Ste. 100 LaVista, NE 68128 402-718-0721 www.tranetechnologies.com
Cognia Shannon Vogler shannon.vogler@cognia.org 9115 Westside Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30009 888-413-3669 Ext. 5801 cognia.org
Facility Advocates Dave Raymond draymond@facilityadvocates.com 3730 S. 149th Street, Suite 104 Omaha, NE 68144 402-206-8777 www.facilityadvocates.com
National Insurance Steve Ott sott@nisbenefits.com 9202 W. Dodge Road, Ste. 302 Omaha, NE 68114 800-627-3660 nisbenefits.com
UNANIMOUS Matt O'Gorman matt@beunanimous.com 8600 Executive Woods, Ste. 300 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-423-5447 beunanimous.com
SILVER SPONSORSHIP Cheever Construction Doug Klute dklute@cheeverconstruction.com 3425 North 44th Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68504 402-477-6745 Clark & Enersen Steve Miller steve.miller@clarkenersen.com 1010 Lincoln Mall, Ste. #200 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-477-9291 www.clarkenersen.com CMBA Architects Troy Keilig keilig.t@cmbaarchitects.com 208 N Pine St, Ste 301 Grand Island, NE 68801 308-384-4444 www.cmbaarchitects.com
BRONZE SPONSORSHIP Crouch Recreation, Inc. Eric Crouch nicole@crouchrec.com 1309 S 204th Street #330 Elkhorn, Ne 68022 402-496-2669 www.crouchrec.com
Piper Sandler & Company Jay Spearman Jay.Spearman@psc.com 11422 Miracle Hills Drive, Ste 408 Omaha, NE 68154 402-599-0307 www.pipersandler.com
Humanex Ventures Brad Black info@humanexventures.com 2900 S 70th Street, Ste. 100 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-486-2158 www.humanexventures.com
Renaissance Heather Miller heather.miller@renaissance.com 2911 Peach Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 55494 800-338-4204 ext. 4712 renaissance.com
Modern Images Bradley Cooper brad@champshots.com 13436 So. 217th Street Gretna, NE 68028 402-991-7786 misportsphotography.com
Software Unlimited, Inc. Corey Atkinson caa@su-inc.com 5015 S. Broadband Lane Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-361-2073 su.inc.com
University of Nebraska High School Shauna Benjamin-Brice highschool@nebraska.edu 206 South 13th Street, Ste. 800 P.O. Box 880226 Lincoln, NE 68588 402-472-1922 highschool.nebraska.edu
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 27-29 Administrators’ Days – YCC North - Kearney, NE September 1-2 September 17 September 21 September 28-29
NASES Fall Workshop – Holthus Center – York, NE NCSA Tailgate: NU vs. Oklahoma – NCSA Offices – Lincoln, NE School Law Update – YCC South – Kearney, NE Educational Academy for Legislative Advocacy - NCSA Offices - Lincoln, NE
October 5-6 Labor Relations – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE October 13-14 Nebraska MTSS Summit – YCC North – Kearney, NE October 18-19 Safety and Security Conference – Holiday Inn – Kearney, NE November 2 Emerging Superintendents Workshop – NCSA Offices – Lincoln, NE November 7 NE Fall Ed Tech Conference – YCC South – Kearney, NE November 16-18 State Education Conference –CHI Center – Omaha, NE December 1 Legislative Preview – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE December 7-8 State Principals Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 Emerging Administrators – NCSA Offices – Lincoln, NE February 9-10 NASES Legislative Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE March 29-30 Celebrating Women in Leadership – Holiday Inn - Kearney, NE April 12 GRIT – Cornhusker Marriott - Lincoln, NE April 13-14 NASES Spring Conference – Courtyard Marriott - Lincoln, NE April 19-21 NASBO State Convention – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE July 27-29 Administrators’ Days – Younes Conf. Center – Kearney, NE *Region meeting dates can be found on the NCSA website.
NATIONAL CONVENTION DATES NAESP – July 15-17, 2022 – Louisville, KY ASBO – September 14-17, 2022 – Portland, OR
AASA – February 16-18, 2023 – San Antonio, TX ASCD – March 31-April 3, 2022 – Denver, CO
