Summer 2023

SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL MAKING A LIFELONG IMPACT

2023 ADMINISTRATORS’ DAYS

July 26-28, 2023

Younes Conference Center North - Kearney, NE

Featured Speakers

Thursday A.M.

John K. Coyle

John K. Coyle is one of the world’s leading experts in “Design Thinking and Innovation.”

His presentations combine the exhilarating stories of a champion athlete with the data and intellect of a professor and best-selling author.

John’s talent is weaving facts, examples, and intellectual principles into engaging stories that bring his topics to life and leave you with actionable ideas.

Friday A.M.

Michael Bonner

Michael Bonner is a renowned leader, innovator, and performance booster, who is a trailblazer in leadership development and organizational culture. He empowers leaders to build genuine relationships and establish a positive organizational culture, vision, and team development. “You cannot demand a withdrawal from someone you have never invested in.”

Michael Bonner’s transformative approach leaves educators confident and prepared to become world-changing citizens who garner significant impact.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Friendships without Finish Lines: Our Day with the Lincoln Southwest Unified Track Team

Longtime Administrator and New Commissioner of Education

Dr. Brian Maher Comes Home with a Purpose

NSASSP Announces 2023-2024 Nebraska Middle School Principal of the Year

NSASSP Announces 2023-2024 Nebraska High School Principal of the Year

Outstanding Business Official of

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 $385 (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 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2022-2023

Chair – Kevin Wingard

Vice Chair – Patrick Moore

Immed. Past Chair – Brad Jacobsen

NASA Representatives

President – Dr. Melissa Poloncic

President Elect – Dr. Dan Schnoes

Past President – Kevin Wingard

NASBO Representatives

President – Jeremy Knajdl

President Elect – Dr. Bill Robinson

Past President – Dr. Liz Standish

NAESP Representatives

President – Josie Floyd

President Elect – Pam Lowndes

Past President – Erin Gonzalez

NASES Representatives

President – Misty Beair

President Elect – Betsy Skelcher

Past President – McKayla LaBorde

NSASSP Representatives

President – Kenny Loosvelt

President Elect – Nate Seggerman

Past President – Patrick Moore

NCSA STAFF

Dr. Michael S. Dulaney

Executive Director/Lobbyist

Dr. Dan E. Ernst

Associate Executive Director/Lobbyist

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.

Friendships without Finish Lines: Our Day with the Lincoln Southwest Unified Track Team

By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager

It’s almost race time, and the roar of the crowd inside Union Bank Stadium is growing louder and louder.

Lincoln Southwest junior Michael Bolen is at the starting line of the 100-meter dash. Not only can he hear them, he can feel them, and that makes him break out in a pre-race smile.

“I don’t get that nervous,” said Bolen. “I go way too fast to be nervous.”

With the “Pop!” of the starter, he’s off, a blazingly-quick embodiment of what makes Unified Sports equal parts incredible, heartwarming, and inspiring.

“This is by far the best place to be today,” Lincoln Southwest Special Education Coordinator Christy Champoux said of last Thursday’s Unified Track Meet held at Lincoln Northwest. “These kids become super close with their partners. It’s really amazing. They go to prom together, graduation together, they all sit with each other. It’s just incredible to see the friendships formed.”

A hundred meters of polyurethane away, senior Brandon

Varela awaits Michael’s arrival. Varela, a varsity football player for the Silver Hawks in the fall, is one-half of an electric, unified tandem team. He couldn’t be more proud of that.

“The best part of this is being able to see the athletes be included in all of these events, and giving them the chance to be a part of track in any way that they can be involved in it,” Varela said. “Other places, they may not be able to be involved in a whole lot. But here, they’re safe and they’re happy and they’re able to just enjoy themselves and the experience.”

At unified events, energy’s in no short supply, and the buzz inside a stadium is palpable. The athletes make their way from the shot put to the long jump to the races and relays, all the while leaning on their partners for support and plenty of celebration.

“You come out here and there’s a sense of warmth and smiles on the faces of students with all different levels of capabilities,” said Lincoln Southwest assistant athletic director Brittany Becker. “They come together for one moment to celebrate each other and everybody claps and gets excited, regardless

Heartwarming camaraderie is always on display at unified sporting events, which have skyrocketed in Nebraska the last few years. “I love that everyone’s always cheering everyone else on, no matter who it is,” said Lincoln Southwest senior Ava Lavene.

of whose team it’s for. It’s a great opportunity to show the strengths in our community and celebrate them.”

Lincoln Southwest started a Unified P.E. class seven years ago and added a Unified Music class last year. In all, there are seven different Unified clubs in the building, with between 150 and 200 students involved.

“The Unified environment is something that is so unique and special,” said senior partner Ava Lavene. “I love that everyone’s always cheering everyone else on, no matter who it is.”

It’s a one-of-a-kind environment; where competitive lines are a distant afterthought to camaraderie. Sure, there are teams, but really, everyone’s in it for each other.

“In LPS, all means all and we all come together,” said Becker. “A lot of these kids started out in elementary school together and went to middle school together before their high schools may have differed depending on where they live and other circumstances. A lot of them know each other or are in programs together, so it’s always a good time when they can get together with their friends.”

The Unified team from Southwest practices once a week and competes once a week during the six-week track season, and it’s remarkable to see the improvements and the growth in confidence in such a short span of time.

“We put a lot of effort into it,” said Lavene. “It’s just really fun to see how our teammates have developed and improved as the season goes on. They work hard.”

Champoux said Southwest has been blessed with an amazing group of partners, who come from a variety of backgrounds. There are varsity athletes, students from theater, choir, yearbook, and so on. All with big hearts and, on meet days especially, bigger smiles.

“Friendship, that’s what this is all about,” said Champoux. “Everybody needs friends. Everybody needs something to belong to. Our partners are amazing. They are what makes our programs so good. They’re just great.”

And while this thing is built on a foundation of fun, there are some competitors on the roster. Like any athlete, they get amped up on meet days.

“A hundred percent, we’re ready to compete,” Champoux said. “I have some kids who tell me they’re coming out here to win, and I say, ‘That’s right. We always do our best.’ Because just getting out here and competing is winning. For some of these students, they’re not going to take first place, but they’re out here giving their all, and that’s what’s important.”

Back to the race and the blazing speed of Michael Bolen, who’s coming down the home stretch, through a shower of applause from his teammates and the hundreds of fans in attendance.

Exhausted but still putting one foot in front of the other, Michael zips by. Only, he doesn’t stop at 100 meters. Instead, he runs right into his teammate’s arms.

Michael and Brandon perfectly execute one of their patented celebrations, capped by an epic chest bump. Their coaches and teammates hoot and holler for a bit, before turning their attention to the next race.

The terrific tandem does the same.

“It’s a joy to see them doing what they love,” Varela said. “Being a part of that is the coolest thing ever.”

Friendships without a finish line. ■

Lincoln Southwest senior Brandon Varela, left, and his teammate, junior Michael Bolen, right, pose for a photo after competing in the shot put at a unified meet in Lincoln.

Unified sports have grown in both popularity and participation across Nebraska in recent years. Here, a pair of Lincoln Southwest teammates walk off the track after finishing their back-to-back 100-meter sprints.

Longtime Administrator and New Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher Comes Home with a Purpose

By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communication Specialist

The timing was just right. After carving out an impressive career in education, both in Nebraska and beyond, Dr. Brian Maher and his wife, Peggy, knew it was time to come home.

This was back in January. At the time, Maher was the CEO and Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Regents, positions he’d held since the summer of 2020. Once the Mahers had made up their minds about returning to Nebraska, Brian began mulling his career options.

One thing was for certain. He was ready for another adventure, another turn on a career path that began in a classroom and then progressed through different levels of administrative positions and into superintendencies in Centennial, Kearney, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

“I was at the point where I knew I still wanted to work,” Maher said. “I still wanted to be relevant in a work environment, but I didn’t know where.”

And then the phone started ringing. Those same colleagues were suggesting that he put his hat in the ring for the commissioner opening. Maher started making phone calls of his own, acquiring as much information about the job as possible by picking the brains of people he knew and trusted. By February, Maher’s mind was made up. Serving as Nebraska’s Commissioner of Education, he was confident, would provide professional fulfillment.

“Ultimately, it was the thought that I could make an impact in this position on education in Nebraska, and making an impact in education has been my driver throughout my career,” Maher said. “This is just the next stopping point for that.”

Before embarking on his newest adventure, Maher joined us for a conversation that began with a look back. Maher started as a teacher in tiny Clarks, NE, a dot on the map along Highway 30 in Merrick County. He’s served as an assistant principal, a principal, and a superintendent. In each of those roles, he could see the direct impact he and his staff were making in the lives of students.

“I never want to lose sight of what it was like to be a teacher; because that’s where the magic truly happens, in the classroom,” Maher said. “Each position is important, but none are more important than the position of a teacher. So what can I do to lean on those experiences in this position?”

Finding the answer to that self-imposed question is the next step in Maher’s journey, and it’s one he’s excited to take. Combined, all of his experiences in education have positioned him well to step into the commissioner role. The first items on his docket are no different than they were in Clarks 30 years ago.

Maher was unaware that the Commissioner of Education position was about to open. It wasn’t even on his radar, but he knew he and his wife had excellent support networks in Nebraska, both from friends and colleagues.

“Developing relationships on multiple fronts, that’s the first thing,” he said. “It starts with my relationship with the board that hired me and making sure that is solid. The more the board trusts me, the more I can engender their trust, the better off I’ll be, and the more work we’ll be able to get done here.”

The same goes for the staff at NDE that he’ll be working “shoulder-to-shoulder” with every day.

MAHER

Dr. Brian Maher

"I never want to lose sight of what it was like to be a teacher; because that’s where the magic truly happens, in the classroom."

“And then that just ripples out to the schools in the state, to the governor and the legislature, and, ultimately, our educational partners like NCSA and the multiple other partners that, together, make things work in this state,” Maher said. “Those are crucial first steps for me, and those steps never end. Those relationships never end. You just continue to develop them manually. There are a lot of technical things that go along with it, but if the relationships and the trust aren’t in place, then those technical pieces take a back seat. And it’s a way, way back seat.”

Maher knows the landscape of education in Nebraska as well as anyone. He grew up in Hooper, the youngest of seven children. The education he received at Logan View Public Schools set the foundation for the rest of his life.

“I have firsthand benefited from a quality education,” said Maher, who was a free and reduced lunch student from a split home. “I know the power of teachers rallying around me.

I understand the power of education beyond high school, and the benefit that being an educated person in our society brings. I want to make sure that that opportunity is there for all of our Nebraska students. And when I say all, I mean all. No matter the school they attend, no matter the zip code they live in, I would like to do what I can to impact education for everybody in our state.”

As for what makes Nebraska a special place worth coming back to? For Maher, the answer is simple.

“It’s the people,” he said. “There’s no place like Nebraska, and that’s certainly true for Peggy and I. Growing up here, you see the common themes of hard work and solution-seeking folks. We’re excited to be back and to be a part of that again.”

NSASSP Announces 2023-2024 Nebraska Middle School Principal of the Year

By Jeff Steinbeck, NSASSP Public Relations Representative

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mr. Jeff Sayer as the 2023 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. This award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of: Personal Excellence, Collaborative Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Personalization.

Mr. Sayer has been in education since 1997. He has been the Principal at Valentine Middle School since 2008. He has also served as the K-8 Rural School principal for Valentine Middle and Rural Attendance Centers since 2012. Prior to becoming the middle school principal, Jeff taught 6th grade in Walthill Public School for a year and 5th grade in Valentine for a year. After that, he taught 7th and 8th grade Science in Valentine for 10 years. Mr. Sayer is a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP), and is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

other administrators to share and receive valuable information about strategies and interventions that really work for students and he works tirelessly to make sure these strategies are implemented with fidelity among his staff. Helping students to succeed is a very important concept that Mr. Sayer has in the forefront of his mind and a culture of student success is created in his building that is very admirable.”

Josie Shaul a former Valentine Middle School student noted, “I asked many kids how they felt about Mr. Sayer as a principal. I asked the question, ‘Would you change anything about Mr. Sayer?’ The responses I got were exactly what I expected. Everyone said he was a good person and always helped us out. Somebody said ‘Why would I change him? He already has exactly what a middle school needs.’”

Valentine Middle School English teacher Janell Stoeger stated, “Mr. Sayer invests time in getting to know students, which helps diffuse issues before they arise. Students at VMS know that they will be listened to when they have concerns. They also enjoy bantering with Mr. Sayer, especially with the exchange of “dad” jokes. He attends games and concerts, runs concession stands, and helps clean up the building when needed.”

Mr. Sayer was awarded the Region V Principal of the Year and is active in the ESU 17 Principals Networking Consortium. He is also active in the Valentine TeamMates program as a board member and a mentor.

Mr. Sayer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Chadron State College in 1997. He then earned his Masters of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College in 2001. In 2005, Mr. Sayer received an endorsement in PK-8 and 4-9 Middle Grades Administration from Chadron State College.

Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Sayer for his outstanding performance as Middle School Principal at Valentine Middle School. NSASSP appreciates the contributions to the profession and is proud to name Mr. Jeff Sayer of Valentine Community Schools the 2023 Middle School Principal of the Year! ■

Mr. Michael Halley, the Superintendent of Valentine Community Schools states, “Mr. Sayer utilizes his network of

SAYER

Janell Stoeger

"Mr. Sayer invests time in getting to know students, which helps diffuse issues before they arise. Students at VMS know that they will be listened to when they have concerns."

NSASSP Announces 2023-2024 Nebraska High School Principal of the Year

By Jeff Steinbeck, NSASSP Public Relations Representative

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Colin Bargen as the 2023 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 demonstrated excellence in the areas of: Personal Excellence, Collaborative Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Personalization.

Mr. Bargen has been in education since 1998 and has been the Principal at Centennial Jr/Sr High School since 2008. He also served as the Athletic Director and a Math teacher at Superior Jr/Sr High School from 2004-2008. Prior to this, he taught Math at Marysville Jr/Sr High School in Kansas for 6 years. Mr. Bargen 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 15 years.

Mr. Seth Ford, Superintendent of Centennial Public School stated, “The role of Principal is one of the most critical to the success of any school. If a school is excellent, then you can guarantee that you will find a great Principal working behind the scenes. This is most definitely the case at Centennial Public School. Colin humbly and tirelessly works behind the scenes to make Centennial better every single day.”

Mr. Evan Klanecky, a Secondary teacher and football coach states, “On a daily basis Colin will nurture, encourage, and challenge staff to complete the very best day possible for students. Mr. Bargen has created a culture at this school that is very consistent and from top down has a growth mindset that allows all parties involved to have success and not be afraid to work at something new.”

Halle Kinnett, a former student at Centennial High School notes, “One thing that really makes Mr. Bargen stand out from

all the rest is his willingness to go above and beyond for his students. Almost every morning he stands outside waiting to greet each student as they walk through the doors, no matter the weather you can always count on him to be there with a smile on his face. As students we can also always count on him to support us in all of the activities that we are involved in.”

Mr. Bargen received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Mathematics from the University of NebraskaLincoln in 1998. In 2004, he earned his Masters of Science Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Kansas State University. Mr. Bargen has been a presenter at the NCSA State Principals Conference, the State Education Conference, and a roundtable discussion panelist for New Principals at Administrators Days. Mr. Bargen and his wife Jennifer, who has been teaching math at Centennial for 15 years, have three children. Joel is a junior computer engineering major at UNL, Jake is a freshman Exercise Science major at Hastings College, and Catelynn is a sophomore at Centennial.

Congratulations to Colin Bargen for his outstanding performance as a Secondary School Principal at Centennial Public School. NSASSP appreciates the contributions to the profession and is proud to name Colin Bargen of Centennial Public School the 2023 High School Principal of the Year! ■

BARGEN

Seth Ford

“Colin humbly and tirelessly works behind the scenes to make Centennial better every single day.”

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 recognize individuals who have exhibited outstanding and visionary leadership in school business management.

This year’s recipient has worked as the Associate Superintendent and Business Manager at Ralston Public Schools since 2014. His career began in 1999 as a teacher at Morton Middle School during the spring semester. He then moved to Ralston High School that fall where he taught business for a handful of years before making the step into administration as the Director of Alternative Education and Dean of Students. He next served as Assistant Principal and Principal before moving to his current role in the district office. He will soon be making the final step to the top of the district having been recently named as the next Superintendent of Ralston.

Mr. Buckingham's leadership is fiscal responsibility. Budget development and management, debt reduction, cash flow management, and short and long-range planning are strength areas for Jason. These strengths aligned with a quality strategic plan that has helped Ralston Public Schools establish its strongest financial position in many years. Further, Jason is an expert in understanding the education funding formula in Nebraska. It is common that state leaders from across Nebraska will ask Mr. Buckingham to analyze legislative ideas and economic factors associated with education funding. There are a select few "go-to" people in our state in education funding, and Jason is certainly one of them.

Mr. Buckingham has displayed a progressive leadership style making research-based best practice educational decisions in a collaborative environment. While serving in multiple principal positions in the District, Mr. Buckingham established himself as a quality instructional leader. In 2021, Mr. Buckingham provided key leadership in the successful passing of an $83.74 million bond campaign to upgrade every school in the District. Strong policy analysis and advocacy skills also set Jason apart from other leaders. Mr. Buckingham possesses a global vision as he has displayed skills in finance, staff management, curriculum & assessment, public relations, consensus building, and leadership through change. This type of leadership and service by Jason has and continues to change the landscape of Ralston Public Schools now and into the future. Most of all, Jason is a learner, if he doesn't know something he will dig in and find the answer! He is one of the most committed professionals I have ever encountered and takes great pride in serving Ralston Public Schools and education in Nebraska.”

Current Ralston Superintendent Dr. Mark Adler shares, “Mr. Buckingham has had a lasting and powerful impact locally in Ralston Public Schools and across Nebraska. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership in a diverse urban educational setting. Problem solving, attention to detail, organization, and prioritization are just a few of the outstanding qualities employed by Mr. Buckingham. A cornerstone of

Congratulations Jason Buckingham, the 2023 NASBO Business Official of the Year! ■

BUCKINGHAM

Dr. Mark Alder

"He is one of the most committed professionals I have ever encountered and takes great pride in serving Ralston Public Schools and education in Nebraska."

The Quiet Things

By Misty Beair, NASES President

“You may not feel like you can change the whole world, but you can change the world around you…and that’s a great place to start.” ~Jon

Gordon

Public education has become increasingly loud over the last few years. Louder in the public arena, louder in school board meetings, political agendas are louder, media reporting is louder, and there are louder parents and community members both in person and on social media. While not all of the loudness is bad, it can be tiring. As you enjoy your summer and recharge for the fall, I want you to also take time to reflect on the quiet things that happen in public education. Schools across Nebraska are filled with amazing quiet things. You know these things as they are the things that will stay in your heart years after you have retired.

In 26 years of education, it’s the quiet things that have always meant the most to me. Things like seeing a teacher deliver pizza to the home of a student whose mom is in the hospital. It’s learning that the Athletic Director comes to school at 6:00 AM every Monday to wash a load of laundry for the student who doesn’t have access to clean clothes. It’s seeing the Principal sit with a student after hours to make sure he passes math and graduates with his class.

You can see it in the counselor who listens to countless heartbreaking stories but never gives up. It’s the Superintendent standing by the door watching for the shy kid so he can say hi every day. It’s noticing the janitor who stops and helps the newly arrived students braid their hair before school. It’s the peace you feel in knowing that the lunch ladies know which students need a little bit of extra food. It’s there when the Special Education Director takes a cup of coffee to a mom on a Saturday morning because she just learned her child is dying, and sometimes coffee and tears is all there is to give.

The quiet things are found when the kindergartner brings you "the heaviest leaf in the world" because it didn’t blow away at recess time. It’s a card from a parent that says "thanks for all you do" sitting in your desk drawer. It’s that hug from a freshman who is leaving your school to be placed in a home where you both know she will be safe. It’s watching the librarian bring books to life right in front of 1st graders' eyes. It’s the special education teacher sitting on the floor with the child whose world seems too big and loud until they feel calm again. It’s knowing the biology teacher doesn’t just know his students, but the student’s parents, aunts, uncles, and all about the time cousin Roy tried to sneak a tattoo by his mom.

It’s the British Literature teacher who acts out the Canterbury Tales, focusing on the Summoner’s boils so fervently that it is re-enacted at every class reunion.

You see the quiet things happen when you realize the kindergarten teacher has been "accidentally" packing two lunches every day so she has one to share. It’s the school secretary secretly handing a couple dollars to a child going on a field trip. It’s the community member who comes in and wipes away lunch bills, just because. It’s the teacher who stays up late at night to make sure her new student’s desk and cubby are ready to go in the morning so it looks like he has always been a part of their class. It’s hosting the very loud Spring Sprints every single year, and then quietly handing a child their very first medal while their mother takes a picture.

As an adult I treasure all of the quiet things I’ve seen or been a part of over the years, I can only imagine what they have meant to kids. Schools are loud, schools are measured and rated, students are tested and pushed, they compete both

with each other and against each other, all while memories are being made. Within all of the loudness that goes along with public education, I’d like to think the quiet things are what matter the most. It’s those quiet things that have the most impact on all of us as we grow into the person we are supposed to become.

I know I should spend some time talking about NCSA and NASES. I can share that it’s one of the quiet things I have been blessed to be a part of that will stay with me long after I’ve retired. Both NCSA and NASES help me keep my focus on what is truly important when it comes to being a leader. It’s the relationships you develop with those around you and the support you give and receive from those relationships that matters the most as you go through your career.

I hope that you each get plenty of summer sun and never forget to watch for the quiet things that happen every single day that make your school, and Nebraska, the best place to be. ■

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.

Dr. Mark Adler Superintendent Ralston Public Schools

It has been a privilege and honor to serve the students, staff, and communities of Petersburg, Elgin, Nebraska City, and Ralston for 32 years. I am very proud to say I am an educator in Nebraska.

Shane Alexander Superintendent Bloomfield Community School

Thank you to everyone who made my career a success. Thank your NCSA for your support and leadership!

Greg Appleby 7-12 Principal / AD Summerland Public Schools

Being a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal for the past 34 years has been a great experience and I have enjoyed it immensely. I cannot imagine a more rewarding career to have chosen. I have been fortunate to work at great schools with amazing co-workers and kids. We have a great profession –Keep Up The Great Work.

Duane Arntt Principal Silver Lake Public Schools

I have been in education 37 years and been a principal in Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. I have to say that Nebraska has the best educational system. That is a credit to all the staff, teachers, and administrators who work in our school systems. During my time in the Friend, Southern, and Silver Lake schools, I was blessed to be able to work with great people!! I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone!

Pam Barker Elementary Principal Lincoln Elementary Schools, Gering

During my 48 years in education, I have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding educators, parents, and students. It has been an honor and joy to serve beside so many great individuals at Gering Public Schools. I will miss the relationships built over the years and thank my family for their unending support. Continue your great work and take care!

Jodi Bensen Principal Scottsbluff Public Schools

I have been blessed to work alongside such a hardworking and dedicated State and District of individuals who value the WHOLE CHILD and serve as models of professionalism in their work with children. I believe it is in the power of the TEAM that ensures the needs of individual children are met while also being mindful of the personal support needed for staff. It has been an honor to SERVE with all of you!

Public Schools

Thank you for all the advice and insights through the years. Keep doing what is best for all children.

Dr. Rich Beran Superintendent Gretna

Teresa Bray Elementary Principal Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools

It has been an honor to work alongside the dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators at Ashland-Greenwood Schools where the primary focus is always what’s best for students. After 32 years serving as elementary principal, I will treasure the wonderful memories and friendships I have made. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life but will surely miss my AG family and interacting with students every day. I wish all of my colleagues the very best and know the important work of educating and caring for students is in good hands.

Debra Brownfield PK-12 Principal Riverside Public Schools

Good luck and keep up the good fight. It has been an honor to work with you all.

Bob Cook 6-12 Principal Superior Public Schools

It has been a great 30 years in education (8 yrs in teaching and 22 yrs in administration). I have been fortunate to stay at the same school for 22 years as an administrator. I have worked with some great people throughout my 30 years and have some great memories to take with me as I enter into retirement. I wish everyone the best of luck going forward in their careers. I also want you to know that when I started out in education I had hair on my head and much darker facial hair. Working in education will change you in more ways than you will ever realize! Good luck and God Bless.

Kurt Glathar Principal Lincoln Public Schools

I am filled with memories of the communities I served, the students their families, and the educational colleagues I worked with. I had the opportunity to work in Beatrice, Gretna, Louisville, Glenwood IW, and Lincoln Nebraska at Lincoln Northeast, the Science focus program, Arts & Humanities focus program, and The Career Academy. A special thank you to my wife Kim for supporting me throughout my career.

Jan Glenn CFO | ESU 3

I've been privileged to work at Elkhorn Public Schools and ESU #3 over the past 25 years. It's been a challenging and rewarding career and I've worked with wonderful people who have a heart and passion for education. A big offer of gratitude to you all. They say "It takes a village" and my work has been successful because of the collaborative work of the village!

Dr. Terry Haack Superintendent Bennington Public Schools

I would like to say thank you to all of my NCSA colleagues, both past and present. My career has been filled with tremendous joy and pride in being a part of a profession that truly makes a difference in the lives of many.

Dr. David Hemphill Assistant Principal Kiewitt Middle School, Millard

After 34 years of work with middle school students, (16 years teaching science & 18 years administration) I have come to the end of my education career. I am still too young to "retire" retire, but am fortunate that I can retire with a pension. I am actively looking for a full-time job to stay active, learn something new and earn some health insurance benefits. Best wishes to all of you still fighting the good fight! Remember, "Life is a tough teacher, she gives the test first and the lesson after."

Dr.

Linda Hix Director of Federal Programs Lincoln Public Schools

I have enjoyed my work in the field of education during the past 34 years as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. Thank you to all of my colleagues for their support and for the good work that will continue. A special thanks to NCSA for keeping us informed and growing professionally.

Continued on page 16...

NCSA Honors Retirees (Continued from page 15)

Dan Hoesing Superintendent Schuyler Community Schools

The past 43 years afforded me the privilege to work with educators in the classroom and in administration to impact the lives of students and families in many communities. Like many other professionals that have moved on from a position in public education, I will continue to foster relationships, build trust and belief in public education, and support continued efforts to meet the changing needs of our communities, schools, and students. Life is too short to live the same day twice. Focus on the future, learn from the past, and live in the present.

Jeff Hoesing Superintendent Randolph Public Schools

Feeling nothing but appreciation for the career experiences I've been blessed with the last 40 years. Especially important were the friendships gained through 25 years of involvement with the NCSA. I'm grateful to know so many of you.

Chuck Lambert Superintendent Bridgeport Public Schools

It has been an amazing 31 years in Nebraska and now the next chapter as a Kansas Superintendent begins.

Dr. Wendy McCarty Professor University of Nebraska - Kearney

In my years as the director of the Transitional Certification Program at UNK, it has been my pleasure and honor to have served school districts and their administrators across the state of Nebraska in finding unconventional ways to fill teaching positions. Working with the teachers who are coming into the profession from other career paths has been so rewarding! I encourage all school administrators and current educators to find the "buried treasures" in their own backyards--the future teachers who are already living and working in your communities who are poised to become the excellent educators our students deserve.

Julie Otero Superintendent

South Central Nebraska USD #5

I wrapped up my 36th year in education and what a ride it has been having worked in inner-city, urban public school districts to smaller, rural public school districts. I have always felt fortunate to have made the move back to Nebraska, when our kids were younger, in order to raise them in Nebraska public schools. Nebraska schools are top-notch nationwide and I have been blessed to be part of them for the past 25 years!

Deb Paulman

ESU 16 Administrator

ESU 16

I started my teaching career at Ogallala Middle School in 1980. Since that time I have taught in some of the largest (Millard Public Schools) and smallest school districts (Wallace) in Nebraska. In 2005 I accepted a position with ESU 16 as a staff development consultant and subsequently served as the Director of Teaching & Learning. For the past six years, I have served as the ESU 16 Administrator. I will forever be inspired by the caliber and quality of Nebraska's educators. I am honored to have been a part of the good work. Keep the faith!

R. Todd Porter Superintendent Southwest Public Schools

My 31 years in education in Nebraska and Iowa are filled with great memories, and I give thanks to those many professionals that helped me along the way. There are many challenges that face education in Nebraska, and my hope is that with a lot of hard work and a little luck the trend will change towards the positive. Good luck to all of you that continue your efforts in making education better for our students and co-workers in the state of Nebraska. It’s time for me to spend more time enjoying time with my wife and family and enjoy the beauty of the desert Southwest.

Joyce Rozelle Principal Rockwell Elementary School, Millard

I've enjoyed my 14 years in Nebraska and 33 years in education. I'm looking forward to retirement from education and my next journey as my family relocates to warmer weather.

Steven

Schrad Assistant Principal Ralston Middle School

Thank you Dr. Renee Jacobbsen and EustisFarnam Public Schools for giving me the opportunity to begin my administrative career as a building principal. Thank you, Dr. Marlene Uhing and Dr. Greg Barnes, and Seward Public Schools for my time serving your students and staff. Thank you, Dr. Bert Jackson and Dr. Andrew Rikli as being mentors to me when I was the middle school principal at Westside Middle School. Finally, thank you Dr. Ken Rippe and Dr. Mark Adler for allowing me to begin and finish my career in the Ralston Public Schools with 20 years of service as a teacher, asst. principal, and principal.

Dr. Greg Shepard Superintendent Cambridge Public Schools

God blessed me and my family with a 38-year career in education filled with many challenging and gratifying days in Nebraska and Illinois. Thank you to all at NCSA for your support over the years and continuous work for Public Education across the State. My dad was my greatest mentor and through his support and leadership, my 3 siblings and I were all successful teachers, coaches, and administrators. I also have to thank Dr. Virginia Moon, Doug Lewis, Dan Novak, and my brother Mark for all of their mentoring and assistance along the way. I hope that all current and future administrators will have great experiences as I did over the years and wish everyone the best!

Todd Strom Superintendent South Sioux City Schools

I am extremely grateful to have shared 33 years of collegiality in Nebraska Public Schools with such dynamic leaders! A fantastic group of humble men and women with exceptional skills and driven by the same, larger purpose of doing the best for our kids, our employees, and our communities! I plan to retire from the Superintendency, but likely not from leadership, as I have already transitioned into a credentialed executive coaching role in positive psychology and wellbeing. My wife and I have moved to our century-family farm near Bloomfield. I hope to continue to see all of you from time to time at administrative events and school activities or possibly work with you in my new role, but just not on snow day conference calls at 4 am trying to outguess the NWS anymore...lol. Blessings to you all and your families...we truly are the leaders of the greatest profession on Earth!

Mike Tomjack Principal Elkhorn Public Schools

Being a school administrator for the last 25 years in Nebraska and the community of Elkhorn has been a great honor. I will miss everything about it. To all my fellow administrators, keep up the great work!

Laurie Witte

Business Manager Ainsworth Community School

I have enjoyed working in the District office at Ainsworth Community Schools for 30 years. The Administration, Staff, and parents were great to work with. I would recommend if you are office staff NAESP has a great discussion board for all members to share ideas and solve problems with other office staff throughout the state.

Brad Wolfe Principal Westridge Middle School - GIPS

It has been rewarding to work with so many dedicated professionals serving students during my 38 years in education. I enjoyed the ride and look forward to continuing my journey down a different path. Colleagues, keep up the good work!

Continued on page 20...

NATIONAL CONVENTION DATES

July 10-12, 2023

July 12-15, 2023

Oct. 19-22, 2023

– National Harbor, MD

– Denver, CO

– National Harbor, MD

Feb. 15-17, 2024

Research for the Real World

Exploring Equity in the State-Driven Accountability System

By Taeyeon Kim

In pursuit of excellence, equity conversation has been at the center of the Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) of 2015, the most recent reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA). As ESSA shifted the authority of school accountability from the federal government to the states, states must develop policies to reduce equity gaps. Accordingly, policymakers in Nebraska redesigned its school accountability system to address how they will use federal funds to reduce equity gaps and monitor the progress of all students and subgroups. This led policymakers and educational leaders to deliberate on constructing equity principles and policy priorities. More recently, with COVID-19, which exacerbated the existing inequities, policymakers diligently adopted largescale initiatives to enhance student access, mental health, and distance learning, as well as offer resources to make up for learning loss and gaps.

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 a UNL EDAD faculty member and his doctoral student. Please contact them directly for questions and comments. in more need. In other words, Berne and Stiefel (1984) used horizontal and vertical equity to describe multiple dimensions of equity. Horizontal equity, concerned more about the equality logic, does not necessarily recognize an unequal supply of resources and support (like equality). Vertical equity, on the other hand, acknowledges differences in needs at the starting point, such as access to resources and capacities to mobilize social and cultural capital. While earlier discussions of equity relied on horizontal equity, more recent policies and educational practices focus more on vertical equity to ensure that every individual and school can access the necessary resources and support to be successful.

Given this policy environment, I would like to share the summary of my ongoing research project, Exploring Equity as Rationale for the State-driven Accountability in Nebraska, funded by the University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative. (In collaboration with Dr. Aprille Phillips at the University of Nebraska Kearney and Dr. Edmund T. Hamann at the University of Nebraska Lincoln). We analyzed the documents and videos generated by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and the research literature to examine how equity has been understood in the state-driven accountability policy.

Conceptualization of Equity – From Horizontal to Vertical Equity

To begin with, understanding definitions of equity is essential. One way to understand equity is by distinguishing its meaning from equality. While equality posits equal opportunity and equal distribution of resources for everyone, equity assumes the necessity of greater resources and support for those

Equity in Accountability Policy – From Access to Outcome

In the early days, policymakers often framed equity as equal access to the same school. However, Brown decision shifted this logic with the federal efforts to enhance equity in the

KIM

Taeyeon Kim

"Most leaders would admit that every student and school have their own needs, and schools must support every individual to succeed."

allocation of educational opportunities and resources and to ensure every student, regardless of their background, attains an adequate education with a threshold level of knowledge and skills. Relatedly, such a framing drew policymakers’ attention to performance—student outcomes—to hold schools accountable by centralizing authority in the intergovernmental system to achieve this performance-threshold definition of equity. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the federal government has pressured states to adopt educational performance accountability systems that include tests, performance standards, and interventions targeting lowperforming schools and districts. Approaches to equity thus have often been considered to eliminate gaps in outcomes among subgroups. The review of the 52 approved ESSA plans from all states, including D.C. and PR, by Chu (2019) showed that most state plans adopted a vertical approach to equity, ensuring disadvantaged groups and students with more significant needs receive more resources. These state plans implied the importance of achieving outcome equity—although it was relatively subtle—by emphasizing the elimination of educational disparities among different student groups as the primary objective of equity policies and interventions (Chu, 2019).

Framing Equity in Nebraska —Discourses from State Department of Education

The State of Nebraska focuses on access and outcome equity in its ESSA plan. It emphasizes closing achievement and opportunity gaps to achieve equitable outcomes for every student. Specifically, the state plans addressed equitable funding, access to effective educators, and quality learning environments. In addition, NDE promoted equity as a statewide initiative, explicitly branding themselves as “Champions for Equity” and “Agents of Change for Equity” through Admin Days keynote speeches in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Here, NDE highlighted multiple-dimensional understandings of equity, including access, process, and outcome wise, beyond simplistic notions, such as fairness and access to equal resources. The NDE’s framing of equity between 20182019 was more about vertical equity, guaranteeing outcomes for each individual and subgroup through “appropriate” resources and processes.

In more recent policy enactment during and post-COVID, however, NDE’s framing of equity has become behind the scenes and simplistic attached to the federal policy requirement. For instance, in responding to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSR), NDE released a website entitled Launch Nebraska focused on supporting school districts in 2021 and allocated resources from ESSR funds. The 2021 Admin Days keynote speech was

centered on the challenges and opportunities presented in the Nebraska context. And the 2022 Admin Days keynote speech addressed “Restoring Normal” post-COVID-19, which called for state-wide collaboration to address chronic absenteeism, English Learner performance in math as measured by statewide assessment, teacher shortage, and career and technical education courses. Equity conversations were more driven by the student panel, who shared their experiences with the impacts of COVID-19 and racial injustice, not necessarily by the state department leaders.

One might argue that national politics, divisive political agenda, and the global pandemic could have influenced how the state department and educational leaders engage in equity work. Several school and district leaders I met in Nebraska said equity had suddenly become a scary term, even though their commitment to it had been sustaining. Most leaders would admit that every student and school have their own needs, and schools must support every individual to succeed. Then, why shouldn’t equity be a glorious goal and guiding post for educational policies and practices? ■

Taeyeon Kim

"...ensure every student, regardless of their background, attains an adequate education with a threshold level of knowledge and skills."

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 2023-2024 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, 2023. We look forward to their participation on the board and guidance of the organization.

We congratulate and welcome our new President-Elects:

NCSA Elects 2023-2024 Leadership

In addition, at the May 31, 2023, NCSA Board Meeting, elections were held for the 2023-2024 board leadership positions.

We are excited to announce the 2023-2024 Chair and Vice Chair of the NCSA Executive Board:

Chair - Dr. Melissa Poloncic (Left)

Vice Chair - Mrs. Josie Floyd (Right)

NASA

Dr. Chris Prososki Southern School District 1

NAESP

Dr. Amber Johnson Plattsmouth Elementary School

NSASSP

Mr. Brian Fleischman Overton High School

NASBO

Mrs. Marianne Carlson Scottsbluff Public Schools

NASES

Mrs. Amy Kroll Weeping Water High School

NCSA Honors Retirees (Continued from page 17)

Also Retiring:

Dr. Wendy Badje

Elementary Principal Rousseau Elementary School

Pam Barker Principal Lincoln Elementary Schools

Donna Blocker

Business Manager Cody-Kilgore Unified Schools

Steve 'Skip' Bremer Administrator

Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High school

Diane Bruha

Director of Federal Programs Crete Public Schools

Paul Calvert Administrator

ESU #15

Roberta "Bert" Deremer Elementary Principal Ezra Millard Elementary School

Audrey Downey Principal Lexington High School

Dr. Nancy Edick Dean / CEHHS University of NebraskaOmaha

Dan Fehringer Superintendent Boys Town Schools

Dan Gross Superintendent Tekamah-Herman Schools

Dan Jensen

7-12 Principal Maxwell High School

Dr. Thomas Kiburz

7-12 Principal Thayer Central Community Schools

Lynne Lurvey Business Manager Bennington Public Schools

Randy Page Superintendent Thayer Central Community Schools

Dr. Robert Reznicek Superintendent Boys Town Schools

Trish Rohde Business Manager Homer Community Schools

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 26-28

Aug. 2

Aug. 8

Sept. 13

Sept. 14-15

Sept. 20

Sept. 30

Oct. 4-5

Oct. 19

Nov. 1

Nov. 6

Nov. 15-17

Nov. 29

Dec. 6-7

Laura Runge Principal

Yankee Hill Education Center

Julie Studnicka

Elementary Principal South Central NE USD #5

Terry Thompson Business Manager Homer Community Schools

Suzanne Whisler

Director of Curriculum & School Improvement Auburn Public Schools

Administrators’ Days – YCC North – Kearney

Business Manager Training – Lincoln -or- Virtual

Preparing for Student Legal Issues in 2023-2024 –Lincoln -or- Virtual

New Superintendents and ESU Directors – NCSA Offices – Lincoln

NASES Fall Workshop – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln

School Law Update – Holiday Inn – Kearney

Tailgate: NU vs. Michigan – NCSA Offices – Lincoln

Labor Relations – Embassy Suites – Lincoln

Nebraska School Safety and Security Summit – Embassy Suites – Lincoln

Emerging Superintendents – NCSA Offices – Lincoln

Nebraska Fall Ed Tech Conference – YCC South – Kearney

State Education Conference – CHI Center – Omaha

Legislative Preview – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln

State Principals Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln

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

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