Fall 2023

NEW NCSA HEADQUARTERS BREAKING GROUND

$600 million

Our Student Loan Solutions program can help your employees find ways to reduce the burden of student loan debt – at no cost to you or them.

*Potential savings of educators assisted by Horace Mann with Public Service Loan Forgiveness from October 2016 through December 2022 based on assumptions established by the U.S. Office of Federal Student Aid.

Horace Mann’s Student Loan Solutions program includes services provided by an independent third party, Tuition.io. Horace Mann is an independent company not affiliated with the Department of Education or the federal government. Horace Mann Service Corporation and certain of its affiliates (Horace Mann) enter into agreements with educational associations where Horace Mann pays the association to provide services aimed at familiarizing association members with the Horace Mann brand, products or services. For more information, email your inquiry to association.relations@horacemann.com.

Horace Mann has helped educators find more than in student loan forgiveness*

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Administrators’ Days 2023: Second Year at Younes Conference Center North is a Smashing Success #NCSAAdmin23

A New Era: Dirt Flies at Construction Site of NCSA’s New Headquarters

Using the APLUS Framework to Adopt AI: A Practical Guide for School Administrators in

Bridging the Gap: Drs. Mike Sieh and Keith Rohwer to Lead NCSA’s Mentorship Program Through Gap Year

NCSA EXECUTIVE BOARD

2023-2024

Chair – Dr. Melissa Poloncic

Vice Chair – Josie Floyd

Immed. Past Chair – Kevin Wingard

NASA Representatives

President – Dr. Dan Schnoes

President Elect – Dr. Chris Prososki

Past President – Dr. Melissa Poloncic

NASBO Representatives

President – Marianne Carlson

President Elect – Dr. Chip Kay

Past President – Jeremy Knajdl

NAESP Representatives

President – Pam Lowndes

President Elect – Dr. Amber Johnson

Past President – Josie Floyd

NASES Representatives

President – Betsy Skelcher

President Elect – Amy Kroll

Past President – Misty Beair

NSASSP Representatives

President – Nate Seggerman

President Elect – Brian Fleischman

Past President – Kenny Loosvelt

NCSA STAFF

Dr. Michael S. Dulaney

Executive Director/Lobbyist

Amy Poggenklass

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.

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.

Administrators’ Days 2023: Second Year at Younes Conference Center North is a Smashing Success #NCSAAdmin23

By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager

Over eleven hundred Nebraska school leaders flocked to Kearney July 26-28, settling into the conference’s new digs at Younes Conference Center North. The sprawling and spacious facility hosted its second Administrators’ Days, and it just may have been the best yet.

The week began Tuesday evening, as the NCSA Executive Board met following a new member orientation. During the meeting, new Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher spoke with the board before Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney and the NCSA staff honored outgoing members.

Wednesday’s NDE Day was followed by an exhibitor reception and concurrent affiliate organization meetings. McCook senior Mykuh Hanson’s rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" kickstarted the conference Thursday morning, drawing a standing ovation from an invigorated crowd.

Earlier that morning, 438 conference attendees took to the trails of Kearney for Administrators in Action, raising a $5,000 donation to Special Olympics Nebraska on behalf of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Given the sweltering temperatures that touched triple digits throughout the week, the scheduling tweak proved to be fortuitous.

The organization presented the NCSA Distinguished Service Award to former NCSA chair and NSASSP president Brad Jacobsen (6-12 principal at Ashland-Greenwood) during the first general session. Dr. Larianne Polk, chief administrator at ESU 7, was presented the award during the second general session, before First Five Nebraska was honored with the NCSA Friend of Education Award on Friday.

During the affiliate awards ceremony on Thursday, NASA announced its 2023-24 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year,

McCook senior Mykuh Hanson received a standing ovation for his brilliant rendition of the national anthem on Thursday morning, helping to kick Administrators’ Days off on the right foot.

Ashland-Greenwood 6-12 principal and former NCSA chair and NSASSP President Brad Jacobsen accepts the NCSA Distinguished Service Award from Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney during Administrators’ Days.

An early morning start time to beat the heat drew 438 Administrators’ Days attendees to the trails of Kearney, where they raised a $5,000 donation to Special Olympics Nebraska on behalf of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.

Dr. Larianne Polk, Chief Administrator at ESU 7, is presented the NCSA Distinguished Service Award from Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney. The award is given to a member who has contributed greatly to the association and education in Nebraska.

Dr. Andrew Rikli from Papillion-La Vista Community Schools. Dr. Rikli will receive his award and be honored further at the State Education Conference in November.

Administrators’ Days featured two nationally-renowned keynote speakers, John K. Coyle and Michael Bonner. There were nearly 60 breakout session sessions offered on Thursday alone, many of which were led by Nebraska administrators and specialists.

Additionally, NCSA was honored to have several special guests on hand. Governor Jim Pillen attended Thursday’s luncheon, addressing the crowd for about 20 minutes following the awards ceremony. Senator Lynne Walz enjoyed Administrators’ Days for the third straight year. Members of the State Board of Education were all in attendance as well.

As usual, Thursday night came to a close with a party, complete with NCSA Trivia and the first-ever karaoke session, which gave the organization’s most talented, and bravest, members a chance to show off their skills.

The room was packed for Friday morning’s New Member Breakfast, one of the most important meetings of the year, as the staff and affiliate presidents were given a chance to welcome a new crop of school administrators to the organization. ■

Mark

There were several special guests on hand at this year’s conference, including Governor Jim Pillen, who addressed Administrators’ Days attendees during Thursday’s luncheon.

Friday morning at Administrators’ Days is one of the most important mornings of the year for the NCSA staff, who get to meet new faces at the annual New Member Breakfast.

A New Era: Dirt Flies at Construction Site of NCSA’s New Headquarters

By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager

Sunny and warm, the morning of May 31st was perfect for a stroll.

An hour before their end-of-the-school-year meeting, the NCSA Executive Board ventured two-blocks east. Away from the NCSA offices on 11th and K and towards the future site of the association’s new home.

After a short groundbreaking ceremony, the group trekked back to the office and went about business as usual, excited for the future. Soon, dirt would fly in the bare lot on the corner of 13th and K.

It’s the dawn of a new era at NCSA. The new building, a twostory structure catty-corner to the Unicameral with much more space for professional development, is the payoff for years of patience and will allow the association to even further elevate the services we are proud to provide our members.

“This is an exciting time for NCSA members and for our staff,” said Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney. “We are thrilled to share the building with school leaders from across the state, and we know that the new office space will enhance professional development for NCSA members for decades to come.”

The NCSA staff hopes to move into the building, which was designed by Architectural Design Associates (ADA) and is being built by Lincoln-based Cheever Construction, by the end of next summer.

Representatives from both Cheever and NEBCO were in attendance at the ribbon-cutting on May 31. Additionally, NCSA would like to extend special thanks to Perry Law Firm. ■

NCSA past-chair Kevin Wingard dons a hard hat in some heavy machinery after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new headquarters on the northeast corner of 13th and K.

Members of the NCSA Executive Board and staff watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held at the future site of NCSA’s new offices on May 31.

Using the APLUS Framework to Adopt AI: A Practical Guide for School Administrators in Nebraska

By Jethro Jones

Jethro Jones is the co-keynote for the 2023 Nebraska Fall Ed Tech Conference to be held November 6 in Kearney. He is a national award-winning former school leader, podcaster, and author of the books

How to be a Transformative Principal and SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for the people right in front of them! He is also founder of AILeader.info and the BE Podcast Network. Jethro currently consults school leaders on strategies to help them save time, lead more effectively, and overcome their own weaknesses. Jethro has worked as a principal at all K-12 levels, including a prison school, a district coach, distance-learning team lead, and English teacher.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, including education. As school administrators, you're faced with the challenge of harnessing this technology responsibly. But how can you do that when most people who understand AI have a PhD in computer science?

Over the last several months, many school leaders have asked me questions about how to implement AI in their schools, from asking for help getting ChatGPT to write a policy prohibiting the use of AI to seeing if we can provide a personalized tutor for every student in the classroom.

With tools being created every day and leaders being bombarded from every direction, we have to have a way to make good decisions. I created the APLUS framework to make sure we are focused on the right things for our students.

Accessibility: Giving Every Student a Chance

Definition: Accessibility refers to the design of AI systems to be accessible by all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, language proficiency, or socio-economic status.

Imagine a classroom where a visually impaired student can participate in a biology lesson through AI-powered tactile simulations. Accessibility isn't just a buzzword; it's a commitment. AI can break down barriers, but only if we design systems that are inclusive from the get-go.

Questions to Ask Vendors:

• How does your product accommodate students with disabilities, without access to internet, or who are English language learners?

Privacy and Ethics: The Trust Equation

Definition: Privacy and Ethics involve upholding strong ethical standards, safeguarding student privacy, and ensuring transparent data collection and usage practices.

It is so easy to destroy trust when it comes to ethics and privacy. Upholding ethical standards is non-negotiable. Transparency in data collection and a commitment to student privacy are the cornerstones of ethical AI use.

Questions to Ask Vendors:

• How is student data encrypted and stored? Who has access to it? For how long? How do we know?

• Can you provide a transparency report on data usage?

• How will you handle complaints related to data, privacy, and ethics?

Learner-Centered: The Student's Journey

Definition: Learner-centered places the well-being, agency, and autonomy of students at the center of AI integration in education.

Learner-centricity means putting students at the heart of AI integration. It's not about making our jobs easier; it's about making their futures brighter. Student needs should be placed first, as they are the ones we serve in education.

One of the districts I worked for purchased a student information system that made it really easy for the district office to run reports, but it was exceptionally difficult for

JONES

teachers to change attendance, which led to teachers not taking attendance, which led to teachers not knowing where students were in the building. While this wasn’t a studentfacing system, it was damaging to students by how it made teachers reluctant to do an important part of their job.

Questions to Ask Vendors:

• How does your AI system personalize learning experiences for individual students?

• How do educators override or adjust AI recommendations to better meet the needs of the students?

• How does the software improve the experience for students and teachers?

Usability: Who Taught You to Use Amazon?

Definition: Usability focuses on developing AI-based educational tools that are user-friendly and intuitive for both students and educators.

The easier it is to use, the quicker it will be adopted.

The software I mentioned above was not only difficult to operate, it required 2 full days of training for staff, at the beginning of the year, when they had plenty of other things to be focused on.

Contrast that with Amazon.com, where nobody was “taught” how to use it. It was designed to make it easy to buy stuff, so people did that. The software we adopt should be intuitive enough that people can get started and do much of the work with little to no training.

Questions to Ask Vendors:

• How quickly can an educator or student start using this software?

• How much IT setup is needed for us to utilize this to its fullest extent?

In the past we would ask, “Do you offer training and ongoing support?” and what we really should be asking is, “Can teachers and students start using this without the need for training?”

Sustainability: The Long Game

Definition: Sustainability considers the long-term impact and viability of AI integration, including cost-effectiveness and environmental impact.

We cannot adopt tools that cost us more in the long run.

Here’s an example: One district adopted a specific piece of technology that was cheaper than their current solution. However, the work hours needed to maintain that new solution far exceeded what the district had been using before.

Contrast this with a district that adopted a new library catalog software that enabled students to self-checkout books in the high school. This freed up the library aides to take on the task of checking out textbooks to students. The new library software cost twice as much as the old software, but freed up over 20 hours per week of staff time so that adults in the building had more time to spend in one-on-one support for students.

Questions to Ask Vendors:

• What are the long-term costs associated with using your product?

• How does your company approach environmental sustainability?

The APLUS Takeaway

By adhering to the principles of Accessibility, Privacy and Ethics, Learner-Centricity, Usability, and Sustainability, you're not just adopting technology; you're embracing a future where every student can thrive. The APLUS framework isn't just a set of guidelines; it's a vision for what education can be in the age of AI.

As you stand on the cusp of this technological frontier, remember: the choices you make today will shape the educational landscape of tomorrow. Choose wisely. ■

Bridging the Gap: Drs. Mike Sieh and Keith Rohwer to Lead NCSA’s Mentorship Program Through Gap Year

By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager

There’s one trip to the orthodontist’s office that Dr. Mike Sieh will never forget.

He was in his thirties, wearing braces and trying to squeeze into a patient chair designed for children and teenagers. That alone was a memorable experience, the former superintendent will tell you, but it was the Teen Creed on the orthodontist’s wall that still sticks with him today.

You are who you hang around with, it read. For Sieh, there was power in the simplicity of the statement.

“If you want to be the best, you want to hang around the best,” Sieh said. “Finding that great set of mentors was important to me. I knew from that moment on that I had to figure out who the best people in this profession are and hang around them.”

Sitting next to Dr. Sieh is NCSA ambassador and longtime superintendent Dr. Keith Rohwer. Coincidentally enough, Rohwer was one of those early mentors who made a positive impact in Sieh’s career. Now the pair will lead NCSA’s mentorship program for the next year, bridging the gap between Dr. Dan Ernst’s retirement as associate executive director.

“The footprint Dr. Ernst's leaving is huge,” said Sieh. “I don’t know if there’s any way Dr. Rohwer and I could possibly fill the

whole footprint, but the goal is to fill as much as we can and leave it in good shape.”

That’s the challenge, maintaining the program that was put in place and then strengthened over the course of Dr. Ernst’s 17 years at NCSA. The groundwork is in place.

At Administrators’ Days, Sieh and Rohwer led two breakout sessions for first-time principals and superintendents. They walked away invigorated and impressed.

“It’s always exciting to see a new batch of people with new, fresh ideas coming out of the chute,” said Sieh. “They’re thinkers. They’ve got issues and plans to address those issues. I’m enthused about them moving forward and moving districts forward.”

Rohwer agreed, calling the new group of administrators an engaged and thoughtful bunch that seemingly hasn’t allowed the steep learning curve that lies ahead deter any of their enthusiasm. They’ll need each other. Ask any school administrator, and they’ll tell you that much is for sure.

“Having mentors and a strong network throughout your career is very important,” Rohwer said. “Whether it be for a sounding board, whether it be for encouragement, or even if it’s helping

Dr. Dan Ernst, who recently retired after 17 years with NCSA and a total of 50 in education, became synonymous with mentorship in the school leader community. Here, Ernst leads a select-a-session at the 2022 Administrators’ Days in Kearney.

you change direction on something you’re thinking of doing. That outside voice is extremely important.”

In this profession, mentorship is invaluable. Sieh thinks back on his: Rohwer, Kyle McGowan, Dr. Kevin Riley and Dr. Mike Teahon, to name a few. Without them, he said, he’d never be where he is today. Mentors are always there, through all the peaks and valleys, triumphs and challenges.

“If you really think about it, a challenge is more than a sticky situation,” Sieh continued. “A challenge is setting direction for your school. It’s putting systemic processes in place to have a great curriculum in place, all of which funnels back to the student. Those are the times when you need to have those mentors, because we don’t live in a vacuum.”

Whenever Sieh did need to make a call, he’d more often than not dial the man he and Rohwer are taking over for. In the spirit of mentorship, that’s almost fortuitously symbolic. One instance from years ago sticks out in particular.

“I said, ‘Dan, I know you’ve been in this situation before, give me the advice,’” Sieh said. “I needed to be mentored right there on the spot. What he told me was so authentic and so genuine as far as how I could go about handling things. It

made complete sense. I was at a loss for words almost, and so appreciative that I called him at that moment.”

The phone line is still open. Drs. Sieh and Rohwer are now on the line. ■

Dr. Keith Rohwer (back left) and Dr. Mike Sieh (back right) lead the “Networking with New Superintendents” select-a-session at Administrators’ Days in late July. Rohwer and Sieh will team up to head NCSA’s mentorship program for the next year.

Navigating the Path of Educational Leadership with Courage

Dr. Dan J. Schnoes, NASA President

I want to thank my colleagues for providing me with the opportunity to serve as the NASA President for 2023-24. It’s an honor and privilege to work with all of you. I currently serve as the administrator of ESU #3 in LaVista. A few months ago, I was informed that I was the first ESU administrator to have been selected to lead NASA, for which I am grateful and humbled. In being asked to submit an article, I found myself reflecting on the journey we’ve undertaken together, on what lies ahead, the impact of having great mentors, and the beliefs that I rely on every day.

Family Values: Nurturing a Culture of Care and Respect

SCHNOES

Courage: The Foundation of Transformational Leadership

In the world of education, courage is not just a virtue – it’s a driving force that propels us toward progress. As educational leaders, we must embrace courage as we navigate uncharted territories and make difficult decisions. Whether it’s introducing innovative teaching methods, advocating for necessary policy changes, engaging families in your community, or addressing societal challenges, our courage sets the tone for our entire educational community. Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. Attending Admin Days each year reminds me to continue to lead with courage and conviction.

Leadership: Guiding the Way Towards Excellence

Leadership is not merely a title; it’s a responsibility and an opportunity to shape the future. As educators, we lead by example, setting the standards of integrity, passion, and dedication. Our actions echo through our school buildings and our programs, fostering an environment where excellence thrives. Effective leadership involves active communication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. We work with some of the brightest educators in the state, and empowering our teams to bring out their best improves the work we do together. Remember, a great leader not only lifts others up but also inspires generations to come.

I am married to a wonderful and brilliant woman (40 years and counting), and as a father of six children and a grandfather to seven (with one on the way), finding the right balance between work and family has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. In the heart of Nebraska, family values are more than just words; they’re the bedrock of our communities. As educational leaders, we have the privilege to extend these values within our schools by how we act, the decisions we make, and the work we do. Just as families provide a safe and supportive environment, our schools and programs should be havens of safety, encouragement, growth, and well-being. By fostering a sense of belonging, we create spaces where students, teachers, and staff thrive by feeling valued and connected. At the same time, you will never regret finding the time to keep your family your #1 priority.

Hard Work: Paving the Way to Success

Hard work is the cornerstone of any accomplishment, and dedication to our programs and schools exemplifies this principle. From long hours to intricate planning, our commitment drives us forward, ensuring that our students receive the education they deserve and our staff are appreciated and valued. By instilling in our staff and our students the value of hard work, perseverance, and a growth mindset, we inspire them to reach for their dreams with determination and resilience. My parents modeled for me every day the desire to work hard and notice when a job is done well. The American Dream is out there; we just need to keep working hard to achieve it.

Gratitude: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation

In the midst of our busy schedules, it’s essential to pause and express gratitude. Gratitude not only uplifts our spirits but also creates a positive atmosphere in our schools. As educational leaders, please take the time to acknowledge the hard work of our educators, staff, parents, and students. A simple “thank you” can have a profound impact, fostering a culture of appreciation that boosts morale and strengthens bonds within our educational community. It takes only a few moments to do, and it doesn’t cost you a dime, but this simple investment can pay dividends for a lifetime.

Keeping Kids First: Our Ultimate Priority

Above all, our mission centers around the children we serve. Every decision we make, every initiative we undertake – they all should be guided by the best interests of our students. By keeping kids first, we ensure that their needs are at the forefront of our minds, driving us to create educational experiences that prepare them for a successful future.

Collaborating with teachers, parents, and the broader community to provide support to our schools is essential to the work we do and the educational environment we strive to provide. The kids we have in school today will not only be the next group of educators but will also be taking care of our generation tomorrow. What kind of education do we want for our grandchildren? What kind of care would we like to receive as we grow older?

In conclusion, my journey in education has been filled with interesting challenges, amazing triumphs, some heartaches, and some awesome opportunities. I have been truly blessed with a family that has supported me in every way. My leadership team at ESU #3 is one of the best I have ever worked with. Our goal is to make ESU #3 a great place to work every day. The opportunity to work alongside all of you has made this journey fulfilling. Together, we shape the landscape of learning in our state, guiding our ESUs and school districts toward excellence and ensuring a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to education. Let’s continue on this journey together with energy and a steadfast resolve to make a positive difference in the lives of the young minds entrusted to our care. It all starts with a little courage. ■

October 4-5, 2023 Embassy Suites, Lincoln

October 4 Highlights: Preconference Workshop on Negotiations Social at Tomahawks Axe Throwing

October 5 Highlights: Basically Incredible Keynote with Matt Booth Breakout Sessions

Dr. Dan Schnoes

"In the world of education, courage is not just a virtue – it’s a driving force that propels us toward progress."

A Conversation with Nebraska School Safety and Security Director Jay Martin

By Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager

It’s been just over two years since LB 322 was passed, expanding the game-changing Safe2Help Nebraska program to schools statewide.

When Nebraska School Safety and Security Director Jay Martin stepped into his role last year, he said around 30-percent of districts were utilizing the resource. Now, more than 60-percent of the state’s 244 school districts are signed up with Safe2Help.

With ongoing funding secured during the legislative session, Martin envisions districts will continue to climb on board, even the ones with their own anonymous reporting systems. Martin

has been encouraging those districts to utilize Safe2Help, too. When it comes to student safety, there’s no such thing as excess.

“It’s a free service,” Martin said. “It gives children another avenue to be able to report concerns and change the path of a potential incident in their school.”

Safe2Help Nebraska’s rapid growth can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the program works. It’s proven. Martin was a deputy sheriff in Colorado when the state introduced the Safe2Tell reporting line. That model, the foundation for Safe2Help Nebraska, was improved over the course of two decades.

“It was perfected in Nebraska,” said Martin, “by using Boys Town as the call center, where you have a crisis counselor available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is unprecedented in any state across the country, I believe.”

Martin

Martin and the NDE school safety staff have a strong relationship with the team from Boys Town, meeting monthly and communicating constantly. School districts and their threat assessment teams are an important leg of that partnership,

Jay

"My goal is to have everybody have that pillar mindset in their own communities about what school safety is."

The NDE school safety team called upon 2023 Bellevue West graduates and award-winning slam poets Amelia Escalante and Tamyia Bender to deliver messaging in the latest series of Safe2Help Nebraska commercials.

and reaching them has been a priority of Martin’s since he joined the department.

“It’s important to be out in front of people and to let them know what this is really about,” Martin said. “There were some early misconceptions as far as what it is and how it works, and being able to actually get in front of people, as opposed to connecting on a little box or a Zoom call, has helped to clear that up.”

There have been a total of 10 videos produced to promote Safe2Help Nebraska, four animated, four informational, and, most recently, a commercial showcasing two student slam poets from Bellevue West High School, 2023 graduates Amelia Escalante and Tamyia Bender.

“A message coming from students is always going to resonate more with young people, as opposed to coming from myself or another adult,” Martin said.

Safe2Help Nebraska has remained 100-percent anonymous. About 80-percent of reports are received via text message, with cyberbullying being the most common report fielded. The team behind Safe2Help is cognizant of how young people communicate. Their program reflects that.

Students being fully confident in the system’s anonymity is key to its success.

“To keep our kids safe, this is ideal,” Martin said. “Again, it diverts and changes the path of an incident.”

Martin, having been involved in a school shooting himself, knows how critical even a slight diversion can be in preventing such tragedies. Nine out of 10 times, the data shows, there’s something said about an incident before it happens. Often, it all comes down to providing an avenue for a student to report it.

“That’s where the anonymous reporting comes into play,” he continued. “Say you have a potential suicide. Instead of having that grave thing happen at your school, you’ve now diverted it and are getting that person the mental health treatment that they need.”

Martin’s goal is the same as Safe2Help Nebraska’s has always been; to enhance school safety statewide by utilizing all resources at hand.

“We want to make sure our Nebraska schools are taken care of,” he said. “My goal is to have everybody have that pillar mindset in their own communities about what school safety is, and anonymous reporting is just one of those many pieces of a school that’s safe, sound, and secure.” ■

NCSA was invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Boys Town’s new Career Education Center on August 3. Following the ceremony, Executive Director Dr. Mike Dulaney and Communications Manager Tyler Dahlgren received a tour of the facility.

Superintendent Turnover

Dr. Michael Sieh & Dr. Jerry Beach, Wayne State College

In Support of Current/Aspiring Superintendents

The legendary Dr. Dan Ernst, Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) Associate Executive Director, decided this year, 2023, to spend well-earned time with his family after years of taking care of countless school administrators across Nebraska. Dr. Mike Dulaney, NCSA Executive Director, needed to quickly build a bridge between Dr. Ernst’s retirement and finding the right fit for his replacement – no small task given Dr. Ernst’s talent and experience. To continue Dr. Ernst’s work, Dr. Dulaney asked Dr. Keith Rohwer and Dr. Mike Sieh to step in for a year.

has been on-going through emails and sessions held during Administrator Days.

Along with new administrator programs is a commitment to mentoring for all school administrators, regardless of tenure in a position. Administrators seeking mentoring are encouraged to call the NCSA office and information will be passed along to both Drs. Rohwer and Sieh. One of them will then be in direct contact.

According to a recent article in Education Week, “3 Benefits of Superintendent Mentoring Programs,” mentoring has three effects: 1) helps address superintendent turnover, 2) strengthens superintendent peer network, and 3) provides fresh ideas for veteran superintendents. Dr. Ernst’s career efforts reflected a commitment to each of these program attributes and Drs. Rohwer and Sieh will endeavor to provide continued support for NCSA members.

The New Year

At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, there are 244 PK-12 Nebraska public school districts. Forty-one (41) new superintendents or interim superintendents lead school districts across Nebraska. The 2023-2024 rate of turnover in the state is 14.8% this year, similar to 15.6% in 2022-23. The 2023-24 rate is on par with the average annual turnover for superintendents in Nebraska since 2000-01. The Nebraska number would seem to be in line with national trends. Dr. Rachel White, University of Tennessee, conducted a comprehensive, national analysis of superintendent turnover in over 12,500 public school districts since 2019. Her analyses reflected an increase in a nationwide superintendent turnover of nearly three percentage points – from 14.2 percent between 2019-20 and 2020-21 to 17.1 percent between 2021-22 and 2022-23. More than one out of every three states (37 percent) had a turnover rate greater than 20 percent between the last two school years.

To get up to speed, Drs. Rohwer and Sieh met with Dr. Ernst and Dr. Dulaney on several occasions to discuss the expectations. Administrator mentoring was identified as a primary focus. Priority was given to maintaining existing administrator mentoring programs for new principals (Networking with New Principals) and superintendents new to the position or transitioning to a new school. To that end, communications with all new building principals and district superintendents

The average tenure-in-position for Nebraska at the start of the new year will be 4.8 years. This mark is consistent with past years.

The backgrounds of the new superintendents for 2023-24: 15 - from other superintendent positions; 11 - from principal roles; 7 - from positions in central offices; 5 – from retired superintendents; 1 – from parochial school administrator; 1 - from ESU coordinator; and 1 – from classroom teacher. Four of the fifteen moving from superintendent position to

SIEH BEACH

Dr. Michael Sieh & Dr. Jerry Beach

"The average tenure-in-position for Nebraska at the start of the new year will be 4.8 years."

superintendent position came from out-of-state. For a variety of reasons, seven of the new superintendents assumed his/ her role prior to the completion of the 2022-23 school year.

Of 41 changes in superintendent status from a year ago, 18 individuals are retiring. This number represents about 7.4% of those who were in top leadership positions last year. The 2022 RAND 5th American School District Panel reflected 12% of superintendents nationwide reporting plans to leave their position by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Seven former superintendents were out of education last year and are returning for 2023-2024. Career changes shared in Table 1:

and Mark Aten has 22 years in Overton. Starting their 20th year will be Del Dack of Paxton and David Spencer of South Platte.

For purposes of this article, the veteran level is reached with the 15th year as superintendent in the same district. Table 2 lists all the superintendents who have 15 years of experience or more tenure in a single school district. We have six on-deck for veteran status with 14 years, six with 13 years, and seven with 12 years.

Of note this year: a) Nine first-year execs are serving on an interim basis at the start of the 2023-2024 school term; b) 18 superintendents in year-one are assuming a public-school superintendent position for the first time; c) 105 of 243 (43.2%) superintendents have three years or less tenure in the same district, inclusive of the 2023-24 school year.

Same District Tenure

Over the past 15 years, Nebraska has averaged slightly over four superintendents serving 20 years or more in the same school district. This year we have six. Jon Cerny continues to lead the pack as he starts his 31st year as the superintendent in the Bancroft-Rosalie Public Schools. Robert Hanzlik is next in line with 24 years leading the Stuart school district. Jeff Anderson at Fullerton has 23 years in the same school system,

NATIONAL CONVENTION DATES

Table 1 – Changes in superintendent status

Table 2 – School Superintendent Experience including 20232024 School Year

Service Unit Directors

In 2011, the originator of this report, Dr. Jim Ossian, started tracking Educational Service Unit (ESU) administrators in this annual article. This group of educational leaders provides invaluable assistance to PK-12 school districts in their service areas ranging from staff development to technology. Functioning within each district's central office administration are ESU18 (Lincoln Public Schools) and ESU19 (Omaha Public Schools). Table 3 lists each ESU administrator according to years of experience.

Nebraska and their respective tenure in their current school district.

Kraig Lofquist, ESU Coordinating Commission CEO, is starting his fifth year and has served as an administrator within the ESU system for 14 years.

Women Superintendents

A final scan of superintendents looks at the state's progress concerning gender equity with the superintendency. The 2022-2023 AASA Superintendent Salary and Benefits Study demographics data shows the percentage of female superintendents in the nation at 26.4%. Nebraska trails that number with 12.0% of the state's top educational leaders being female. Table 4 reflects women serving as a superintendent in

Despite the slow progress towards gender equity in superintendents' roles, ESU administrators represent women well. Of the 17 ESU leaders, seven are female. The result is 44% of ESU administrators are women.

Table 3 – ESU Administrator Experience including 20232024 School Year

Table 4 – Women Superintendent Experience including 2023-2024 School Year

Superintendent/ESU Administrator Longevity

John Cerny is the lone superintendent with 30+ years as a superintendent. The only superintendent with 25-29 years of superintendent experience in multiple districts is John Hakonson (28 at Newcastle, Blue Hill, Sidney, and Lexington).

Fourteen additional superintendents have 20 years or more experience, including some who have served multiple districts/ESUs. Because tenure in multiple districts/ESUs can be more challenging to track, please let us know if your name was omitted from this list. Table 6 on the right displays superintendents/ESU administrators who have 20 years or more of total superintendent/ESU experience.

Selected Historical Nebraska Public School District Superintendent Data

As stated earlier, Dr. Jim Ossian created this state of the Nebraska superintendent article. Upon Dr. Ossian’s retirement, Dr. Craig Pease inherited the article. During Dr. Pease’s tenure crafting this article, he did an excellent job of reporting and enhancing the data presentation. Our hats are off to the efforts of both Dr. Ossian and Dr. Pease!

The 2020 AASA Decennial Superintendent Survey reported the number one activity in which superintendents plan to engage when leaving the profession is to enjoy more leisure time. As retired superintendents, we have to say this is an admirable plan for retirement. Our only suggestion is for each of you to enjoy more leisure time in the coming years before you retire.

Lastly, Table 7 depicts trends in the Nebraska superintendency over several years. As we analyzed past trends, we cannot help but wonder what the data will show in future reports. ■

Table 5 – ESU Women Administrator Experience including the 2023-2024 School Year

Table 6 – Total Tenure including the 2023-2024 School Year & current district/ESU

Table 7 – Historical Nebraska Superintendency Trends

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 a UNL EDAD faculty member and his doctoral student. Please contact them directly for questions and comments.

New Partnership Seeks to Bring Schools, UNL, and Communities Together to Address Challenges

By Dr. Sarah Zuckerman

For too long demography and geography have been educational destiny in the United States. Breaking this pattern remains the greatest challenge to educational equity, with implications for workforce and community development. This wicked problem has roots across the ecosystem in which children develop. To fulfill the promise of equitable educational outcomes, approaches to school improvement must adapt to local strengths and challenges to serve diverse students and communities.

Nebraska boasts strong high school graduation rates, strong rates of completion of two-year post-secondary degrees, and higher rates of bachelor's degrees than most states in the region. Conversely, on the most recent round of state assessments in 2021-22, only about half of students in grades 3-8 scored proficient in reading and math. While science scores in 5th and 8th-grade science were a bright spot, with two-thirds of students scoring in the proficient range, only about half of 11th-graders scored in the proficient range on the ACT in all three subjects.

These data suggest a gap between degree completion and college and career readiness for Nebraska’s young people. The combination of low unemployment and low wages in the state likewise suggests a gap between degree completion and readiness for the 21st-century workforce, including “good jobs” in middle-skill fields such as public service, health care, and technology and high-wage jobs in professional and technical fields. The gaps between graduation and college and career readiness are not evenly distributed across Nebraska. Demographic and geographic disparities in outcomes suggest both within and between school variations.

The Nebraska Community Action Research for Equity and Sustainability (NE CARES) project in the College of Education

and Human Sciences at UNL seeks to work with schools and communities to reduce these variations by engaging in collaborative, context- and practicebased problem-solving efforts. Our strategy differs from traditional research by seeking to collaboratively develop research questions and designs to answer the questions most pressing to school and community members. The NE CARES team includes faculty and Nebraska Extension specialists and educators specializing in education and health, recognizing the relationship between healthy development and learning.

Currently engaged in the first stage of the work, NE CARES team members have been traveling to communities across the state to learn about what matters to them and their hopes and dreams for young people. We plan to take what we’ve learned to develop the next stage of the work, engaging in co-created pilot projects with schools and communities to research and refine processes for collaboration between university researchers and school and community members. We will also work to identify the infrastructure necessary to better support research-practice partnerships and communityengaged research in Nebraska.

If your school and community would be interested in participating in a listening session or pilot project, please contact Dr. Sarah Zuckerman at NECARES@unl.edu. ■

Contact Information:

Dr. Sarah Zuckerman

NECARES@unl.edu

ZUCKERMAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 20 School Law Update – Holiday Inn – Kearney, NE

Sept. 27-28

Educators Academy for Legislative Advocacy

Sept. 30 NCSA Tailgate: NU vs. Michigan – NCSA Offices – Lincoln, NE (TBD kickoff)

Oct. 4-5 Labor Relations – Embassy Suites – Lincoln, NE

Oct. 19

Nov. 1

Safety and Security Conference – Embassy Suites – Lincoln, NE

Emerging Superintendents Workshop – NCSA Offices – Lincoln, NE

Nov. 6 NE Fall Ed Tech Conference – YCC South – Kearney, NE

Nov. 15-17 State Education Conference –CHI Center – Omaha, NE

Nov. 29 Legislative Preview – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE

Dec. 6-7 State Principals Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln, NE

Jan. 27 & Feb. 3 Emerging Administrators – NCSA Offices – Lincoln, NE

Feb. 8-9

NASES Legislative Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln

Mar. 6 GRIT – Virtual

Mar. 20-21

Apr. 11-12

Apr. 18-19

July 24-26

Celebrating Women in Leadership – Holiday Inn - Kearney

NASBO State Convention – Embassy Suites – Lincoln

NASES Spring Conference – Weborg 21 Centre – Scottsbluff

Administrators’ Days – YCC North – Kearney

October 19, 2023Embassy Suites - Lincoln

Featuring:

• Is That a Threat? Distinguishing Danger From Drama in Academic and Workplace Settings with Wendy Patrick

• Saving Sycamore: The School Shooting That Never Happened with Molly Hudgens

• 16 Breakout Sessions

• Scholarship Opportunity to Cover Cost

SPONSORSHIP

GOLD SPONSORSHIP

American Fidelity

Stacey Anderson

stacey.anderson@americanfidelity.com

3100 SW Huntoon, #102 Topeka, KS 66604 (800) 365-1167 americanfidelity.com

BCDM Architects

Matthew Erion merion@bcdm.net

1015 N. 98th Street, Ste. 300 Omaha, NE 68114 402.391.2211 bcdm.net

Boyd Jones Construction

Emily Bannick ebannick@boydjones.biz

950 So. 10th Street, Ste. 100 Omaha, NE 68108 402-553-1804 boydjones.biz

BVH Architecture

Cleveland Reeves creeves@bvh.com Lincoln/Omaha/Denver 402-475-4551 bvh.com

D.A. Davidson & Co.

Paul Grieger pgrieger@dadco.com

450 Regency Parkway, Ste. 400 Omaha, NE 68114 402-392-7986 Dadavidson.com

DLR Group

Brett Nanninga bnanninga@dlrgroup.com

6457 Frances Street, Ste. 200 Omaha, NE 68106 402-393-4100 dlrgroup.com

ESUCC

Kraig Lofquist klofquist@esucc.org

6949 So. 110th Street Omaha, NE 68128 402-597-4866 esucc.org

Facility Advocates

Dave Raymond draymond@facilityadvocates.com

3730 S. 149th Street, Suite 104 Omaha, NE 68144 402-206-8777 facilityadvocates.com

First National Capital Markets

Craig Jones craigjones@fnni.com

1620 Dodge Street, Ste. 1104 Omaha, NE 68197 402-598-1218 fncapitalmarkets.com

Horace Mann

Keith Jorgensen keith.jorgensen@horacemann.com

617 Stolley Park Road Grand Island, NE 68801 402-290-3116 horacemann.com

National Insurance Services

Megan Ware mware@nisbenefits.com

268 N 115th St, Suite 4 Omaha, NE 68154 402-506-2170 NISBenefits.com

Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund

Barry Ballou balloub@pfmam.com

455 So. 11th Street Lincoln, NE 68508 402-705-0350 nlafpool.org

OnToCollege

John Baylor john@ontocollege.com

P.O. Box 30792 Lincoln, NE 68503

402-475-7737 ontocollege.com

TeamMates Mentoring Program

DeMoine Adams dadams@teammates.org

11615 Centennial Rd. #200 La Vista, NE 68128 TeamMates.org

Trane

Matt Foertsch mfoertsch@trane.com

11937 Portal Road, Ste. 100 LaVista, NE 68128 402-718-0721 tranetechnologies.com

UNANIMOUS

Matt O'Gorman matt@beunanimous.com

8600 Executive Woods, Ste. 300 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-423-5447 beunanimous.com

SILVER SPONSORSHIP

BlazerWorks

Raul Giron

Raul.Giron@Blazerworks.com

5550 Peachtree Parkway

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 blazerworks.com

Cheever Construction

Doug Klute

dklute@cheeverconstruction.com

3425 North 44th Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68504 402-477-6745 cheeverconstruction.com

Clark & Enersen

Steve Miller steve.miller@clarkenersen.com

1010 Lincoln Mall, Ste. #200 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-477-9291 clarkenersen.com

CMBA Architects

Troy Keilig

keilig.t@cmbaarchitects.com

208 N Pine St, Ste 301 Grand Island, NE 68801 308-384-4444 cmbaarchitects.com

Cognia

Shannon Vogler shannon.vogler@cognia.org

9115 Westside Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 30009 888-413-3669 Ext. 5801 cognia.org

Crouch Recreation, Inc.

Eric Crouch nicole@crouchrec.com

1309 S 204th Street #330 Elkhorn, Ne 68022 402-496-2669 crouchrec.com

Cunningham Recreation / GameTime

Terri Strong terri@cunninghamrec.com

P.O. Box 240981 Charlotte, North Carolina 28224 800-438-2780 cunninghamrec.com

Humanex Ventures

Brad Black info@humanexventures.com

2900 S 70th Street, Ste. 100 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-486-2158 humanexventures.com

Modern Images

Bradley Cooper brad@champshots.com

13436 So. 217th Street Gretna, NE 68028 402-991-7786 misportsphotography.com

Piper Sandler & Company

Jay Spearman

Jay.Spearman@psc.com

11422 Miracle Hills Drive, Ste 408 Omaha, NE 68154 402-599-0307 pipersandler.com

Renaissance Mark Kessler Mark.Kessler@renaissance.com 2911 Peach Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 55494 800-338-4204 ext. 4712 renaissance.com

Software Unlimited, Inc.

Corey Atkinson caa@su-inc.com

5015 S. Broadband Lane Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-361-2073 su.inc.com

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP

Avel eCare

Sheila Freed

Sheila.Freed@AveleCare.com

4510 N. Lewis Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 605-606-0100 avelecare.com

Navitas, LLC

Shane Alexander

salexander@navitas.us.com

4816 S. 167th Street Omaha, NE 68135 402-360-3135 navitas.us.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

Nebraska Council of School Administrators

455 S 11th Street, Suite A • Lincoln, NE 68508-2105