I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended a local K-12 Catholic School. After high school, I decided teaching was a career I wanted to pursue, and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Coaching from the College of St. Thomas (now named the University of St. Thomas). My first job in a school system was on the maintenance and janitorial staff at Saint Bernard’s Catholic School, the high school I attended. For two years, I learned the inner workings of a school from the buildings and grounds perspective, before before being hired at the same school as K-8 Physical Education Teacher and Coach. After six in this position, the job of Dean of Students came open, and I was able to maintain that position for four years, until I was hired as K-12 Principal from 2000-2005. In 2005, my family and I decided it was time for a change as I had spent the first 40 years of my life as a student or staff person at Saint Bernard’s. in 2005, I was hired as 7-12 Principal at Battle Creek Junior/Senior High School, followed by my current position as Superintendent at Wayne Community Schools from 2009-present. I have been blessed with many people who have inspired me and supported me along the way. Most importantly, my wife Lisa of 34 years, my son Joey, his wife Lexie, and their daughter and my granddaughter Coley, and my daughter Maria and her husband Daryn. Being a superintendent is a rewarding, and sometimes difficult job, that can only be successful by the work of the staff, the support of the parents and community, and awesome students. I am honored to represent Wayne Community Schools and the State of Nebraska as the Superintendent of the Year, and I am humbled and grateful for so many people who have helped me along the way!
Past AASA Nebraska Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2022 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year: Terry Haack
2021 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year: James Sutfin
2020 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year: Mark Adler
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement