I love this time of year. The weather isn’t too cold and football season is still kicking (congratulations Southeast Knights and the ninth Class A football state championship in the school’s history).

I also love the season because there are a couple holidays that provide opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones. On occasion, we are reminded of the importance of family to our well-being and happiness. I had such an experience last Friday with the birth of our second granddaughter, Brooklyn. As I arrived at the hospital, I was presented with this incredible bundle of joy who was not even three hours old.

I was proud that I held my emotions in check, because I was a blubbering embarrassment at the first birth. My thoughts ranged from my role as a father in the creation of the family – to the pride I felt in my daughter and son-in-law – to a sense of how important their educational opportunities will be.

I truly feel blessed this Thanksgiving holiday.

Last night we presented the first reading of the LPS Strategic Plan to the Lincoln Board of Education, and I am looking forward to final approval in December. Many thanks to all who participated and contributed to helping our school district reach this point. I look upon this accomplishment as one of the most significant tasks and responsibilities in my role as superintendent. And I assure you: This plan will not sit on a shelf, but will serve as a living and breathing document that we will use to measure our work.

I would close with a wish for all of you to enjoy the upcoming break and have a happy Thanksgiving.

Steve