Lefler opened on September 12, 1955. This junior high/middle school was named for Millard C. Lefler, a former superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools. Mr. Lefler started his Lincoln career as assistant principal of Lincoln High School in 1917. Within two years, he moved into the central administration as “Superintendent of Measurements and Research” and in 1920 was appointed superintendent.
Lefler immediately began to reorganize the school administration, initiate the junior high system, develop vocational training in the senior high, expand adult education, institute the guidance program, and start audio-visual instruction. Amid this flurry of activity he also was able to undertake the financing and construction of many new schools, sorely needed to replace the deteriorated plants that he had inherited.
What is truly amazing about Mr. Lefler is that he was able to keep up this breakneck pace through a major depression and world war. He was superintendent for a total of 28 years – until 1948 – which is extraordinary in any school district but astonishing in a university town.
After his retirement Lefler served in Japan as an educational consultant with General MacArthur’s headquarters. When he returned to Lincoln, he became a real estate salesman with his son-in-Iaw’s firm.
This human dynamo died in 1976 at the age of 94. Probably much of what is excellent about LPS today is traceable to Lefler’s legacy of achievement.
