The small taste of winter aside, this has been another great week for Lincoln Public Schools.
* The previously mentioned decision to move LPS District Offices back to 59th and O streets – has yielded exciting discussions regarding possibilities for the sale of the frontage corner of the property.
* Today, we were able to announce incredible gains in the school district’s high school graduation rate. With 2 percent gains in on-time graduation and major gains in our sub-population groups, we can be mighty proud of our success.
As I have stated publicly, our school district is a top performer in our community, state and country. With a poverty rate of 42 percent (measured by free and reduced lunches) and a minority rate of 30 percent, I believe we would rank near the top in achievement when compared to school districts with similar demographics. When I think about the many academic accomplishments in light of significant student growth this year, I am even more impressed.
The teaching and learning formula works in Lincoln. One of our primary arguments for changes in the state aid distribution formula – for state financial aid – is that our gains definitely come at a cost. When our state aid decreases, like it did last year, school districts like LPS have to make painful decisions that could disrupt that momentum. This will be one of my priorities going forward.
Last Friday night, I attended the Teammates Gala Event as a guest speaker along with my former Teammate from Grand Island, Juan. There were approximately 1,500 in attendance from around the state who shared a belief that mentoring is a great way to change lives. I know it has changed my life, as I had the pleasure of mentoring a young man who came to the United States at the age of 6 – unable to speak English. Today, he is a sophomore at UNL with a job offer from the CEO of Kiewit based on his amazing ability to speak from the heart in front of all those people. Did I mention how proud I am of him?
Other good news of the week was an announcement that our United Way giving increased by 9 percent this year. I can’t tell you how proud that makes me feel when I see our business community ‘s appreciation for that kind of generosity. The Foundation for LPS is currently in the midst of a campaign that I hope will yield a similar result. I have been told that the incentive of a district-wide jeans day should help.
Have a great weekend…
Steve
