On September 24th, the Gretna Public School District Board of Education was honored with the prestigious President’s Board Award, presented by the Nebraska Association of School Boards. This recognition celebrates the Board’s dedication to excellence in leadership and their ongoing commitment to professional development. Board members Greg Beach, Mark Hauptman, Rick Hollendieck, Kyle Janssen, Dawn Stock, and Blake Turpen were acknowledged for their exceptional efforts.
Presented at the Area Membership Conference, this award is the highest honor given to a school board in Nebraska. It marks the 29th time since 1998 that the Gretna Board has received this accolade, a record unmatched by any of the state’s over 240 school boards. This consistent achievement reflects the Board’s focus on best practices and student-centered leadership, benefiting both students and the Gretna community.
Superintendent Travis Lightle remarked, “It is truly remarkable that the only President’s Board Award presented in Nebraska was earned solely by the Gretna Public School Board. This really proves the commitment of our Board members to the students, staff, and community of Gretna. Pursuit of excellence not only strengthens our leadership but also ensures that our students receive the best educational experience possible.”
Every school board in the state has the opportunity to earn this award by participating in professional development programs and attending conferences. However, the Gretna Public School Board has distinguished itself through its unmatched dedication, consistently putting in the time and effort required to achieve this level of excellence.
The Board’s commitment to continuous education directly impacts the quality of their decision-making, creating an environment where students can thrive academically and socially. By ensuring that district policies, budgets, and curricula are informed by the latest best practices, the Board helps create opportunities for student success. Additionally, the community benefits from this leadership, fostering greater trust and engagement, as the Board sets a positive example across the state.
In addition to the President’s Board Award, individual board members were recognized for their accomplishments in leadership development. Greg Beach and Blake Turpen earned Level II, Mark Hauptman achieved Level V, Dawn Stock reached Level VII, Kyle Janssen earned Level VI, and Rick Hollendieck was honored with Level VIII. These levels reflect each member’s ongoing dedication to furthering their leadership skills, ensuring they continue to serve Gretna with excellence.