Superintendent

2022 - Weeping Water received a $350,000 grant from the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation to start a center-based childcare facility at the school.  This facility serves up to 45 children ages birth to preschool in the Weeping Water Community.  The ongoing grant helps to provide childcare to at-risk children in the community.

2018 - Auburn Public Schools received the Child Care Partnership Grant (CCP).  The CCP Grant works with local child care providers to implement Step Up to Quality.  APS received $130,000 in start up funds and $200,000 each year after to provide coaching, training and resources to these providers.

2018 - Auburn Public Schools received $10,000 to initiate community cafe' events.  These events focus on parent education and community collaboration. 

2017/2018 - The Community Health Partnership of Nemaha County awarded Auburn Public Schools $10,000 over two years to implement the Life of an Athlete Program.  The Bulldog Way was developed with these funds.

2017 - Auburn Public Schools received $90,000 over three years to start an afterschool program.  DOGS Academy Afterschool program was developed  students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade after school. The program features a snack, homework time, physical activity, and STEM projects.

2016 - Auburn Public Schools received a $220,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and $25,000 from the Nebraska Natural Resources District to build a greenhouse.  The greenhouse provides hands on experiences for students in agriculture and biology.

2015 - Auburn Public Schools received a $100,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Education to expand preschool classes.  The grant allowed APS to provide preschool education to an additional 30 to 40 students.  This expansion, along with other local providers, ensures that all children students can receive preschool.

2022 - As part of the Weeping Water grant, we collaborated with Conestoga Public Schools for an additional $150,000 so they could start a childcare at thier site.  Weeping Water was the fiscal agent for the entire grant  project.  

2015 - Auburn Public Schools started a Sixpence Early Childhood Program.  Sixpence works with at-risk parents of children birth to age 3.  APS received $75,000 per year in 2015 and 2016.  Since 2017, APS has received $85,000 per year for the program.

2014,  2016, 2022 - Auburn Public Schools received $24,000 in 2014 and $60,000 in 2016  and Weeping Water Public Schools received $24,000 in 2022 through the Clean Diesel Program.  APS replaced 4  and WWPS 2 old diesel buses with new buses that meet EPA Standards.

2014 - Auburn received $25,000 in grant funds through the Sustainable Schools Programs (SSP).  The SSP grant funds were used to landscape around the school buildings with plants native to Nebraska.  The SSP areas are currently used as educational areas for students.

2013 - Auburn took part in ReVision.  ReVision is a process of reviewing community values and needs related to vocational programs.  Over the course of three years, APS received $160,000 in grant funds.  A portion of the funds are used to start an Agriculture program at Auburn Middle School / High School.  Additional funds are used purchased a metal laser cutter for the Shop and all new appliances for the Family and Consumer Science Program. Our program is highlighted in the following video: Auburn CTE Program

Student safety is my top priority. A vital part of student safety is a close working relationship with first responders.   Our objective is for students to feel comfortable with our first responders.  The sheriff's department is welcome to our schools at any time to visit with students.  They also provide DARE classes, participate in our drills, and safety walk throughs.  Our Emergency Management service provides identification cards for our staff.  The Fire Department participates in our safety meetings and provides fire safety programs for the school.

Auburn Public Schools and the Ariens Corporation worked hand in hand.  Ariens was a key partner in revamping our welding program.  With Ariens' help, we added an Advanced Welding Course at AHS.  This class focuses on advanced welding techniques that students would need to take when applying for employment out of high school.  Ariens donated welding machines to the school.  An Ariens employee instructed students throughout the year on welding techniques.

Peru State College resides in the Auburn Public Schools District.  PSC and APS work together in numerous ways:

• Hosting athletic events
• Teaching Academy
• Child Care Partnership with PSC Daycare
• Employing PSC pre-education students in the afterschool program
• Several practium and student teachers each year

APS partnered with the City of Auburn, Ariens, and the family of a former Auburn Doctor to create a Nature Explore Classroom.  The classroom located 2 blocks from Calvert Elementary and within walking distance of several child care facilities is designed to allow children the opportunity to explore nature in this area.

As the three largest governmental agencies in our area,school, the city, and county share as many services.  Our goal is to save taxpayer funds by reducing duplication of services. When at Auburn or Weeping Water, I was always exploring ways to share cost savings with the other two entities.

Both Weeping Water and Auburn Public Schools works with Headstart, private preschools, and church-based preschools to provide quality education for all students.  Instructors meet on a regular basis to review data and plan family events.  Our vision is to maximize each program's strengths while respecting the parents' wishes.