Tekamah-Herman Superintendent on Future of School

Since the Board of Education approved hiring Educational Consulting Services and Jerry McCall to help guide them toward a decision concerning the future facilities of our district, there has not been a lot of information to report. What I can definitively share is that he is extremely thorough in his craft and will certainly have a multitude of information he is able to share with the Board.

Mr. McCall has the ability and resources at his disposal to gather far more information and predictive data, and in turn interpret those facts, more adeptly than any single body or organization (superintendent, Board of Education, community committee) could possibly imagine. He has been in contact with the leadership in both Tekamah and Herman, Burt County officials, economic development, community colleges, regional planners, staff members at within the district, and others to accrue as much information as possible before developing some of his own thoughts. He will be sharing with a Board committee as he works through the process, with goal to being for the Board to come to a consensus, based on facts and professional input, as to the best solution for Tekamah-Herman Schools. Mr. McCall is expected to be done with his work no later than September 1^st, though may be completed sooner.

While I understand the public interest, and encourage that to be sustained, this is a process that must be completed. Following the failed bond election in November, the Board has continued to work toward a solution to our facility concerns. The issues are significant and have not been “placed aside”, but there may not be something to report on progress every week or even two. The Board is excited to have Jerry contributing his expertise and continues to focus on moving forward with addressing the facility needs as appropriately as possible.

I am available to provide tours of our facilities at any time for those that are interested. As is always recommended, please communicate with Board members about any questions, concerns, or conversations you may have regarding the district. The most effective school districts are those that have great teachers, wonderful students, good facilities, and positive public support from the patrons within the communities. We certainly have the ability to be a great district and hope each of you strives for the same.

Brandon Lavaley