Community invited to open house June 1 honoring Superintendent Steve Joel

The community is invited to an open house honoring Steve Joel on Wednesday, June 1, from 4-6 p.m. at Southeast High School in the commons area. Joel is finishing a 37-year career in education, 12 at Lincoln Public Schools, with his retirement on June 30. There will be brief remarks given at 4:30 p.m.

Joel joined LPS in 2010 after serving as the superintendent for Grand Island Public Schools for 10 years. Joel’s first challenge at LPS came within his first year when a tragic fire resulted in a complete loss of the LPS District Office in 2011. During his time as superintendent, he has focused on comprehensive solutions to significant school and community issues. LPS has faced booming enrollment, adding approximately 5,700 students in the last 10 years, and passed two bond referendums to build new schools and renovate existing buildings while increasing school security measures and the technology infrastructure.

Through Joel’s leadership, LPS has also adopted a comprehensive instructional technology plan and developed The Career Academy, along with announcing the addition of three new focus programs opening in the next two years.

Joel has been honored with a wide variety of awards and distinctions, including Nebraska Superintendent of the Year and Leadership Excellence by the Educational Resource Development Institute.

---