Lasting Legacy: School, city leaders honor Wieskamp for leading LPS operations team

June 3, 2025

Scott Wieskamp has designed positive moments for thousands of Lincoln Public Schools students with his architectural, leadership and communication talents.
 
Wieskamp will retire from his position as LPS director of operations later this month after serving a generation of students, staff and area residents. His ability to construct positive relationships throughout the city has ushered in an era of exponential growth for the school district. LPS has expanded its footprint by three million square feet, provided safe and healthy places for learning and become a national facilities leader under his watch.
 
People from across the city gathered at Lincoln Children’s Zoo this spring to celebrate Wieskamp’s legacy-leaving tenure at LPS. A long line of well-wishers stretched outside the door to talk with him and share their memories of how he impacted their time in Lincoln. He told them that he appreciated all of the LPS friendships that have been formed since his first workday in 1999.
 
“The fact that you’re all here means a lot to me, so thank you,” Wieskamp said.
 
Wieskamp oversees all custodial services, maintenance and facilities operations across the school district. This includes work related to architecture, construction, design and planning, cabinetmaking, carpentry, concrete and masonry, custodial services, computer repair, electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), plumbing, playgrounds, mowing, snow removal and swimming pools.
 
Lincoln Board of Education President Bob Rauner said Wieskamp’s wide-ranging knowledge of facilities and maintenance topics has benefited LPS in many ways. Over the past 27 years, LPS has grown from 5.5 million square feet to 8.5 million square feet, added 11 school buildings, doubled the number of high schools and renovated dozens of educational structures.
 
“It’s just amazing to me the logistics that goes into what he does,” Rauner said. “We’re going to have the effect of that for decades, maybe a century.”
 
David Cary, the director of planning at Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Department, echoed those sentiments. He presented Wieskamp with a proclamation from the mayor’s office that declared May 15, 2025, as Scott Wieskamp Day. Cary expressed his gratitude for the open lines of communication that Wieskamp established between LPS and the city for dozens of projects.
 
“It’s not hyperbole to say that Scott’s efforts have literally saved both the school district and the city millions and millions of dollars because of the efficiencies gained from the work that we’ve done together,” Cary said.
 
Wieskamp was raised in Lincoln and attended Pershing Elementary School, Mickle Middle School and Northeast High School. The late Northeast teacher and coach Ed Johnson inspired Wieskamp to study architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and he worked at a local architectural partnership for 14 years before pursuing a job at LPS. He was first hired as supervisor of maintenance and became director of operations in 2001.
 
Wieskamp said he has been fortunate to live and work in a city that values both education and cooperation. His networking skills with the city have led to increased coordination on water and sewer systems, road projects and facilities partnerships.
 
“Lincoln has that can-do attitude, and there aren’t that many communities that have that, so that’s been a thrill for me and really important, so I appreciate that,” Wieskamp said.
 
Denny Van Horn, a former LPS associate superintendent for business affairs, said Wieskamp earned the trust and respect of his staff over the years by approaching every situation with integrity and intelligence. The positive morale that emerged from that leadership style led to high-quality work both inside and outside LPS buildings and facilities.
 
“Thank you for leaving LPS in a far better condition than when you started those many years ago,” Van Horn said in a statement. “You leave a legacy that will impact the school district and community for many years. I pay you the utmost respect and gratitude for what you have done and who you are.”
 
Wieskamp credited his staff for working hard to complete tasks of all sizes. He said their ability to handle everything from plumbing emergencies to pavement patchwork made them a top-notch crew. LPS has become a national leader in geothermal energy, earned Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) awards from the United States Department of Energy and received Energy Star certifications at more than 30 buildings.
 
“All of our team is amazing,” Wieskamp said. “I would put them up against anybody.”
 
Wieskamp said the personal connections that he made throughout the department were important to him. Many of his employees hugged him at the ceremony and burst into applause several times during his remarks.
 
“You’re the best part of my job in terms of what you do and what you’ve performed and the things that we’ve accomplished over the years,” Wieskamp said. “The hardest part is walking away from that.”
 
Rauner has seen the full scope of Wieskamp’s knowledge during many school tours around Lincoln. He said that dedication to the community would impact thousands of LPS students in the years to come.
 
“We’re going to miss you,” Rauner said. “I hope you enjoy your retirement and everything you end up doing, but thank you for everything you’ve done for LPS.”

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