Gretna Public Schools recently welcomed a team of 17 Nebraska educational leaders from across the state for an external review of the district. The team, which included state-level educators, administrators and representatives from the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) with extensive experience in Nebraska schools, visited every school in the district. Their visit was part of the NDE’s Continuous Improvement Framework, focused on celebrating the district’s strengths, reviewing progress, and providing actionable recommendations for growth. During their time in Gretna, team members observed classrooms, met with students, staff, and community members, and evaluated district-wide initiatives.
Key Highlights from the Visit
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
The district’s math curriculum review and professional development programs were praised for clarity and effectiveness.
Teachers integrate engaging, standards-aligned lessons across subjects, promoting critical thinking and student-centered learning.
Growth/Climate and Culture
Students are respectful, engaged, and thrive in welcoming, inclusive environments.
Staff celebrate student achievements and maintain strong teacher-student connections.
Mental Health
Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior (MTSS-B) was recognized for guiding instruction and supporting student growth.
Social-emotional and behavioral health programs were recognized as strong and collaborative.
Recruit & Retain
The district was recognized for strong, intentional hiring practices that align with the mission and support the recruitment of highly qualified staff.
Ongoing professional learning, onboarding support, and internal leadership development were highlighted as key strengths in retaining and growing staff.
Recommendations for Growth
The visiting team recommended that Gretna Public Schools expand the curriculum review process to all subjects, ensuring alignment with state standards, and align professional development and school improvement plans more closely with the district’s strategic plan. They also suggested revisiting grading and accountability policies to maintain a clear focus on student learning outcomes and continuing to build leadership from within the district to support future growth.
Moving Forward
Superintendent Travis Lightle said, “We are very thankful for those Nebraska educators who took the time to come in and help provide feedback on our school district. We are proud of the many things we have accomplished and look forward to improving areas that were identified.”
Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Shawn Hoppes added, “We are very thankful to the external team who took the time to provide valuable feedback on the things we are doing well and the areas where we can continue to improve. We also truly appreciate the work each building did in preparing for this important visit.”
Moving forward, Gretna Public Schools will use the findings from this external review to guide ongoing improvement efforts aligned with the district’s strategic plan and continuous improvement process. District and building leaders will review recommendations, prioritize next steps, and continue refining instructional practices, support systems, and organizational structures to ensure strong outcomes for all students.
This feedback will also help inform future planning and key areas such as curriculum development, professional learning, grading practices, and long-term growth to ensure alignment across all schools and departments.
The full presentation from the external team can be viewed here.
Gretna Public Schools remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment while preparing for future growth and success.