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7 Shocking New Developments At Gretna Public Schools NE: What Parents And Residents Must Know For 2026

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Gretna Public Schools (GPS) is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth and significant strategic change, making it one of Nebraska's most dynamic educational districts. As of late December 2025, the district has rolled out critical updates affecting everything from academic policy and school boundaries to financial planning and key administrative leadership, signaling a new era for students and the entire Gretna community.

These recent developments are not just minor administrative shifts; they represent the foundation of the district’s future, as outlined in the ambitious 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. From the opening of a major new middle school facility to the adoption of a new grading system, understanding these changes is essential for all parents, students, and residents invested in the quality and direction of the Sarpy County educational landscape.

The GPS Leadership and Strategic Vision for 2026

The leadership at Gretna Public Schools has been actively setting the course for the coming years, focusing on continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement. The district's commitment to excellence is evident in both administrative appointments and the recognition of key personnel.

1. New Director of Special Education and Key Staff Recognition

A significant administrative update was announced on December 9, 2025, with the appointment of Dr. Kendra Schneider as the new Director of Special Education. Dr. Schneider is set to begin her role on July 1, 2026, a move that underscores the district's dedication to strengthening its support for diverse learning needs and ensuring comprehensive services for all students.

Furthermore, the district celebrated outstanding service in other critical areas. Superintendent Travis Lightle was honored with the prestigious NASA Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his two decades of dedicated service and leadership in education. Additionally, Brian Shearer of Gretna Public Schools was named the Nutrition/FANS Staff of the Year at the 2025 GPS Foundation Education Excellence Awards, highlighting the vital role of support staff in the overall student experience.

2. The Ambitious 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

Gretna Public Schools has formally adopted a new Strategic Plan that will guide the district's priorities from 2025 through 2029. This plan, developed through a collaborative effort, is built on four key focus areas designed to shape continuous improvement and align district efforts. The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for enhancing educational outcomes, engaging the community, and ensuring the district remains responsive to the needs of its rapidly growing student body.

Major Facility and Boundary Overhauls

The rapid growth in the Gretna area necessitates continuous expansion and adjustment of school facilities and boundaries. The next school year will bring one of the most significant facility changes in recent memory.

3. The Opening of Giles Creek Middle School

The Gretna Public Schools Board of Education has approved updated middle school boundaries in anticipation of the opening of Giles Creek Middle School. This new facility is scheduled to open its doors in August 2025. The addition of Giles Creek Middle School is a crucial step in managing the district’s increasing enrollment and providing state-of-the-art learning environments for its students. The boundary adjustments are necessary to balance enrollment across all middle schools, including the existing Gretna Middle School and Gretna East facilities, ensuring equitable resource distribution and class sizes.

Academic and Financial Policy Shifts

In line with the new Strategic Plan, the district has implemented a major change to its academic assessment system and is actively managing significant financial responsibilities related to its infrastructure.

4. Adoption of the New 10-Point Grading Scale

Following extensive research conducted by the K-12 District Grading Committee, the Gretna Public Schools Board of Education has officially adopted a new 10-Point Grading Scale. This change is a direct component of the District Strategic Plan and is intended to align GPS grading practices with a broader standard, potentially impacting student motivation, college applications, and overall academic performance metrics. The transition to this new scale is a significant policy shift that parents and students at Gretna High School and all secondary levels need to be aware of.

5. Financial Overview and the 2024-2025 Tax Levy

For the 2024-2025 school fiscal year, Gretna Public Schools has set its total tax levy at $1.349794. This levy is broken down into three main components: the General Fund ($0.974818), the Building Fund ($0.008969), and the Bond Fund ($0.366006). These funds are critical for the daily operations, maintenance, and debt service of the rapidly expanding district. Transparency in the budget process, including public notices and board meetings, has been a key focus for the administration.

6. The Looming $295 Million Bond Issue Discussion

The district is actively planning for future growth, which includes discussions around a substantial financial undertaking: a proposed $295,000,000 new money bond issue. This significant investment is part of the Gretna Facility Master Plan, which projects the district's needs over the next 25 years. The potential bond issue is designed to finance the construction of new schools and facilities required to accommodate the projected student enrollment increase, a common challenge in one of Nebraska’s fastest-growing areas. The impact of this potential bond levy on the overall tax rate is a major point of discussion for the community and local government bodies.

Celebrating Academic Success and Community Engagement

Beyond facilities and finance, the core mission of GPS remains academic achievement and fostering a supportive community environment.

7. Record-Breaking Scholarship Awards

The commitment to student success is highlighted by the impressive outcomes of the 2025 Local Honors Night. The Gretna Public Schools Foundation presented a total of 157 awards to graduating seniors, collectively amounting to over $150,000 in scholarships. These scholarships support students pursuing various post-secondary paths, including four-year universities, two-year colleges, and trade schools, demonstrating the district’s focus on preparing all students for their next steps. The sheer volume and value of these awards underscore the robust support system provided by the GPS Foundation and the broader Gretna community.

The Future of Gretna Education

The current updates for Gretna Public Schools paint a clear picture of a district proactively managing explosive growth while maintaining a high standard of educational excellence. The implementation of the 10-Point Grading Scale and the opening of Giles Creek Middle School are direct steps toward modernizing the academic and physical infrastructure. The ongoing financial discussions, particularly regarding the potential $295 million bond, reflect the long-term commitment required to sustain this level of growth.

As the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan unfolds, stakeholders can expect continued focus on the four key areas identified by the district. The leadership, under Superintendent Lightle and new appointments like Dr. Schneider, is poised to navigate the complex challenges of a rapidly expanding school system. The collective efforts of the Board of Education, the GPS Foundation, and the dedicated staff ensure that Gretna Public Schools remains a premier educational institution in Nebraska.

7 Shocking New Developments at Gretna Public Schools NE: What Parents and Residents Must Know for 2026
gretna public schools ne
gretna public schools ne

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