During Tuesday night’s Lincoln Board of Education meeting Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman made his first public comments since announcing his sudden retirement last week. Gausman will step down at the end of the month.
He spoke about his 30 years as a public schools superintendent and thanked those at Lincoln Public Schools. “Public schools are the backbone of America and are so important to our future success and the Lincoln Public Schools are very special,” Gausman says.
“You know, some have said that the public schools are under great challenge right now, and I suspect that’s got some truth to it. But I know that Lincoln Public Schools have a bright future ahead due to leaders at all levels of this organization who will continue to focus on student needs. Our students have opportunities because you chose to lead.”
Board Chair Bob Rauner thanked Gausman for his service. “Dr. Gausman took over the leadership of LPS during a time when we as a district were recovering from a global pandemic,” Rauner said. “On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank Dr. Gausman for his service to Lincoln Public Schools and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Rauner also spoke to next steps saying the board will follow the established line of authority policy and Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs Liz Standish will temporarily serve in the position beginning Dec. 28. The Board is working to identify an interim superintendent and expects to have an announcement sometime in January.
Gausman served as LPS superintendent for two and a half years and he had more than a year and a half left on his contract. He will serve as superintendent emeritus for the district starting Dec. 27. He’ll remain in that position until he officially retires next June.
In announcing his retirement on December 6th, Gausman said he plans to focus on his family.