With the first day of school just over a week away, Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Jon Skretta says the district is ready to welcome students back while focusing on student success, emerging technology and a smooth start to the academic year.
In an interview with KLIN News, Skretta said excitement is building across the district as teachers, support staff and administrators prepare for classes to begin. He says last week he welcomed 264 new teachers to the district and is thankful they were able to successfully recruit them.
He also thanked transportation and custodial staff for their work preparing schools. “I think the excitement leading into a new school year is tangible,” Skretta says. “There’s this ramp-up that we do every summer before we get cleared for takeoff for another school year that’s just really exciting.”
Students in kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade will begin classes on Aug. 12, while all K-12 students return Aug. 13. Skretta said the district is continuing its kindergarten-only first day at elementary schools after introducing the transition last year.
“We found that’s just a really, really vital opportunity to build connections and offer a gradual transition for students who are in the entry grade level for their particular building,” he said. Looking ahead, Skretta tells KLIN News the district’s priorities remain centered on the goals outlined in its 2024-2029 strategic plan. Those include improving student achievement, supporting staff, strengthening family and community engagement, and evaluating district operations.
Among those operational priorities is the growing role of artificial intelligence in education. “It’s time to take a really close look at both artificial intelligence, which continues to evolve at a rapid rate, as well as contemplating the impact of screen time and ensuring that screen time is engaged time, that it’s productive time, that it’s focused on positive learner outcomes.” Skretta says.
He also told KLIN News LPS has adopted an initial AI policy and formed a work group to study the technology as it continues to evolve. “We have actually developed an initial artificial intelligence rule and have an AI work group that’s been carefully studying this issue.”
Skretta says Google’s Gemini AI platform is available to district staff, but it is not currently accessible by students through district accounts. He also told KLIN News enrollment is expected to remain steady this year at roughly 42,000 students.
As the new school year approaches, Skretta encouraged students and families to look forward to the opportunities ahead. “We want you to know, students, that in the Lincoln Public Schools, we celebrate and honor the unique potential of every individual student. On behalf of me and the nearly 7,000 other staff members of Lincoln Public Schools, we cannot wait to meet you and greet you at the schoolhouse doors.”