Current Papillion LaVista Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. John Schwartz has been tapped by the Norris Board to serve as the next Norris School District Superintendent. Dr. Schwartz is a veteran educational leader who has served as a classroom teacher and building principal prior to his current leadership role in Papillion LaVista.

Board President Patty Bentzinger stated, “We are very excited to welcome Dr. Schwartz as our next Norris Superintendent. He brings excellent experience as a former teacher and principal, and current Assistant Superintendent in  Papillion LaVista. His character and commitment to serving Norris will help provide the vision for our future. We are thrilled to have John and his family join the Titans family.”

“I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the Norris Public Schools,” said Dr. Schwartz. “I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, students, parents, and patrons to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established.  Our family is excited to join the community.”

Dr. John Schwartz has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Papillion La Vista Community Schools since July 2015.  Prior to this role, Dr. Schwartz has served as a high school principal, assistant principal, Director of Secondary Education, and Social Studies teacher for the Papillion La Vista, Bellevue, and Seward School Districts.  In addition to his work with PK-12 public schools, Dr. Schwartz is an adjunct undergraduate and graduate professor for Doane University.

Dr. Schwartz is a member of AASA, ASCD, NACIA, NCSA, and the Doane University Alumni Council.  John was named the Nebraska School Counseling Association Administrator of the Year in 2014 and the Doane University Alumni Educator of the Year in 2015.  He currently serves as the Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium Curriculum and Assessment Task Force Chair as well as the Nebraska Association for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Legislative Liaison.  He is involved in a wide array of committees, associations, and service organizations within the Omaha Metro area.

Dr. Schwartz holds a bachelor’s, two master’s, education specialist, and a doctoral degree from Doane University.  He is a graduate of Waverly High School. Dr. Schwartz and his wife, Laura, have two children, Grant (8) and Reid (3), who are both excited to live closer to grandparents who reside within and near Norris School District boundaries.

The Norris Board interviewed four finalists on Friday, February 22 throughout the day and then extended the offer to Dr. Schwartz. The other finalists were Mike Hart of Norfolk, Brian Maschmann of Norris, and Tiffanie Welte of Ralston. NASB Leadership Search Services facilitated the Superintendent search process for the district.

“The Board had a great situation in that we had four exceptionally qualified and capable finalists to choose from. We’re grateful for their interest in Norris and thankful for the efforts of NASB’s Leadership Search services.”

Dr. Schwartz’s duties at Norris officially commence July 1. Current Norris Superintendent Dr. John Skretta is leaving to become the ESU 6 Administrator following Dan Shoemake’s retirement at the end of June.