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Foundation for LPS names Huntington Elementary 2026 Inspire School of the Year

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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.

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Foundation for LPS names Huntington Elementary 2026 Inspire School of the Year

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The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is thrilled to announce Huntington Elementary School as the 2026 Inspire School of the Year. This award is the highest honor given to an LPS school or program, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and progress toward school improvement goals.

In addition to being named Inspire School of the Year, Huntington Elementary will receive $5,000 for its Fund for Excellence, which can be used at the principal’s discretion for staff appreciation, classroom supplies, student experiences, or other initiatives that enhance its positive impact on students, staff, and the broader community.

Huntington Elementary School earned this recognition for its extraordinary commitment to student and staff wellbeing, academic growth, and a culture grounded in connection. While the school proudly celebrates its official transition out of the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) designation from the Nebraska Department of Education, what sets Huntington apart was not simply a change in status; it was the transformational journey behind it. Faced with a designation that could have defined them, Huntington’s staff instead focused on possibility, grounding their work in strong relationships, high expectations, and the belief that every student can succeed.

“While moving out of the CSI designation is a milestone we’re proud of, our true success isn’t found in a label we lost; it’s found in the pride, belonging, and confidence our students and staff have gained,” said Kristi Schirmer, principal of Huntington Elementary School. “We made a collective commitment to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and capable of tackling hard things. The growth we’ve experienced, academically and as a community, proves that when students know they belong, they rise to meet their full potential.”

That commitment has produced measurable results. Since 2022, Huntington has significantly increased proficiency rates across subjects, including language arts, math, and science, as well as among English Learners. The school has also reduced behavior support calls by more than half and decreased chronic absenteeism through intentional relationship-building efforts. Most powerfully, the percentage of students reporting a true sense of belonging soared from 58% to 85% in just one year. Through schoolwide implementation of AVID Elementary strategies, strengthened professional collaboration, and a sustained focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment, Huntington has built not only academic momentum but also a strong foundation for long-term success.

“Huntington Elementary exemplifies what it means to inspire,” said Natalia Wiita, President of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. “Their journey shows what is possible when a school community rallies around both excellence and opportunity for every student. The academic gains are impressive, but just as powerful is the culture of belief they have built, a belief in their students, their educators, and their shared future.”

Huntington Elementary students and staff were presented with this award at a surprise assembly, Tuesday, February 24, with remarks from Wiita and Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, Dr. John Skretta.

The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting excellence in Lincoln Public Schools. The Inspire School of the Year Award recognizes a school that has demonstrated significant progress towards its school improvement plan and has positively impacted its students, staff, faculty, and the community.

https://www.foundationforlps.org/scholarshipsandawards/inspire-awards/2026-inspire-school-of-the-year.html

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