NRCSA operates the Planning Support Service as part of our commitment to maintaining the vitality of rural schools and communities.
“Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage, but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal.”
- Elbert Hubbard – American philosopher and writer
Why NRCSA…Long-range planning is an important task for the school district and community to undertake. A school board is most effective when members work together in reaching common district goals. Developing these goals can be challenging. Fortunately, you can have a partner at your side with more than 40 years’ experience in serving the needs of rural community schools: NRCSA. Why choose NRCSA?
- Since 1980, NRCSA has represented Nebraska’s rural community schools. We understand rural schools, the Boards and Superintendents that lead them, and the rural communities they serve.
- NRCSA’s focus is solely on rural schools and communities. They are the reason we exist and we are dedicated as an organization to serving them effectively.
- NRCSA’s process has been developed by studying the best practices of experts and is designed to meet the needs of the district and community wherever they are in the planning process.
The NRCSA Process…two consultants will deliver two (2) sessions over two (2) days for approximately two to two and one-half hours each session. During the sessions, school and community participants will work in small and large group activities to:
- Identify strengths
- Identify issues & explore essential needs to carry them out
- Create S.M.A.R.T goals with a focus on:
1) Strategies
2) Assigned responsibility
3) Timelines
4) Evidence of success
What are S.M.A.R.T. goals…This activity will create S.M.A.R.T. goals that will be:
- Specific – customized and flexible to fit your school and community
- Measurable – data-driven and totally understandable to all
- Agreeable – broad-based support because all populations are involved in the decision-making process
- Realistic – breaks down or accepts barriers to success
- Time-Based – stakeholders are held accountable by the district within a defined completion date
While participating in the process of creating SMART Goals: It is okay to disagree; it is not okay to be disagreeable.
Outcomes…This activity will generate the following for your district.
- SMART Goals Map for your district
- School board buy-in
- Pass resolutions to demonstrate support
- Schedule presentations and written reports to ensure successful follow-through
- Evaluation of the NRCSA process and facilitators; we always strive to improve
- Constant and consistent 2-way communication with consultants
What Does It Cost… NRCSA’s Planning Support Service will deliver high-quality services for an affordable, competitive fee. NRCSA’s base fee is $2,000 plus mileage and lodging (if needed) for two (2) workshops. While not recommended, NRCSA will do one (1) two-and-a-half-hour program. Cost: $1,000 plus mileage and lodging (if needed).
For Further Information...Contact Paul Sheffield, Executive Director, at (402) 759-1609 or jmoles@nrcsa.net.
Our Consultants
Dan Bird - Dan spent 35 years in education as a teacher, coach and school administrator, including 21 years as Superintendent at Burwell Public Schools, a long-time NRCSA member. Dan has devoted his career to making a difference in his student’s lives.
Dr. Curtis Cogswell - Curtis spent 36 years in education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. He served as superintendent of McCool Junction Public Schools and Dorchester Public Schools. Curt had the honor of serving as NRCSA President and serve on the NRCSA Legislative Committee. He was also an Assistant Professor at Wayne State College working in the Education Leadership Department.
Fred Helmink - Fred spent 36 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator in several Nebraska schools including Norris, Geneva, Polk, Gothenburg, Beatrice, and his final 13 as the Fairbury superintendent. He is a past president of the NRCSA organization and was also served as chair of the NRCSA legislative committee.
Jack Moles - Jack spent 38 years in education as a teacher, coach, Principal, and Superintendent. He served as Superintendent for Amherst Public Schools for one year, then for Nemaha Valley and Johnson County Central for 22 years. For the past eight years, Jack was the Executive Director of NRCSA. He served as the President of NRCSA for one year and Co-Chair of NRCSA’s Scholarship and Recognition Committee many years. He also served as the Chair of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.
Caroline Winchester Dr. Caroline Winchester served 24 years as a Superintendent, retiring as the leader of Chadron Public Schools. Among her career highlights are being named Nebraska Superintendent of Year by NASA and receiving the 2019 Nebraska Excellence in Education Award from Cognia. She has been a member of the Commissioner of Education’s Advisory Council, the Network Nebraska Advisory Board, and the NRCSA Executive Committee.
NRCSA Planning Support Brochure
Planning Support Brochure 2026-27