Dan Bird 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. Michael Cunning spent 39 years as a teacher, coach and school administrator, including 30 years as Superintendent at Sutherland and Hershey Public Schools. He was the Nebraska Superintendent of the Year by AASA in 2010 and the NRCSA Superintendent of the Year in 2006. He is Past President and Executive Committee member of the NRCSA organization.
Rob Hanger began his career in Sutton where for 19 years he taught social studies and coached. Rob then served as the Principal and Superintendent of schools in Chambers for five years and has served the past 10 years as Superintendent of Schools in Palmyra-Bennet. As a long time NRCSA member Rob has championed the cause of rural schools with a focus on student achievement.
Jim Havelka spent 27 years as a Superintendent in NRCSA schools, including Rising City, Howells, Dodge, and North Bend. He’s a past president of NRCSA and its 2009 Superintendent of the Year.
Fred Helmink spent 36 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator in a number of 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.
Cynthia Huff spent 30 years as a teacher, coach, Principal and Superintendent in Nebraska rural schools, including Trenton, Culbertson, Stratton, and Wood River. She is a past Executive Board member of NRCSA and received the 2013 University of Nebraska at Kearney Leaders in Education and Service Award.
Mark Norvell Mark Norvell’s 42-year education career took him to Walthill, Maywood, and Blue Hill as a teacher and coach, and ultimately 19 years as a Superintendent, first at Twin Valley/Southwest and subsequently at Fillmore Central. His service to Nebraska’s schools also included 11 years on the Nebraska Schools Activities Association's Board of Directors, and a term as President of NRCSA.
Amy Shane Amy's nearly 40-year educational career started in Houston, TX, but quickly moved to where her heart truly lies -- rural education. She served as principal for nearly 20 Class I schools and served on the Class I's United Board, prior to taking a principal's position at O'Neill Elementary School. She finished her 23-year career at O'Neill by serving as their superintendent for 16 years.
Robin Stevens spent 40 years in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator, including 13 years as Superintendent of Schuyler Community Schools, a long-time NRCSA member. His experiences not only focus on rural schools, but also on cultural diversity.
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.