Click here to view the 2024-25 Annual Report.

 

A Message from the Superintendent

The powerful partnership between our schools and the community we serve remains a vital component of the continued success of the Elkhorn Public Schools (EPS). An overarching systemic culture of continuous improvement and strong community support sustains and drives this standard. As such, this annual report reflects not only a year of excellence in education but the long-standing success of a community that continues to prioritize its students.

A dedication to providing high levels of learning and maintaining the reputation as one of the highest performing districts in the State remains a priority. As a result, EPS proudly claims the top three performing high schools in Nebraska. Among other metrics, this is most notably evidenced by standardized assessment results that exceed state averages, including composite Graduate ACT scores that outperform local, state, and national averages, and consecutive years of national recognition by US News & World Report as the top three Nebraska high schools.  These accolades are reflective not just of high-performing high school students and educators, but of a culture where foundational knowledge is built in elementary school, expanded upon during middle school, and culminates in high school, where every door is open for each student.

A valued partner in this important work is the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, whose robust scholarship program, including the ACHIEVE AP and CTE scholarships, continues to incentivize students to reach their goals. The ACHIEVE program offers non-competitive scholarships to every student who meets experience-based requirements in the areas of coursework, extracurricular involvement, community-based volunteer efforts, and part-time employment or career-leading experiences. Notably, a matching scholarship supported by Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is offered to every ACHIEVE Scholarship recipient, further demonstrating the alignment of the actions of our valued partners with EPS priorities and community needs.

EPS has also partnered closely with MCC to increase dual enrollment opportunities for students. These efforts have resulted in 517 students enrolling in dual credit math courses this school year, as compared to only 50 students during 2024-25. Math is too often a barrier to college entry and completion; thus, the initial focus in this subject and an important mark of progress in this ongoing work.

Briefly, it is important to note some progress highlights in areas identified in the EPS Strategic Plan, which continues to guide the work of the Board of Education.

  • Enhanced safety features were added at all schools, including weapon recognition software paired with our existing camera infrastructure and SafeDefend lockdown buttons. Both add to the layered architecture of our safety plan and expedite emergency notice to law enforcement.
    Additionally, construction of higher-rated storm shelters is at or near completion at Hillrise, Skyline, Westridge, Elkhorn High, and the EPS Central Office, as all were built prior to building codes requiring rated storm shelters.
  • It is becoming more clear that screens are harmful to the development and mental health of young people; thus, work to provide support and resources is ongoing. An example of such is a spring event planned for parents on Safeguarding Your Child’s Digital Well-being.
  • Action taken to continue to recruit and retain high-quality staff can be seen in enhanced educator pay. In summary, the starting teacher salary increased from $39,321 in 2021-22 to $48,322 in 2026-27, with the maximum teacher salary increasing from $79,005 to $97,939 during the same time period.

In all, we remain proud of the work that has been done, and we look forward to continuing to partner with our community as we move our shared vision for the future forward. On behalf of the Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education, our staff, and most importantly, our students, thank you for your ongoing support of our schools.

Sincerely,

Bary Habrock, Superintendent

 

Additional information about Elkhorn Public Schools can also be found by clicking here to visit the Nebraska Department of Education website.