8.23.26: CPS Parent & Community Update

Hello, my name is Dr. Chip Kay, and I am entering my third year as the Superintendent and seventh overall with Columbus Public Schools. My goal is to use this weekly newsletter as an opportunity to inform and engage every parent and community member in our school district, from the lens of the Superintendent's chair.

This is my 35th year in education, tenth as a School Superintendent. I've been privileged to serve in several different roles over my career: teacher, coach, assistant principal, activities director, technology director, and director of finance/human resources. Each opportunity resulted in a way to serve a school community, its students, and to expand my growth as a professional.

My family includes my wife, Jeanne, who is an early childhood special education teacher with CPS serving children ages birth to five in the community. I have three children who are all married. Four of them work in education and two in the military (including spouses). I am also blessed with four amazing grandchildren.

In our community, I have had the privilege to serve on the Columbus Area United Way Board, as a member of the Rotary Club, 1C Church, and the Elks Club. I have also volunteered for a variety of special events. I consider it an honor to be a member of this community!

Leader in Me is a comprehensive PK-12 framework developed by Franklin Covey Education, founded on a powerful premise: everyone has the potential to lead. This evidence-based model nurtures student leadership, fosters a culture of trust, and drives academic achievement. It empowers students, educators, and families with essential leadership and life skills that prepare them for success in school and beyond.

At its heart, Leader in Me integrates Franklin Covey's world-renowned 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—the most influential leadership framework for personal and professional effectiveness—along with The 4 Disciplines of Execution, a proven methodology for creating focus, accountability, and goal achievement. For those familiar with our district's current work with 4DX and our Wildly Important Goals, this alignment is intentional and powerful.

As our community continues to grow, families are choosing Columbus as their home. They deserve schools that don't simply warehouse students but transform them. Leader in Me positions Columbus Public Schools as a destination district, a place where families know their children will develop not just academically but as whole human beings prepared to lead in whatever field they choose.

Implementation continues this school year and into 2027-2028. You can learn more at Franklin Covey.

Each year, the school district is required by state law to hold a collaboration meeting with the county attorney and those who support student success through attendance.

We were surprised to find out that many families are unaware that school attendance is required by law (79-201) and that parents/guardians could have legal action taken against them for not having their child in attendance at school - unless they attend a registered home (exempt) school.

Each school handbook at Columbus Public Schools clearly defines the law in Nebraska and when the school district is required to submit notice of chronic absenteeism to the county attorney.

Additionally, a school district's "state score" is determined by chronic absenteeism and once-a-year assessments built on what is being taught in the classroom. Our district score and student assessment scores are negatively impacted when a student is not in attendance regularly.

Student success starts with attendance!

This community is special, and recently, the donation of school supplies was made by several local entities. Walmart (pictured) donated supplies for each elementary classroom and building; Harrah's, JCPenney, and Cottonwood Senior Living all donated a bulk of student supplies to be distributed throughout the PK-12 buildings.

Donations like this are used to supplement needed supplies for students and staff to support direct instruction and to ensure that no student goes without the necessities.

As a school system, we are so grateful for this generosity.