Dr. John Schwartz has been named the next Superintendent of Millard Public Schools. The Millard Board of Education reached the decision unanimously. Commenting on the selection, Board President Stacy Jolley said “This is the most important decision the Board of Education makes, and the process has been beyond rigorous. We interviewed three amazing finalists, each with unique strengths. All were immensely qualified. This was a matter of finding the best fit for Millard, and I am confident we have done that.”
Dr. Schwartz has served as the Superintendent of the Norris School District since July 2019. Previously he has served as an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, a high school principal, assistant principal, Director of Secondary Education, and social studies teacher for the Papillion La Vista, Bellevue, and Seward School Districts. In addition to his work with PK-12 public schools, Dr. Schwartz is an adjunct graduate instructor for Doane University. Dr. Schwartz currently serves as President for Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children’s Education and Vice President for Greater Nebraska Schools Association. He is also a member of Greater Nebraska Superintendents, Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and is the Legislative Liaison for Nebraska Association for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Dr. Schwartz was named the Nebraska School Counseling Administrator of the Year in 2014 and the Doane University Alumni Educator of the Year in 2015. Dr. Schwartz holds a bachelor’s, two master’s, education specialist, and a doctoral degree from Doane University. He is a graduate of Waverly High School.
Dr. Schwartz will begin his superintendency with Millard in July. Dr. Sutfin will retire at the end of June after thirty-three years in education, serving the last eight as superintendent. Under his leadership Millard became a one-to-one district with an iPad or laptop for every student and staff member. Thanks to that initiative, Millard had experience with eLearning before the pandemic started, and was able to continue school remotely in the spring of 2020. Dr. Sutfin also brought the #BeKind movement to Millard and to Omaha, brought the first Boys and Girls Club to Millard and was instrumental in bringing the Junior Air Force ROTC program and Early College to Millard South and the Bridge to Early College to Central Middle School. Most recently he partnered with Avenue Scholars to spearhead Intern Omaha, connecting seniors across the city with Omaha businesses.