Nebraska Education Commissioner Roger Breed today announced his retirement from public service effective June 30.
In an emotional statement, Breed read his letter of resignation to the State Board of Education, saying it has been his “highest professional honor to serve as Commissioner.”
“Please know, my retirement at this time is totally driven by my desire to spend more time with my family,” Breed said, smiling as he individually named each of his six grandchildren who live in Missouri.
State Board of Education President Pat Timm said Breed’s longtime leadership on behalf of Nebraska students would be greatly missed. “Roger has been a strong leader and advocate for the education of all Nebraska students. Our students and their schools have benefited from his leadership and his focus on student achievement, learning standards and student attendance. His influence has been far-reaching in the areas of school improvement.”
As Commissioner, Breed has been committed to improving student achievement and supporting students and schools statewide, overseeing the Nebraska Department of Education and working with the Nebraska Legislature and education policy partners statewide. Breed has served as Nebraska Education Commissioner since October 2008. He led the implementation of statewide reading, mathematics and science tests, established a new state accountability system and worked with the Nebraska court system to address excessive absenteeism in public schools to improve attendance and student achievement.
He also served as co-chair of the Nebraska P-16 Initiative and the Chief Justice Task Force for Truancy Intervention. He recently was named recipient of the National Educational Administrator of the Year Award, presented by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals. Breed served as an educator for nearly 42 years in Nebraska. From 1991 to 2009, he was superintendent of Elkhorn Public Schools. In 2007, he was recognized by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators as Nebraska’s Superintendent of the Year.
Breed also has served in numerous statewide education leadership roles, including education boards and committees.
In response to Breed’s announcement, Timm appointed a State Board of Education search committee comprised of Vice President Mark Quandahl of Omaha, Lynn Cronk of Grand Island and Rebecca Valdez of Omaha. The committee will announce in April how it will proceed with a search.
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