In a bittersweet moment, the North Platte Public Schools community bid adieu to a long-serving finance director, Stuart Simpson, as he announced his retirement during a recent board of education meeting. Simpson's departure marks the end of an era, leaving the district to navigate the challenges of finding a worthy successor and ensuring a seamless transition.

Guiding North Platte Schools Through Financial Prosperity

An Accomplished 18-Year Tenure

Stuart Simpson's career with the North Platte Public Schools spanned an impressive 18 years, following an equally remarkable 18-year stint with the Alliance public school system. During his tenure, Simpson has been instrumental in shaping the district's financial landscape, overseeing a multitude of initiatives that have directly benefited the students and the community as a whole.

One of Simpson's proudest accomplishments was his role in providing free lunches for all students within the district. This initiative not only ensured that no child went hungry but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and equity, ensuring that every student had access to a nutritious meal during the school day. Additionally, Simpson led the charge in updating the security measures across all district buildings, enhancing the safety and well-being of both students and staff.

Furthermore, Simpson's leadership was pivotal in spearheading several construction projects within the district, demonstrating his commitment to continuously improving the learning environment for North Platte's students. These projects, undertaken with meticulous planning and execution, have transformed the physical infrastructure of the schools, creating modern, state-of-the-art facilities that support the district's educational goals.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

In his resignation letter, Simpson expressed his gratitude to both past and present colleagues, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the entire North Platte Public Schools community. Recognizing the importance of a seamless transition, Simpson pledged to continue working diligently during the remainder of his tenure to ensure that his successor and the district as a whole are well-positioned for the future.

Simpson's departure marks the end of an era, but the district remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the high standards of financial management and strategic planning that have defined his tenure. The search for a worthy successor is underway, with the district poised to build upon the solid foundation laid by Simpson's exceptional leadership.

Bulldog Time: Fostering Camaraderie and Student Development

Alongside the announcement of Simpson's retirement, the board also discussed the implementation of "Bulldog Time," a unique initiative at North Platte High School. This first-period program aims to bring students together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community within the school.

During Bulldog Time, each class is divided into smaller groups, with each group assigned a dedicated teacher who will guide them throughout the academic year. This structured approach allows for a more personalized learning experience, where students can engage in a variety of activities, including career counseling, academic advising, ACT preparation, and lessons on positive behavior interventions and supports.

The Bulldog Time program is designed to address the holistic development of students, going beyond the traditional academic curriculum. By creating a sense of belonging and providing targeted support, the district hopes to empower its students, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.

Navigating Financial Challenges and Opportunities

In his final report to the board, Finance Director Stuart Simpson discussed the district's financial landscape, highlighting both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The district has received adjusted valuations, which have resulted in a reduction in revenue. However, Simpson noted that this loss will be offset by an increase in state aid during the 2025-26 school year.

As the district gathers more data and information, Simpson and the board will continue to analyze the potential impact on the district's finances in the coming months. This proactive approach to financial management will be crucial in ensuring the district's long-term sustainability and the continued delivery of high-quality educational services to the North Platte community.

The departure of Finance Director Stuart Simpson marks a significant transition for the North Platte Public Schools, but the district remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the high standards of financial stewardship and student-centric initiatives that have defined his tenure. As the search for a worthy successor begins, the community can take solace in the knowledge that the district is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, building upon the solid foundation laid by Simpson's exceptional leadership.