Papillion, Neb. – The Papillion La Vista Community Schools district announced that it expects to have a new superintendent in place by February, ahead of Dr. Andrew Rikli’s transition to become CEO of Educational Service Unit 3 on July 1, 2027.
Search process underway
During a recent interview, Dr. Rikli explained that the district is actively reviewing both internal and external candidates. “The board is both formally and informally already taking steps to form committees, to determine timelines and processes,” he said.
The district’s leadership academy will serve as a pipeline for qualified staff members who wish to move into senior roles. “We have an in‑house leadership academy that we routinely tap for Papillion La Vista employees who want to move into leadership positions,” Rikli added.
Why the change matters
After 14 years at the helm of the district, which oversees 22 schools and roughly 12,000 students, Rikli is moving on to a broader challenge: overseeing 86,000 students across 18 school districts as ESU 3’s chief executive. He described the move as “a new opportunity, a new challenge, a new adventure.”
Rikli praised the community, noting, “This community is second to none. They are supportive of public education, they have been supportive of me, and they’re supportive of our schools.” He said that sentiment will guide him as he steps into his next chapter.
Board’s next steps
The school board will soon establish a search committee to vet candidates, set a timeline for interviews, and ultimately recommend a finalist to the full board. While the district boasts a strong pool of internal talent, officials will also consider external applicants to ensure the best possible leadership for the growing student body.
Stakeholders, including parents and teachers, have been invited to provide input during the search process. The district emphasizes transparency and community involvement, aligning with its long‑standing commitment to supporting families and preserving high‑quality education.
Looking ahead
With the February target date, the district aims to provide a smooth transition for the incoming superintendent, allowing the new leader to begin planning for the 2027‑2028 school year well before the start of the fiscal year. The board hopes this timeline will give the new superintendent ample time to assess district needs, continue the momentum of recent academic achievements, and uphold the district’s dedication to student success.
For updates on the superintendent search and other district initiatives, residents can visit the Papillion La Vista Community Schools website or attend upcoming board meetings.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
