Columbus, NE - On April 11, 2024, at the Nebraska Association of School Business Officials annual state conference in Lincoln, NE, the organization announced Columbus Public Schools Dr. Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources, as the NASBO Outstanding Business Professional of the Year.
Over the past two years at Columbus Public Schools, he has worked to change the landscape of our district and for school finance across the entire state of Nebraska. This past year, Dr. Kay has collaborated with every education organization, state senator, governor, and other state organizations to work on a funding plan to provide sustainable state revenue for all school districts. This work has been phenomenal, and he has gained the respect of his colleagues. Trying to meet the needs of 244 separate districts is no easy task. However, the plan he helped co-create changed the funding conversation from small and large districts to rural and urban schools.
Dr. Kay’s experience in small schools, large schools, western Nebraska schools, and eastern Nebraska schools has given him a great and unique perspective on working for change. Chip has also worked in our district with the Marzano instructional and evaluation model to change the culture and education of our students. His knowledge and attention to that detail through surveys and focus groups is working to change our culture.
“Chip’s tireless work for the students and staff of Columbus Public Schools and those across the state has led to a new conversation in the world of school finance” said Dr. Troy Loeffelholz Superintendent of Columbus Public Schools. “I believe this is just the beginning for Mr. Kay and his leadership in the state. He is very deserving of this reward.”