From the Chair of the Board of Directors Dr. Jon Cerny, District III, Bancroft-Rosalie
September 2021
It is an honor to serve as Chair of the NSAA Board of Directors this year. This is my 29th year as Superintendent at Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools and my third year representing District III on the Board. I graduated from Dorchester High School where I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. My first high school teaching/coaching experience was student teaching at Lincoln Southeast and running the scout team for Coach Chuck Mizerski. I accepted a position at Bancroft-Rosalie as a science teacher and the head football coach and 39 years later, I am still here.
The 2020-21 school year was very challenging and the NSAA staff and Nebraska schools set an example for the rest of the country by providing school activities for our students in a safe and responsible manner. This challenge continues in 2021-22, and the NSAA Board will be gathering information from the Governor’s Office, the Nebraska Department of Education, the state and local health departments, and our school administrators as we respond to Covid-19. Schools must keep the close lines of communication that were established last year as we work through the different protocols that may be in place in districts across the state. Let’s do this the Nebraska way.
One of the events I look forward to is watching the State Play Production Championships in-person this year. There is nothing like being in the Johnny Carson Theatre enjoying the theatrics of our talented young men and women. I am also excited about the first Girls State Wrestling Championships and presenting awards to these athletes.
The NSAA is a member driven organization, and the Board values the opinions of all our member schools as we set policies and procedures that govern our activities across our large and diverse state. The NSAA Board continues to work on the issues that concern our member schools and their communities. The Summer Bylaw Review Committee is working on a proposal for the September Board meeting to help bring uniformity to summer participation across the state. The Board continues work on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, so that every person involved in our activities is treated with dignity and respect. Regardless of the jersey they wear, they are all “our kids.”
As we enter this new school year, I want to share something my wife reminds me on occasion. “You (Superintendents, Principals, A.D.’s, event hosts) set the tone.” The students and adults respond to your words and actions. The building/spectators can be positive and supportive, or critical, demeaning, out of control. You make the difference. Thank you and have a great year.
