Lincoln Public Schools

Retired educator keeps busy

Originally published on: August 27, 2009

Dean Stewart keeps busy since retiring from Weeping Water where he was both superintendent and elementary principal. He's a substitute teacher at LPS and volunteers as a conductor of the Zoo Train at the Lincoln Children's Zoo.

Tony Wenzl, custodian, has worked for Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) for 40 years and counting, first at PSAB, then at LPSDO, and now at Kahoa.  Having supported the District for most of his career, Wenzl says “it’s fantastic to now be part of a school community.  It’s the icing on the cake.”

Recently, Wenzl wrote to LPS Communication Services …
“It presents a good feeling to witness the excellent staff (at Kahoa) and their positive attitudes.  I have witnessed first hand the extra night hours put in by our dedicated teachers.  Sometimes, when an emergency arises, late night preparation is necessary for a substitute teacher.

One such sub is Dean Stewart, who is a retired teacher and administrator from Weeping Water.  He is one of those guys who always has a smile on his face, a great attitude and always has a kind word.  You can just tell that he thoroughly enjoys people and life.

One of the things Dean does is to volunteer as a conductor of the Zoo Train and the Lincoln Children's Zoo.  We took a ride on the train this past summer and he made it very enjoyable.”

In response, Stewart wrote …
“It's been fun to serve as a substitute teacher for several years at Kahoa Elementary School, which is located 1 1/2 blocks from my home.  Before I leave the building after I have 'subbed' at Kahoa, I always have a nice visit with Tony who is an evening custodian at Kahoa.

During the summer, I serve as a train driver at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, along with many other retired people.  It is a joy to drive the train and see families having a great time together.

Tony took this picture when he brought his grandsons, Rowdy and Ryder, and his neighbor Lexxi, to the Zoo this summer, and I had the pleasure of driving the train when they were passengers.”