Tim Loseke’s talent for overseeing construction and maintenance projects has led to many bright outcomes for a generation of Lincoln Public Schools students.

Loseke will retire at the end of July after spending the past quarter-century serving LPS families and employees. He began working at LPS in 2002 and serves as the school district’s supervisor of maintenance. He oversees a team that handles projects ranging from painting to plumbing across 8.4 million square feet of LPS facilities.

Loseke has developed a daily routine that combines his gifts for making detailed plans and genuine personal connections. He begins each morning at 6:30 a.m. with 45 minutes of preparation for the day ahead. He then works with others to meet maintenance needs at dozens of schools, athletic facilities and distribution, storage and transportation centers.

“By approximately 7:15, my office becomes a revolving door of questions, conversations and problem-solving opportunities,” Loseke said. “I have genuinely enjoyed those daily interactions and the chance to work alongside maintenance staff, contractors and school staff to find solutions to the challenges we face. Those relationships and conversations have been the highlight of my career.”

Anthony Meints said Loseke’s dependability and dedication to his role have made a positive influence across Lincoln. Meints is director of facilities and maintenance at LPS and speaks with Loseke about school projects multiple times a day. He has seen Loseke turn problems into possibilities with his strong work ethic and welcoming disposition.

“Tim is always willing to jump in and help wherever he’s needed, and he’s great about sharing what he knows to help everyone around him succeed,” Meints said. “He has an infectious personality and keeps things lighthearted in the office, which makes even busy days more enjoyable. He just has a way of keeping things fun.”

Michelle Wood said those qualities have made Loseke a valuable member of the LPS family. Wood is a receptionist in the maintenance department and watches many people walk into Loseke’s office each day. She said they always leave knowing they have spoken with someone who has the best interest of local students in his heart.

“Tim isn’t just about the jokes,” Wood said. “He has a serious side when it comes to his work. He possesses extensive knowledge of the construction industry and a massive network of contacts across Lincoln and the surrounding areas. Ultimately, Tim is just one of those rare people who can easily connect with anyone.”

Loseke’s relationship with LPS began before he had a nameplate resting on an office desk. He entered the architectural field after graduating from college, and he was employed by the firm that designed both North Star and Southwest high schools in the early 2000s. He was so impressed by what he saw from the school district that he decided to pursue an available position at LPS soon after. That decision paved the way for a satisfying 24 years of working with contractors, engineers, architects and maintenance professionals.

“I have always enjoyed the design and construction process, whether it involved building new facilities, constructing additions or renovating existing schools,” Loseke said. “Watching a project evolve from an idea on paper into a completed building that serves students, staff and the community has been incredibly rewarding.”

Loseke coordinates hundreds of jobs each year both inside and outside LPS structures. The maintenance division features a full-service building crafts team that produces furniture, repairs athletic equipment and completes carpentry projects. Groundskeepers care for 419 acres of LPS property, the paint shop updates walls, furniture and woodwork, and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning division maintains everything from refrigerators to swimming pools.

In addition, electrical and electronics workers complete many important day-to-day tasks. Their partial list of responsibilities includes maintaining indoor and outdoor lighting, installing new electrical panels and repairing items such as clocks, elevators, chair lifts and laminators.

“I have also taken great pride in the many in-house maintenance, renovation and alteration projects completed by LPS staff,” Loseke said. “These projects may not always receive the same attention as new construction, but they play a vital role in maintaining and improving our facilities. They are a testament to the skill, dedication and commitment of our maintenance team.”

Meints said the depth and breadth of services means Loseke’s maintenance handprints can be found everywhere in Lincoln.

“It’s safe to say Tim has had an impact on just about every LPS facility,” Meints said. “From new construction and renovations to indoor air quality projects, if you’ve been part of LPS over the past 25 years, chances are the space you’re in has been touched by Tim’s work.”

Loseke said he will treasure his time at LPS because of those opportunities to help others. He said it has been an honor to speak with everyone from school principals to skilled steamfitters over the years.

“My wife has often told me that she believes the biggest void I will experience in retirement won’t be the work itself, but the daily interaction with the people I have had the privilege of working with. I believe she’s right,” Loseke said. “While I look forward to retirement, I know I will miss the camaraderie, the collaboration and the friendships that have made coming to work each day so enjoyable.”

Want to have a rewarding career like Tim? Learn more about available LPS job opportunities by visiting the school district's careers page.

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