LPS names first principal for new Marilyn Moore Middle School

Gary Czapla, currently principal of Culler Middle School, will serve as the first principal of the new Marilyn Moore Middle School, which opens next fall for the 2017-18 school year. 

Steve Joel, superintendent of Lincoln Pubic Schools, made the announcement Monday:  “We are excited to have Dr. Czapla as principal of our newest middle school. He is a proven leader of innovation as it relates to improving teaching and learning for all students. As a pilot school for the district technology plan, Culler was instrumental in helping determine the ‘do's and don’ts’ of a large-scale rollout. His belief that students need to be inspired to learn through creative engagement will serve as the backbone for a 21st century school that will emphasize creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.”  

Jane Stavem, associate superintendent for Instruction at LPS, said: "Dr. Czapla is a great fit for Marilyn Moore Middle School and brings both the experience needed to open a new school, and the energy for creating new opportunities in our newest learning spaces.”  

Czapla has been principal at Culler for seven years – and previously served as principal at the Bryan Community High School Program, associate principal at Lincoln Southeast High School, and instructional coordinator and team leader at Bryan. 

In a message to Culler parents today, Czapla wrote: “Culler has been my family in many ways over the past 7 years and I have the greatest admiration for all of you. You have all treated me with the utmost kindness and caring and I will always be grateful for what each of you has given me. However the chance to open a brand new middle school is an opportunity that only comes around once in a great while and I felt I needed to take advantage of this opportunity.” 

Czapla earned his Bachelor’s, Master of Education and Doctorate of Education degrees all at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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