By Allison Peck
The Hershey Public Schools Board of Education has been recognized for its continued work in school governance, earning the Nebraska Association of School Boards’ Board of Excellence Award for the eighth consecutive year.
The award was presented September 2 during the 2026 NASB Area Membership Meeting in North Platte, recognizing the board’s work during the 2025-2026 school year.
Hershey has received the award every year since the 2018-2019 school year.
The Board of Excellence Award recognizes school boards that participate in ongoing professional development and other NASB learning opportunities. Boards also take part in a goal-planning retreat to establish priorities and identify ways to strengthen their governance and leadership.
Participation in the annual NASB Delegate Assembly is also part of the requirements. The assembly gives school districts a voice in setting NASB’s advocacy priorities for the upcoming year.
Hershey Public Schools says earning the award eight years in a row is an accomplishment achieved by only a small number of Nebraska school boards.
The Hershey Board of Education consists of President Steve Koch, Vice President Yvette Troyer, Secretary Jodi Seamann, Treasurer Jason Bode, Tim Berntson and Amy Wolfskill.
Individual Honors
Two Hershey board members also received individual recognition through NASB’s Award of Achievement Program.
Bode reached Level VI, while Berntson reached Level V. The individual awards recognize board members for continued participation in professional development and efforts to strengthen their skills as school board leaders.
Hershey Public Schools congratulated the board members for the recognition and credited their continued professional development and commitment to governance with helping support students and staff throughout the district.