Steve Joel

Dr. Steve Joel became Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools in 2010 and retired in 2022. Prior to his time in Lincoln, he served for ten years as the superintendent in Grand Island, Nebraska, and eight years in Beatrice, Nebraska. A native of Long Island, New York, he has degrees from Doane College, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Kansas State University. He has been honored with a wide variety of awards and distinctions including Nebraska Superintendent of the Year and Excellence in Leadership by the Education Research & Development Institute. He is active in many community clubs and coalitions and serves on a number of boards including the Chamber of Commerce, Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln Community Foundation, The Career Academy, and past president of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County Board. Dr. Joel’s leadership journey has focused on comprehensive solutions to significant school and community issues. The immigration raid in Grand Island led to the formation of a community coalition to begin the arduous process of rebuilding community unity, and the tragic fire that resulted in a complete loss of the Lincoln Public Schools District Office allowed for the construction of a new facility. Lincoln Public Schools has adopted a comprehensive instructional technology plan and developed The Career Academy leading Nebraska into the next phase of K12 education. He also serves as a consultant to school districts and businesses across the country in areas of strategic planning, team building, and superintendent searches.