New Neligh-Oakdale Superintendent Impressed By Community

Scott Gregory moved his family of five to Neligh earlier this month and will inherit another 400-plus children in the next couple of weeks. 

As the new superintendent, Gregory officially takes the helm on July 1 to lead the Neligh-Oakdale School district. Joining him in Neligh are his wife, Dawn, and children Ethan 13 (seventh grade), Aidan 11 (sixth grade), and Carter 8 (third grade).

“When we were looking at where we wanted our kids to grow up, this really is the ideal town and the perfect environment, culturally as well,” Gregory said. “It’s just a lot of great drawing strengths and great new things, and we hope to add to it.”

Interim Superintendent Bill Kuester will end his one-year contract on June 30. Kimberly Lingenfelter was the previous superintendent and now holds the same position in Cherokee, Iowa.

Gregory just finished his fourth year as 7-12 principal at Geneva North High School, a youth rehabilitation and treatment center in Geneva, Nebraska.

He spent the previous five years teaching in Geneva and the year prior teaching at the Nebraska Youth Academy. From 2000-2006, Gregory taught 7-12 social studies, government, sociology, geography, world history and modern problems at Sutton. 

He earned his master's degree in curriculum and instruction from UNK in 2002 and PK-12 in administration from Chadron State College in 2012. Gregory earned his education specialist degree from Wayne State College last year. 

Gregory, the son of teachers, said when interviewing at Neligh-Oakdale, they were immediately drawn to the town. 

"We are so impressed with the community and what it has to offer and the spirit of the community,” he said. “We look forward to becoming a part of the community.”

The teaching staff and administrative leaders also impressed Gregory, who said he enjoys technology and utilizing Facebook and Twitter. 

Although new to the community, Gregory said his children are already enjoying the pool and other amenities the town has to offer as they build new friendships. 

Gregory said one of the aspects he's enjoying most is simply meeting new people, especially through the civic organizations, like the Neligh Chamber of Commerce and Neligh Young Men's Club.

Neligh's Old Mill District also played a role in the family's decision to accept the position. Gregory said the downtown district is growing and improving, and he sees a lot of progressive attributes in the business community.

“Neligh gives off a feel that it is serious about maintaining population and growing. It’s not inclined to allow for decline and have shuttered businesses," he said. "This community means business, and that is something we really enjoyed seeing and wanted to be a part of.”