39 Years in Education
Fremont, Neb. – (Jan. 7, 2025) Fremont Public Schools is announcing the retirement of Superintendent Mark Shepard. Shepard has a collective 39 years in education across his career in Nebraska and Illinois.
Shepard’s career began as an Industrial Technology teacher in 1986 in Fairmont, Neb. Throughout his career he has also served as a boys and girls basketball coach, assistant football coach, director of business and assistant/associate superintendent.
Shepard has served Fremont Public Schools for a total of 25 years. He began in Fremont in 1995 as the Assistant Superintendent/Executive Director of Business and Operations and remained in that role until 2008 when he was named the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs for Lincoln Public Schools. Shepard returned to Fremont in 2013 as the Associate Superintendent and became the Superintendent, replacing Dr. Steve Sexton in 2014.
Sandi Proskovec, Board of Education President stated, “Fremont Public Schools has been extremely fortunate to have Mark Shepard as our Assistant Superintendent/Executive Director of Business and Operations and now Superintendent for many years. His leadership reaches throughout the community and the state, with his priority always being FPS. He is an excellent Superintendent, leading an amazing team, filled by the most talented people. Mark’s integrity and collaborative efforts have created a culture that fosters respect and inclusiveness. His hard work will be appreciated for many years to come.”
Shepard has led the district through an ever-changing educational landscape, the 1999 bond issue, 2019 flood, COVID-19 and 2021 bond issue to name a few. During his tenure the District implemented full-day kindergarten, preschools in every elementary and after school programming. Shepard has shown what it means to be an educational leader and important part of the Fremont community. His community service has included serving on the Care Corp Lifehouse Board, Midland University Board, YMCA Board and Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Board, serving as Chairman in 2008.
One of his many accomplishments include the development of the High School Career Technical Education Center which opened in August of 2024. The center creates opportunities for students, equipping them for the future - connecting with local industry. The $9.5 million building was part of the $123 million 2021 bond issue which also included rebuilding three elementary buildings originally built in the 1950’s and 60’s and modernizing several others.
“I have enjoyed working with the students, staff, families and community. The strength of our school district is our people. We have a talented staff 100% committed to meeting the needs of our students and helping them develop to their full potential,” stated Shepard. “I plan to remain in Fremont and continue to fulfill my life passion of helping young people develop by spending time consulting school districts, building on the relationships which have been established throughout my career,” Shepard concluded.
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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.