COZAD, NE – Cozad Public Schools welcomed students back Today, Wednesday August 21, 2024, starting on schedule with the original start date, despite the devastating hailstorm that swept through less than 2 months ago.
Saturday, June 29th, 2024 is a day Cozad and it’s residents will never forget after being woken up in the early morning hours to hail stones up to nearly 4 inches in size, or as big as a softball, in some areas. Most, if not all structures in the community sustained extensive hail damage, and Cozad Public Schools took a beating as well.
Cozad Public Schools is in the middle of a major, $26 million renovation and additions project, and newly hired Superintendent Dr. Dan Endorf says, despite the extensive damage to all three campuses, they stayed on track heading into the new school year.
Like much of the community, Dr. Endorf says Cozad Schools saw damage to roofs, windows and their vehicle fleets.
Dr. Endorf adds an estimated total in damages has yet to be determined by their insurance provider ALICAP.
Dr. Endorf took on the Superintendent position on July 1st, 2024 just days after the hailstorm pummeled the community. And despite the struggles and delays in work they experienced, he has a positive outlook on the 2024-2025 schools year.
Dr. Endorf extends his appreciation towards the community of Cozad, students, staff, Paulsen Construction, Wilkins Architecture Firm, and other partners who have helped make sure the renovation project continued on even through the devastation of the hailstorm back in late June.
Dr. Endorf brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Cozad Community Schools, having served as the Director of Student Services & Safety for Kearney Public Schools. Dr. Endorf has also held various leadership roles in education, including Superintendent of North Bend Central from 2010-2022, Principal of York High School and later Director of District Services in York (2005-10), teacher/coach and later Assistant Principal at Waverly High School (1997-2005), and a teacher/coach at Omaha Central High School (1996-97).
