August 25, 2008

School district dedicates Michael S. Kneale Administration Building

The Michael S. Kneale Administration Building for the Grand Island Public Schools at 123 S. Webb Road was dedicated on Aug. 24.

Kneale was superintendent of the Grand Island Public Schools from 1979 to 1985, after receiving his doctorate from Harvard University. Both children of Michael and Patty Kneale (Michael and Kathleen) are graduates of Grand Island Senior High School, and two of their six grandchildren (Zach and Abbey Kneale) attend the Grand Island Public Schools.

Speakers at the dedication ceremony were Steve Joel, superintendent of the Grand Island Public Schools; District Court Judge James Livingston, who was president of the school district's Board of Education during Kneale's tenure; and Pete Kortum, a former Board of Education member.

Approximately 200 people attended the event. Eddie Brown of Lincoln, Kneale's former TeamMate mentee, sang "Wind Beneath My Wings."
Kneales' grandchildren (Zach and Abbey Kneale of Grand Island and Ben, Will, Sam, and Julia Reimer of Hastings) unveiled a bronze plaque that includes Mike Kneale's portrait. The plaque will be permanently displayed at the front entrance to the building.

Lynn Cronk, president of the Grand Island Public Schools, gave closing remarks.

Kneale began his leadership career as principal of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. After receiving his doctorate from Harvard University, he became a superintendent of schools, working in Nebraska and Colorado. He was the Grand Island Independent's Man of the Year in 1981.

During Kneale's years as superintendent in Grand Island:
The entity that became the Grand Island Education Foundation was formed.
•    Grand Island Senior High School's Hall of Honor was launched.
•    A bond issue to construct what is now Walnut Middle School was passed.

Major additions were made to the Newell Elementary School, Gates Elementary School, and Howard Elementary School buildings.

The school district and community began honoring students who ranked academically in the top 10 percent of Grand Island Senior High School's graduating classes.

He worked out arrangements with what are now Central Community College and the University of Nebraska-Kearney to use the old Walnut Junior High School building as a continuing education center.
•    Schools were rebuilt or repaired following the June 1980 tornadoes in Grand Island.

He created four successful corporations -- each one focusing on human growth. He became highly sought-after as an inspirational speaker, averaging 150 keynotes a year for more than twenty years, all across the globe. He emphasized developing human potential and making a positive difference in others' lives.

Mike and Patty Kneale established the Patty and Mike Kneale Education Scholarship Fund with the Grand Island Education Foundation in 2008 for Grand Island Senior High School students pursuing a postsecondary degree in education.

Based on Board of Education policy for naming buildings, a committee with representation from the Board of Education, community, administration, and teaching staff was appointed last spring to review potential names for the Administration Building and to make recommendations to the Board of Education for consideration at its May meeting. The Board of Education approved in June naming the building the Michael S. Kneale Administration Building.

The school district's previous Administration Building was located at 615 N. Elm St. in the former Platt School and was called the Platt Administration Building. Administrative offices were moved to 123 S. Webb Road in 1998, and that building had been known as the Grand Island Public Schools Administration Building.

For more information, contact: Dr. Steve Joel, superintendent, Grand Island Public Schools, (308) 385-5900, sjoel@gips.org