Dr. Paul Gausman is a retired Superintendent for the Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska. The Lincoln Public Schools are known for educational excellence and represent over 42,000 students and families. Before his time in Lincoln, Dr. Gausman served as superintendent of the Sioux City Community School District in Iowa for 14 years. In December 2021, superintendents from across the nation elected Dr. Gausman as president of the Urban Superintendents Association of America.
Dr. Gausman holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN; an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sioux Falls; a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Nebraska at Omaha; and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Honored with a wide variety of awards and distinctions, Dr. Gausman was named a 2018 finalist for National Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents. He was also awarded Iowa Superintendent of the Year in 2014.
During his tenure, the Sioux City Community School District was twice named a District of Distinction by District Administration Magazine—first in 2015 for its Preschool Initiative and again in 2019 for its work on the District Career Academy. Under Dr. Gausman's leadership, the Sioux City Community School District was also identified as one of the nation's 100 original Future Ready Districts and a Next Generation High School District by the United States Department of Education and the White House. In addition, Dr. Gausman stepped into the national spotlight through the documentary "Bully," which was presented at the White House and in the Tribeca Film Festival in 2012, and highlights ongoing work on school safety through school-based bullying and cyberbullying prevention efforts.
In addition to his work as a strategic planner and consultant with various firms, Dr. Gausman serves as a performing artist and clinician with the Yamaha Corporation of America in percussion and music education.
