Founding Principal of Moore Middle School Moving to New Position

Gary Czapla to lead Northwest High School starting in July 2026

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Lincoln Public Schools announced that Gary Czapla, the current principal of Moore Middle School, will be the next principal at Northwest High School. Czapla has been an educator since 1993 and previously served as principal at Culler Middle School from 2010 to 2017 before moving to Moore Middle to help open the school.

Why it matters

The transition of leadership at Northwest High School, which opened in 2022, is an important milestone for the growing district as it continues to expand educational opportunities for students in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The details

Czapla will begin his new duties at Northwest High School on July 1, 2026, succeeding former principal Cedric Cooper, who announced he accepted a new position at Omaha Benson High School earlier this month. Northwest High School graduated its inaugural senior class of 155 students in 2024.

  • Czapla has been an educator since 1993.
  • Czapla served as principal at Culler Middle School from 2010 to 2017.
  • Czapla moved to Moore Middle School in 2017 to help open the school.
  • Czapla will begin his new role at Northwest High School on July 1, 2026.
  • Northwest High School opened its doors in 2022 and graduated its first senior class in 2024.

The players

Gary Czapla

The current principal of Moore Middle School who will be the next principal at Northwest High School.

Cedric Cooper

The former principal of Northwest High School who accepted a new position at Omaha Benson High School.

Lincoln Public Schools

The school district in Lincoln, Nebraska that announced Czapla's transition to Northwest High School.

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The takeaway

The transition of leadership at Northwest High School is an important milestone for the growing Lincoln Public Schools district as it continues to expand educational opportunities for students in the region.