Huntington Elementary Named 2026 Inspire School of the Year

The award recognizes the school's academic progress and improved student belonging.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Huntington Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been named the 2026 Inspire School of the Year by the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. The award comes after the school was removed from the Nebraska Department of Education's list of schools needing comprehensive support and improvement, having significantly increased proficiency rates, reduced behavior issues, and boosted student belonging.

Why it matters

The Inspire School of the Year award is the highest honor given to an LPS school, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and progress toward school improvement goals. Huntington Elementary's recognition highlights the positive impact of targeted interventions and a focus on creating a sense of belonging for students.

The details

Since 2022, Huntington Elementary has increased proficiency rates in English Language Arts, math, and science, reduced behavior support calls by more than half, and decreased chronic absenteeism. The percentage of students reporting a sense of belonging also rose from 58% to 85% in one year. Principal Kristi Schirmer says the award validates the hard work of both students and staff.

  • Huntington Elementary was removed from the Nebraska Department of Education's list of schools needing comprehensive support and improvement in the 2025-2026 school year.
  • The school was named the 2026 Inspire School of the Year on February 24, 2026.

The players

Huntington Elementary School

A public elementary school in Lincoln, Nebraska, that was recognized as the 2026 Inspire School of the Year for its academic progress and improved student belonging.

Kristi Schirmer

The principal of Huntington Elementary School, who says the award validates the hard work of students and staff.

Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools

The organization that awarded Huntington Elementary the 2026 Inspire School of the Year honor, which includes a $5,000 check.

Nebraska Department of Education

The state education agency that had previously included Huntington Elementary on its list of schools needing comprehensive support and improvement, before the school made significant progress.

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What they’re saying

“It shows our students and our staff that hard work is being recognized. To get this award from someone outside of our school and for them to be validated for the hard work that they're doing means the world to them.”

— Kristi Schirmer, Principal, Huntington Elementary School (1011now.com)

What’s next

Huntington Elementary plans to use the $5,000 award to add benches around the walking track and a buddy bench for students, as well as start a new leadership club for fifth graders.

The takeaway

Huntington Elementary's recognition as the 2026 Inspire School of the Year demonstrates the power of targeted interventions and a focus on fostering a sense of belonging to drive academic progress and improve student outcomes. This award highlights the school's commitment to supporting its students and staff, and serves as an inspiring example for other schools seeking to make similar transformations.