Jordan Cudney | Hershey Public Schools Release
March 20, 2026, at the 2026 Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), Mrs. Jane Davis was awarded the 2026 Outstanding Superintendent Award. With more than four decades of dedicated service to rural public education at Hershey Public Schools, Mrs. Davis exemplifies visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to students, and an ability to translate challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation which made her so very deserving of this award.
Since assuming the role of Superintendent at Hershey Public Schools in 2012, Mrs. Davis has led with purpose, integrity, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of her community. Her leadership has resulted in transformative improvements across facilities, instruction, and community engagement. Most notably, she successfully guided the passage of a $17.9 million bond in 2022, overseeing significant renovation and construction projects that will benefit students for generations here at Hershey Public Schools. In addition, her work securing a $1.3 million low-interest energy loan and federal clean energy funding continues to demonstrate both fiscal responsibility and forward-thinking stewardship of the Hershey district's resources.
Instructionally, Mrs. Davis has championed systems that elevate teaching and learning. She led the implementation of a Marzano-based teacher evaluation model through a collaborative process, ensuring staff ownership and continuous improvement. The establishment of a Transition to Kindergarten (TK) program reflects her commitment to early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practices. Under her leadership, Hershey Public Schools earned Cognia’s prestigious Value-Driven Award in 2022–2023, a testament to a district culture grounded in continuous improvement and student-centered values.
Beyond the district, Mrs. Davis is a respected voice and advocate for rural education at the state level. She has testified before the Nebraska Unicameral, working alongside legislators to advance policies that support rural schools. Her leadership extends through numerous professional organizations, including serving as President of NCSA Region V, Secretary of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, and participation on the NDE Commissioner’s Advisory Committee. These roles reflect her commitment not only to Hershey Public Schools, but to the advancement of education across Nebraska.
Mrs. Jane Davis has, and will continue to, represent the Hershey school district with pride and excellence. She is a champion for the Hershey school district as well as public education across the state. We are thankful for all Mrs. Davis has done for our district and look forward to more years of her strong leadership!!!