The Hastings Public Schools Board of Education has named John Hauser superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. The appointment will be formally announced at Monday's regular board meeting.
“We had the right person in front of us,” said Board President Becky Sullivan. “John has been fully invested in this district, this community and our students. He understands where we are, he understands where we need to go, and he has the relationships and the experience to take us there.”
Hauser has served Hastings Public Schools since 2022, most recently as Director of Learning and Support. He previously served as principal of Hawthorne Elementary School and, prior to joining HPS, spent 17 years as a building principal in Grand Island Public Schools.
“I can't walk through one of our buildings without being reminded why this work matters,” Hauser said. “These educators show up every day — not because they have to, but because they're genuinely invested in these kids. Leading this staff isn't a responsibility I take lightly. It's a privilege.”
Hauser holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology and an Educational Specialist degree, all from the University of Nebraska system. He has led district-wide curriculum adoption, coached building principals, and overseen school improvement and accreditation processes during his time at HPS.
“Our recent accreditation process offered proof that Hastings Public Schools is in a great place,” Hauser said. “We have outstanding staff, strong systems and a community that is invested in our kids. My job is to build on that with our team, our families and the community.”
Hauser's contract is expected to receive final board approval in June.
“John was a finalist when the position opened a year ago,” Sullivan said. “Research shows that followers need hope, stability, trust, and compassion from their leader. Our experience with John is that he checks each one of those boxes.”
