Casey P. Slama

Gordon Elementary School
Gordon-Rushville Public Schools
Gordon, Nebraska
casey.slama@grmustangs.org

With extensive experience at the elementary and middle school levels, principal Casey Slama strives to lead in a way that “gives voice to teachers so they can help guide and navigate the waters of student achievement.” This consensus-driven approach to decision making increases staff accountability to shared goals, which in turn delivers the highest quality instruction possible to students. As principal of Gordon Elementary School, Slama listens closely to staff and encourages the adoption of programs that can address their challenges and needs. He has begun the implementation of PBIS and CHAMPS, a proactive classroom management system, which has allowed shared expectations to frame the approach to behavior interventions. This work has been complemented by the Red Ticket Winner program for positive behavior, which allows ticket holders to enter a raffle that can win them access to the school’s PBIS store and a feature on the school’s Facebook page. In his previous role at Gordon-Rushville Middle School, Slama implemented a 20-minute period called Mustang 40 to deliver short lessons on the 40 developmental assets for adolescents, leading to a reduction in disruptive behavior, increased completion of assignments, and improved performance. Slama is an active volunteer in community youth sports and values giving students an appreciation of patriotism, which he has done through partnerships with a veteran community member and a state senator. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.