GIPS Names Elizabeth Lantz Leader of Early Childhood Education as Julie Schnitzler Plans for Retirement

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) is pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Lantz will be the district leader of Early Childhood Education and the O’Connor Learning Center starting this summer. We are excited to have Mrs. Lantz joining us at GIPS to continue our trajectory of making positive impacts in the lives of students, families, and staff.

A veteran educator and leader, Mrs. Lantz brings a wealth of Early Childhood Education and student advocacy experience to the GIPS program.  Lantz has served as a Child Development School Instructor at Iowa State University for the past year.  Prior, she served as the Executive Director of Kidnect in La Vista, Nebraska for three years before serving as the Heartland Head Start Interim Executive Director in Bloomington, Illinois.  She also served as the School Director for the Early Learning Center (OELC) in Omaha.  Lantz carries a Masters of School Administration from NW Missouri State University and is working on her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education from Liberty University (May 2027).

Speaking to the exciting opportunity, Lantz shared, "I am truly excited to be part of an early childhood program that is leading the way in innovative education, where we are not just nurturing young minds, but fostering a supportive, holistic environment for families. Shifting from a traditional child care model to a family care approach allows us to empower both children and their caregivers, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and growth, which is truly the foundation for academic success."

This news comes on the heels of Mrs. Julie Schnitzler, current GIPS Early Childhood Education Coordinator, sharing that she will be retiring at the end of the school year.  

Mrs. Schnitzler served as Principal at Howard Elementary for 15 years and then the leader of Early Childhood Education for GIPS for the last two years. Throughout her tenure leading Howard & Early Childhood Education she remained consistent in leading with empathy and championing opportunities for students.  Those that have had the opportunity to work with her understand her passion for public education and supporting teachers. 

Reflecting on her career in public education, Mrs. Schnitzler said, “I am so blessed to have worked with the amazing, dedicated teachers and staff in Grand Island Public Schools for the past 17 years. I also appreciate the relationships I’ve built with students and their families. The greatest joys have been watching students realize their own educational growth and know that our School family made that learning possible.”

We cannot thank Mrs. Schnitzler enough for all she has done to bring innovative education and student livelihood to the forefront. 

As GIPS continues its commitment to high-quality early childhood education in Grand Island, Mr. Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, affirmed the great work from Mrs. Schnitzler and the exciting future ahead with Mrs. Lantz.

“We are excited to have Mrs. Lantz join us to continue the outstanding work that Mrs. Schnitzler has done with our preschool program.” Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, said.  “Having Mrs. Schnitzler step out of her elementary principal role to take on the early childhood director position has been a real blessing for the district.  The work she has done coupled with the skills and experience Mrs. Lantz is bringing to the position should put us in a great position to serve the needs of our youngest learners.”

The leadership transition will take place in Summer 2025.  As Mrs. Lantz looks to move to Grand Island, the district will ensure families and community members will have an opportunity to meet her before the start of the 2025-26 school year. 

Thank you, Mrs. Schnitzler, for your legacy of positive influence in the lives of countless students and welcome Mrs. Lantz to Grand Island Public Schools!