Deshler alum Debra McDonald is returning to the halls of Deshler Jr. - Sr. High School, only this time as a teacher! After graduating from Deshler High School a few years back, Mrs. McDonald went on to earn her teaching degree from Doane College.
She has experience in the special education field and specifically in helping students transition to the work force, including her work in high school special education at Arapahoe Public Schools for 5 years and Aurora Public Schools for 8 years. During this time, she worked with various aged children with a wide range of abilities. Since returning to Deshler, she has been the first and second grade teacher at Deshler Lutheran Elementary.
Mrs. McDonald has been married for 26+ years to Dr. McDonald, DPS superintendent. Her four youngest children have all either attended or are currently attending Deshler Public or Deshler Lutheran Schools, since returning to the area two years ago.
Cole (25) is the oldest of the McDonald children and lives near Curtis, NE where he farms and ranches. The McDonalds' one and only daughter, Jaelyn (21), has moved from the science field of occupational therapy to science education. Grady (19) graduated from DPS last year, and is finishing his freshman year at UNL, majoring in accounting.
The remaining three children are all students in the Deshler school systems. Holden (15) is a freshman at Desher High School. Rigley (12) is a sixth grader at Deshler Lutheran School. And Traigan (10), is a 4th grader at Deshler Elementary.
When she isn't attending her kids' activities, Mrs. McDonald loves to spend time with family and friends. She especially enjoys playing cards, reading, and riding horses. Mrs. McDonald is most excited to be a part of the Deshler Public School system so that she can "build lifelong relationships" with the staff and students here.
Mrs. McDonald will be taking over for Mrs. Sarah Schroeder this fall. Mrs. Schroeder has taken a position with ESU #5 as a mental health therapist, beginning in August 2022. Thank you for your service, Mrs. Schroeder, and welcome back to the DPS halls, Mrs. McDonald!