Quest Forward Academy Inc Hires Michael Brown as Director of Quest Forward Academy, Omaha

Michael Brown Currently Serves as Superintendent of Schools for Boyd County, NE.

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Quest Forward Academy Omaha, a high school established and funded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Joe Ricketts through his foundation Opportunity Education, announced today that Michael Brown has been hired as the school’s new Director. Brown, currently the superintendent of schools for Boyd County, NE, will lead the Academy’s day-to-day operations and work closely with its teachers, administrative staff, other student support staff, parents, and members of the broader community.

“I wanted to join a forward-thinking school using a fresh, innovative approach to teaching more effectively,” said Michael Brown. “Quest Forward Academy gives students the flexibility to think creatively within a personalized education system that permits them to thrive. I’m thrilled to lead it forward.”

“We’re very pleased for Michael Brown to join Quest Forward Academy Omaha,” said Joe Ricketts. “Michael has an impressive background as an educator and school administrator, and we look forward to his leadership.”

Brown, who has served as the superintendent of schools for Boyd County Public Schools since 2017, led the district through the consolidation of Lynch and West Boyd School Districts to create a new countywide school district. After navigating numerous building and staffing issues, Brown ensured the district had the staff and facilities necessary to deliver a top-notch education. He then guided the district through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown previously served as the principal for Osmond Community Schools and the principal of Bruning-Davenport USD. He began his teaching career at Wheatland Public Schools in Madrid, NE then went on to spend seven years as a business/computer education teacher Sargent Public Schools in Sargent, NE. Along the way, he coached many of his schools’ sports teams and facilitated a wide variety of school activities.

In his new role as Director of Quest Forward Academy Omaha, Brown will be responsible for driving Opportunity Education’s vision for engaged, skills-forward high school learning and building and maintaining an active and vibrant learning community. Michael will work to ensure the Academy delivers a mission-aligned student experience, progression through the course of study, and student success from entry to graduation.

Brown will start in his new role on July 1, 2021.

About Quest Forward Academy Omaha

Quest Forward Academy Omaha is a high school established and funded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Joe Ricketts through his foundation, Opportunity Education. Located on the campus of Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE, the school is part of a growing, global network of forward-thinking, independent high schools that help students develop the mindset, habits, and skills they need to succeed in college and career. To learn more about Quest Forward Academy and its enrollment process, visit questforward.academy/omaha or email [e-mail].

About Opportunity Education

Established in 2005, Opportunity Education improves education for children and young adults worldwide, giving them access to relevant and engaging learning opportunities. Opportunity Education works to enable young people around the world to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in life and work. Opportunity Education reaches over 1 million students in 11 countries and supports more than 5,000 teachers in over 1,700 primary and secondary schools. To date, Joe Ricketts has invested more than $60 million through Opportunity Education to improve education worldwide.