Centennial superintendent arrested, charged with Child Abuse and
Sexual Assault

UTICA, NE  –  Centennial Public Schools Superintendent Tim DeWaard has been arrested on charges of Child Abuse and Third-Degree Sexual Assault.

The Seward County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release Tuesday afternoon that its investigation resulted in the arrest of DeWaard, 56, of Utica.

The Sheriff’s Office said his arrest was in relation “to charges involving a high school aged student.”

Authorities said bail was set for DeWaard at $50,000.  He posted bail, and he was released from jail.

“This is an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Seward County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the York County Sheriff’s Department.  Our office is working closely with Centennial Public School officials, and their cooperation is appreciated during this time,” Seward County investigators said.

No further information is being released at this time, as the investigation remains ongoing.

DeWaard has been the superintendent at Centennial since July 1, 2007.

Before coming to Centennial, he served as principal and/or superintendent at Eustis-Farnam, Valentine and Tri-County.

He has been involved with the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.

In 2018, he received the University of Nebraska at Kearney Leaders in Education and Service Award.

According to public records, Dewaard recently signed a new contract that went into effect on July 1, and paid him $168,000 a year.

A recent tweet from Dewaard on July 8 said he was entering his 35th year in education.