ISHS Administration

Successful high schools are driven by a dedicated staff. The Independent Study High School is no different, as our team is constantly working to deliver the best distance education experience to students.

Tim Ernst-Director

Nineteen years experience in Nebraska high schools, as well as a master’s degree in counseling and psychology, taught Tim Ernst a great deal about secondary education.

As the director of the Independent Study High School, Mr. Ernst puts his knowledge to work daily, managing and facilitating programs, product development, policy development and service functions of the school.

Out of the office Tim enjoys golf, Husker athletics and time with family, especially his new granddaughter.

Lisa Bourlier- Associate Principal

Lisa Bourlier brings a master’s degree, an endorsement in secondary school administration and teaching experience to the Independent Study High School.

Serving as associate principal, Ms. Bourlier focuses on many of the same things as a superintendent or principal of a traditional school, including student discipline, teacher training, evaluation and curriculum.

Lisa’s hobbies include hand crafting, glass blowing and spending time outdoors.

Rich Simmons- Academic Adviser

Rich comes to the Independent Study High School from the Lincoln area, where he served as counselor for a number of years.

While away from the office, Rich enjoys running, (over the past 30 years he has accumulated enough miles to run around the earth) reading, studying, hiking with his wife in Rocky Mountain National Park, bike riding, and watching sports on TV.

Jim Augustyn- Academic Adviser

After more than 30 years of service, Jim Augustyn retired from his academic adviser position in July 2007.