I am running for the Board of Education because I care a great deal about education. I am concerned about the well-being of all our students and our teachers, and I want to be involved in processes and decisions that support them. If elected, my greatest priority is teacher recruitment and retention. Our state is already making moves to remove barriers for soon-to-be teachers, and I want to ensure that we are adjusting our requirements of teacher licensure to meet the needs of our schools.

The most important challenges facing our school districts are legislation that cuts funding to school districts as well as recruiting and retaining teachers. LB 1316, proposed by Senator Linehan, will dangerously impact our rural school districts. If passed, school districts will no longer have access to additional tax-asking space above the 3% cap passed by Pillen in 2023. This is detrimental at a time of teacher shortages where competitive compensation cannot be guaranteed. I plan to learn more about the formulas our state uses for allocating state funding, and I will work with our senators to promote investing in education.

The role of the State Board of Education is to set the direction for education in Nebraska, ensuring quality and equity in the state's public education system. We are responsible for developing and adopting education policies that guide the operation of schools and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. We establish academic standards for various subjects and grade levels. We oversee the accreditation process for schools and districts in our state. We set requirements for teacher licensure and certification. We do not have direct control over funding, but we can advocate for adequate and equitable funding for our schools. These are just some of the key aspects of the role of the State Board of Education.

I can contribute to the Board’s decisions especially those that have contentious histories. My priorities include a vigorous program designed to prepare non college bound secondary students in areas of blue-collar job preparation. The goal is to prepare the student to join the job of choice from school eliminating post-secondary trade schools or colleges.

There are a number of challenges facing all school districts. Teacher recruitment and retention, lack of respect, outside special interest intrusion, censorship, elimination of programs, lack of funds, to name a few. I would like to see more master craftsmen/women involved in educating the students. Establish a grandfather program to allow them to teach without having to complete a five year college teaching program.

The State Board of Education acts as an executive master principal, if you will, as a guide to school districts across the state. They look at and establish protocols for educational programs, recommend curriculum and act as problem solvers for districts with operational problems. As a Board the members can adjudicate all aspects of legalities.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.