Highlights - Summer 2025
Anyone wishing to view past monthly SBOE business meetings may do so at https://www.education. ne.gov/stateboard/. On the left side of the page click on Video Archives.
Nebraska Literacy Project Gap After examining the Nebraska Literacy Project and its five tenets, the Nebraska Department of Education identified a potential gap in the area of school leader training and support.
As a result, NDE pursued and received a privately-funded grant which will provide $25 million ($5 million per year over the next five years).
The funding will cover costs of training and on-site, intensive coaching for principals and other school leaders in literacy best practices. More information on the Nebraska Literacy Project can be found online at https://www. education.ne.gov › nebraska-literacyproject
Menstrual Product Pilot Program Taxpayers will be paying for $250,000 worth of menstrual products for girls in qualifying public schools during the upcoming school year. Following are some of the reasons I voted “No” on this action item in June: I believe there are resources currently available to help girls who show up to school without needed feminine products. Several school nurses validated there are indeed safety nets in place.
I believe the cost of menstrual products should be the responsibility of the user or the user’s family, not the taxpayer. To put the cost in perspective, a two-month supply of menstrual products would be equivalent to half the cost of a fast food combo meal.
I believe this is an opportunity for students to be taught personal responsibility rather than dependence. If a local school board believes there is a need and wants to provide products, at cost or for free, they could do so by soliciting local businesses or individuals willing to contribute.
It’s important to note that for the 2024-25 school year, taxpayers generously provided an average of just under $16,000 to educate each student in our public schools.
Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program
At the June Board meeting, representatives from Midland University and Omaha Westside shared the impact of a Nebraska “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship Program. Twelve apprentices have already entered the classroom as teachers, with 56 currently enrolled in the program.
These school-selected candidates will earn a no- cost, two- year bachelor’s degree while receiving paid, on-the-job training. Programs such as this are helping to expand Nebraska's pool of qualified teachers.
The Legislature currently appropriates one million dollars for the Teacher Apprenticeship Program annually. For the upcoming year, Chadron State College will receive $70,151.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will receive the remaining funds of over $900,000. More information about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program can be found online at https://www.education.ne/gov/tcert/ nebraska-teacher-apprenticeships/
Nebraska Educators Rising Schools across the state are helping to address the teacher shortage by providing Educator Rising chapters.
Educators Rising is a student organization that supports students who are interested in education-related careers by providing experiences and skills needed to be ready for the classroom. As of 2024 there were over 550 members in 40 chapters across our state. Perhaps a number of these students will choose to pursue an education-related profession.
2024-25 Nebraska Milken Educator
Congratulations to Dexter Hanzel, a Neligh-Oakdale Junior/Senior High School teacher, who received the prestigious Milken Educator Award including a $25,000 cash prize.
Hanzel, a Science and Math teacher, was honored for his “commitment to excellence in education and ability to create powerful, creative learning opportunities for students”. This award has been given since 1987.
I’d also like to recognize Jamie Sehi, vocal music teacher, for the heart-warming patriotic song she led students in singing. It was a buttonpopping day for the Warriors!
Commissioner Contract Extension The Board voted unanimously to extend Dr. Maher’s contract through June 2027. The commissioner will receive a pay increase in line with the percentage increase for state employees as determined through the bargaining agreement. Dr. Maher’s effective leadership was noted in his recent evaluation.
Upcoming SBOE Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the State Board of Education will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, at 9 a.m. in Lincoln. The NDE office building is located at 500 S.
84th Street. Committee meetings will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4.
