Highlights — Spring 2026
District 6 Representative Sherry Jones
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.
Strategic Plan Approved
The Nebraska Department of Education has launched its new strategic plan for 2026-2030 entitled Good Life, Great Schools, Excellent Education. It is meant to be a comprehensive roadmap outlining specific, measurable goals. Four key educational priorities are: Accelerate Student Achievement Grow the Educator Pipeline Equip Learners for the Workforce Provide Exceptional Service Targets to boost student proficiency and attendance: - Reading Proficiency: 75% of 3rd graders will score proficient in English Language Arts - Math Proficiency: 80% of 8th graders will score proficient in Mathematics - Graduation Rate: Statewide graduation rate will increase to 94% - Chronic Absenteeism: Reduce rate by 50%
New Deputy Commissioner of Education With the retirement of Dr. Deborah Frison, Dr. Ryan Foor has been appointed as a Deputy Commissioner of Education. Dr. Foor will “provide leadership and guidance for the dayto- day operations of the NDE and provide agency-wide administrative support to the Commissioner”. He has served at NDE since 2015. Dr. Foor begins his new role on April 20th.
Quasi-Judicial Duties Unbeknownst to many, the State Board of Education serves in a Quasi-Judicial capacity. Over the past three years, SBOE representatives have thoughtfully heard and deliberated nearly 100 cases. Most of these cases involve teacher licenses with a few cases pertaining to option enrollment. Deciding whether or not an educator’s license is reinstated, suspended, or temporarily or permanently revoked is a weighty responsibility. It takes many hours to adequately prepare for the online meetings which last up to three hours.
Mental Health Grants
During the March board meeting, two mental health grants totaling approximately $11 million were brought before the board. Both failed by a vote of 4-4. Over the past year, board members have expressed concerns over the absence of a mental health policy which would protect students, guide and support school staff, and recognize parental rights. If an acceptable policy for the delivery of school mental health is developed, I believe future mental health grants will have a better chance of being passed by the board.
To note, $14.6 million of ‘Covid money’ was allocated to address the mental health of Nebraska students.
Public Input Survey #2 for Social Studies Standards The Nebraska Social Studies Standards are in the process of being revised with the anticipated adoption date being September of 2026. This revision process began in January 2025 with a Public Input Survey. Since that time, a 21 member writing team has developed proposed revisions. In May, a second survey will be available to the public. I encourage Nebraskans to review the proposed standards and submit input. The survey will be available on NDE’s website or you may use the following email to submit feedback: [email protected]. The Fordham Institute reviewed the Civics and U.S. History standards of all fifty states. Our current Nebraska standards received a D in Civics, and D- in U.S. History. Ouch. The profiles of all 50 states can be viewed at https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/ research/state-state-standards-civicsand- us-history-2021 Educating our children to be knowledgeable, patriotic citizens begins with quality standards.
Time to Nominate for Nebraska TOY
TOY is an acronym for Teacher of the Year. Do you know of a Nebraska teacher you would like to recognize for their hard work and dedication to the children of our state? The Nebraska Department of Education is seeking nominations for the 2027 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. To nominate a teacher, go to the Nebraska of Education website. The nomination process is short and simple. Last year, there were over 100 nominations submitted. There are many amazing teachers in SBOE District 6. Please consider nominating one of them for Nebraska’s TOY.
The 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year is Sarah Hardin, a Mullen Science Teacher.
Upcoming SBOE Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the State Board of Education will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 9:00 in Bellevue. Committee meetings will be held on Thursday, May 7th .
For NE Kids, Sherry Jones Email address: [email protected]
