[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6076360,"mediaKeyId","2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12","parentId",2969836,"title","Public commenters urge subject endorsement for theater and press for literacy supports and restorative practices","audioSeconds",335,"startMs",3210000,"endMs",3545000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12&start=3210&end=3545","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12/thumbnail_3210000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076360/Nebraska/Public-commenters-urge-subject-endorsement-for-theater-and-press-for-literacy-supports-and-restorative-practices","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076360-4254837a33e88ada881f2690aa6f8b16/orig.mp4?Expires=1770854749&Signature=H9fylYnbLE0VeRtvDVPVUdlTfZZWujYpAJ4lfmqWaMUbE4NseIaAZoGwEClwdJRmMATjbJ739nRtitn2lb46DAJ7~Br66tIignlgf2NaR71Nu8~w-3PfK90tiLInveB3f4J~fCIzVpBFC3fjNbAZSFesLixa3chPXv7jkeEBStj7xG1vpiPFn-eSHVlb895It56xvSS5n4iY8wzlOPlSFajQPnsVVy-Xbc60ZKBHthkJOBZ0BbmsH~U2QiRKW2nGxYf9gmUIEseNK7uAzsKn03UrsZ0iRjeio4yRCqCIlbnAZNvxC0XRVclq4ccOv4Fmnqgxa1-ol83iTOcGyfxLeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nebraska Department of Education","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","Four members of the public addressed the State Board during the public comment period on April 4, raising topics that included teacher endorsements for theater and speech, early-grade literacy, restorative approaches to discipline and concerns about auditing and school behavioral policies.

Julia Catton, a Bellevue resident and student teacher at Burke High School, asked the board to revise Rule 24 so that theater and speech become subject endorsements rather than supplemental endorsements. She said subject endorsements would better prepare educators to teach performance techniques, stagecraft, directing and theatrical design and help sustain strong theater programs statewide.

Dr. LaDonna Griffin, an educator with three decades of experience in Omaha’s North community, urged stronger literacy supports and emphasized the emotional and family engagement components of early readers’ success. She said educators often fill caregiving roles and called for community collaboration to help children thrive.

Community organizer Leo Lewis II described work in North Omaha addressing disproportionate disciplinary outcomes for African American students and promoting restorative practices. He said his community group and partners created a book, community training and parent-focused materials aimed at reducing suspensions and supporting reintegration.

Marybeth Hevron, an Omaha taxpayer and observer, raised questions tied to agenda items: she cited the recent audit finding, asked about a reintegration checklist and whether a “designated buddy” in a reintegration plan could be a student, and noted that archived meeting videos on YouTube include ads that the board might consider addressing.

Ending: Board members acknowledged the public comments. Staff and committee chairs noted the topics and said related items—Rule 24 endorsements, literacy and the model behavioral intervention policy—are on the board’s work plan for further committee consideration and future meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 2025 State Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","During the public comment period, student-teacher Julia Catton urged that theater and speech be moved from supplemental to subject endorsement under Rule 24; local educators and community organizers spoke about literacy, family engagement and restorative practices; another commenter raised audit and behavioral-policy concerns.","taxTitle","Board of Education, Elected Officials, Organizations, Executive, Nebraska","taxId",28189,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076366,"State Board approves grants, contracts and policy updates; CDA navigator grant fails",3284,5472000,8756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12&start=5472&end=8756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12/thumbnail_5472000.jpg","/articles/6076366/Nebraska/State-Board-approves-grants-contracts-and-policy-updates-CDA-navigator-grant-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076366-c23aeb517999660094e94ef65ff42a7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770854749&Signature=PFSmSnewQF6tcrwW34JiVWAk4sGuHgPuTpccpDwJIYnZ-Mslr2rSnCGXz4YTSl8Boq1z8ZdgetteMIHFGgFHf9d9jQRJJzuiy-olgcbd-ZhJizo6-FP4CDCUMg~bZ5FtXO7uoUGhOQoEsGjVOaeZ4JiLSoGWUgb5U~169FvYRtI3tkdU0sC9F2-J7lAlyp-KJ5KMEl9K46mitkXSX5sfMLJ6JyCPwyEZqeVUCL6CQ2X1pHY7ODYq1yklLUddsWUp7VDJ1hsZxflzxltaMrYZJfB2ksRAkmTuohbwnp0Ff0~ppBTrkI608KvyEVlmlXc7fpLgaCzT3aq1rMACoAVS7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nebraska State Board of Education on April 4 voted on a range of budget, contract and policy items. The board approved funding recommendations, authorized contracts for statewide services, accepted the annual audit and adopted a model behavioral intervention policy. A proposed continuation grant for a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential navigator failed to receive approval.

Key outcomes at a glance:

- School emergency response mapping grant: Board approved funding recommendations. Vote: roll call in committee and board indicated approval (affirmative votes recorded). The motion to approve the funding recommendations was adopted.

- NCECBVI repair and maintenance contract authorization: The board authorized the commissioner to contract for repairs and maintenance at the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired. The motion was adopted by roll call.

- Nebraska Statewide Educational Programs and Support Services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing: The board authorized the commissioner to contract to carry out grant activity for statewide services; the motion was adopted by roll call.

- Child program and family outcomes measurement system: The board authorized the commissioner to contract for a measurement system; the motion was adopted by roll call.

- UNL Words Project funding source change: The board authorized use of IDEA funds to support the UNL Words Project; the motion was adopted by roll call.

- Acceptance of the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (audit): The board accepted the audit after department staff explained accounting adjustments related to accrual and prior-year reporting; the motion was adopted by roll call.

- Planning and evaluation items: The board approved plans of correction for Rule 10, 14 and 18 school systems and interim program schools; it approved nonpublic schools for 2025–26 and interim program schools for 2025–26; it approved a pilot process for cooperating-teacher qualifications in world languages. The board also approved the Nebraska Department of Education’s model behavioral intervention policy for schools.

- CDA credential navigator continuation grant: The board voted on a motion to approve a $130,000 continuation grant for a CDA credential navigator. The roll call recorded four votes in favor (Douglas, Neary, Renner, Christensen) and four votes against (Schoenhof, Penner, Tegmeier, Jones); the motion failed.

Board discussion and department responses included an explanation of the audit finding (accounting treatment of aid accruals and prior-year adjustments) and department staff clarified details of the CDA navigator pilot, including that initial private funding was provided as part of a RESPECT-related partnership and that private-extension options could be pursued.

Ending: The board’s votes direct the commissioner to implement approved contracts and follow up on policy items; staff will report back as required by contract or by future agenda items.","At its April 4 meeting the Nebraska State Board of Education approved multiple grant awards, contracts and a model behavioral intervention policy; one continuation grant for a Child Development Associate (CDA) navigator failed to pass.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076370,"Nebraska Teacher of the Year Lindsey Wilson promotes inquiry, equity and 'teach like a rebel'",768,2218000,2986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12&start=2218&end=2986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12/thumbnail_2218000.jpg","/articles/6076370/Nebraska/Nebraska-Teacher-of-the-Year-Lindsey-Wilson-promotes-inquiry-equity-and-teach-like-a-rebel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076370-5ef3755ba11e04d6aa922c8ae1b556d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770854749&Signature=Q05SLaZ0ryZBSUlslT75KxbJw4Yx8DI07GLANpzMKUKhsNkE1TuBNGYNbQCvgYgjqljuTSdrrnEAVPtOv9eguxO9UqRrPSBguauPLQYeuENIK7wNnoSK~BiiRNjxcNSqNCRwHqf0sUYBsXFj8oporstOG1MsIoJSIFpBSy~lWQfD~GV9y-d3xWa2rEFeJR0f5mbMgzjNXNdwgOM6byAlNed1pazBBB-Bya1uYoL5NKT8-z3kP7-JB4itUb7vl6mIxD0GuFuZlCIUnAAcPivSOirvv0xySwj0GwNfmD7~kmUSn~8IzhAiMpn230O~mB3Ru8HP~tF16G0T5kRhujrq1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lindsey Wilson, Nebraska Teacher of the Year for 2025 and a middle school teacher at Bennington Middle School, spoke to the State Board on April 4 about her priorities and activities since January.

Wilson said her platform centers on curiosity, critical thinking and creating classrooms where students and teachers feel valued. She described initiatives she launched or expanded this school year, including the Curious Creators Expo (a district-wide K–5 science-and-art showcase), a seventh-grade research symposium at Bennington Middle School, a science club, a district science research team, and community partnerships to increase hands-on STEM opportunities.

Wilson said she has delivered a dozen presentations, served on two panels, participated in the National Teacher of the Year program and recognized 14 teachers across seven schools. She described the Curious Creators Expo as a way to give students space to showcase work when daily schedules limit science-fair participation.

\"Teaching like a rebel does not mean breaking rules, but breaking barriers,\" Wilson said in her remarks, urging inquiry-based instruction and increased access to high-quality hands-on learning.

Board members thanked Wilson for her service and work as an ambassador for Nebraska teachers. The board was told nominations and application materials for the Teacher of the Year program remain available on the Department of Education website.

Ending: Wilson said she will continue outreach and programming across the state and that NDE staff will continue to support the Teacher of the Year program and district requests for visits and materials.","Lindsey Wilson, 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year from Bennington Middle School, told the State Board she has spent the year promoting inquiry-based learning, equity, STEM expansion and teacher recognition, and previewed district events and initiatives she is leading.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076375,"State Board proclaims April as Month of the Military Child and adopts April observances for apprenticeships and Purple Up",407,819000,1226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12&start=819&end=1226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12/thumbnail_819000.jpg","/articles/6076375/Nebraska/State-Board-proclaims-April-as-Month-of-the-Military-Child-and-adopts-April-observances-for-apprenticeships-and-Purple-Up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076375-1dd89dd836e2bcbd3e544bad0236cb54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770854749&Signature=FBzi-i5aUlEauCTyK5SJgc3gvRyW~~OUOasz6-i~QizbyLiNgD3ExCV12Wlls0xtb-whTM3KvN0Yp-VfnLunF8TKbvo6SKGItwMaAhdi3~-42DC2-poPA6G4DAhQd1j-m3R-DZMFtlZCV2dZUVJAItL~EbTTjUfRQ6AAf2mDw~YBVLgrL6euNyGoaWJRIxQFVfwgkQ3-7EePBmOy6JQlN7h~R4sCg2y~0pze4JkDrOjq~Npe4d75sUOOJJz28IW5Yq4581EIeMz61mvYzekKan-E9ZAfw9ER61N6Doga6C32tm60KiB1~OwXKXyrMtz2uRXMgqh9UIhrYvapx9aB7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nebraska State Board of Education on April 4 adopted resolutions recognizing services to military-connected students and celebrating apprenticeship programs.

The board unanimously adopted a resolution designating April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child and naming April 23, 2025, as Purple Up for Military Kids Day. The resolution thanked veterans, active duty and reserve service members and their families, noted that Nebraska recognizes 56 Purple Star Schools that have created or strengthened supports for military-connected students, and directed the Nebraska Department of Education to continue building coalitions to support military-connected children.

In a separate resolution adopted the same day, the board proclaimed April 30, 2025, as National Apprenticeship Day in Nebraska and encouraged citizens to recognize apprenticeship programs that blend on-the-job training with academic instruction. Lane Carr of the Department of Education and apprenticeship staff described expanded partnerships with the Nebraska Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Labor, community colleges and universities; NDE staff said they will follow up in June with more information and stories about apprenticeship expansion.

Both motions were adopted by roll call with eight affirmative votes. The board requested future presentations with additional details on the apprenticeship program expansion and the work of NDE apprenticeship staff.

Ending: The board presented signed copies of each resolution to staff; no budget appropriation for the proclamations was announced at the meeting.","The Nebraska State Board of Education adopted resolutions recognizing April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child, designating April 23 as Purple Up for Military Kids Day, and declaring April 30, 2025, as Apprenticeship Day in Nebraska.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076380,"State education chief: U.S. Department of Education change to ESSER liquidation reduces flexibility, disrupts literacy contracts",442,1494000,1936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12&start=1494&end=1936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969836-cfade15d185891b8903fa51fb51a9c12/thumbnail_1494000.jpg","/articles/6076380/Nebraska/State-education-chief-US-Department-of-Education-change-to-ESSER-liquidation-reduces-flexibility-disrupts-literacy-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076380-a7c7712f1ac1d02c1f67008ac0de73d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770854749&Signature=Gs2OdhgvM8BDt50qj89gYX6IYo3LBPnHUNshXLIs8emmGd784nPpm1vJbjNUwH9LSi6tUX-MlIX2aqDnO1DAhsmUJZ5y9QbqDMNBgbBCmPWYDgFJ6ZcYVPMDkPWXVIIfZd4SKFAi0iPl08qmKBvb3AHv7FDtBHqfakYfuvxH0FSAeGitJGa5R6aGRsQ6jTD1xE2fxGxlu~ECamhwUzmh9hGCCfM-m6BjGUiWpicQszG0ewh3Bd9oEkWI6bhj~yixnOYXbikbh0IhCibxDjr00MkpxQFNzSDQkgCnvcUr5QABnKjYGgBLWwIV0p0Oz03oDkeyJZqsHRjXKaNEMk5WPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Maher told the Nebraska State Board of Education on April 4 that a late change by the U.S. Department of Education reduced the state’s flexibility to liquidate remaining ESSER (ARP) funds and disrupted contracts supporting literacy work.

Maher said the department had requested $20,200,000 in flexibility to access funds beyond the original end date; about $9,000,000 of that request remained when the Department of Education changed its guidance. He described the remaining amount as “less than 1.6% of all of our ARP funds,” but said the change nonetheless affected 21 contractors and multiple literacy programs that were underway.

The affected projects named in board remarks include the UNL Words Project, the UNO Literacy Workshop and the UNK RISE early-literacy project, along with the Nebraska Growing Readers book distribution and other literacy supports. Maher said those efforts were the department’s “literacy priority” and that the timing change interrupted planned work with contractors and districts including Omaha and Scottsbluff.

Maher told the board the department will pursue reconsideration with the U.S. Department of Education after consulting the board, is engaging the governor’s office and will reach back out to the state’s congressional delegation. He said the department was also reviewing the federal guidance and looking for ways to preserve the state’s literacy goals.

\"Our goal, our specific goals as they relate to literacy, have not changed,\" Maher said, adding that the agency planned further conversations with federal officials and members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the geographic reach of the affected work and were told the projects reach “border to border,” with work in Omaha Public Schools and Scottsbluff Public Schools among others. Maher said the department will continue efforts to prioritize literacy while it seeks additional federal flexibility.

Ending: The department will report back to the board after seeking reconsideration and consulting with state and federal partners. No formal board action was recorded on the ESSER liquidation issue at the April 4 meeting.","Commissioner Maher told the Nebraska State Board of Education that a U.S. Department of Education change to late-liquidation rules cut the state's planned use of ESSER/ARP funds, affecting literacy projects and 21 contractors; the department will seek reconsideration and consult the governor and congressional delegation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters urge subject endorsement for theater and press for literacy supports and restorative practices

State Board approves grants, contracts and policy updates; CDA navigator grant fails

Nebraska Teacher of the Year Lindsey Wilson promotes inquiry, equity and 'teach like a rebel'

State Board proclaims April as Month of the Military Child and adopts April observances for apprenticeships and Purple Up

State education chief: U.S. Department of Education change to ESSER liquidation reduces flexibility, disrupts literacy contracts