[{"_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",6076378,"mediaKeyId","2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01","parentId",2969834,"title","Board member proposes new selection split for Nebraska Council of Teacher Education representatives","audioSeconds",726,"startMs",6685000,"endMs",7411000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01&start=6685&end=7411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01/thumbnail_6685000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076378/Nebraska/Board-member-proposes-new-selection-split-for-Nebraska-Council-of-Teacher-Education-representatives","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076378-719d811efb73038e5550da2473decb93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172991&Signature=lzkib3TTBKSbcSMd-lSM-75yipdaKQwbndqw7Wa7mAFmcDv3YcP62xGYJSK7IN--RwHgv0W64N4R56~xB-1Vv4g5U0GR77NYByXAhuIXHXc38t2EJzu-8jvCYwWYLqL7pWNuOW5uOfjQEl36XdCMednwp0V1o9iOhj6JfK~kpqDSlHjz9A0UJwXV5M7qTDl7wGq8SVk8o0lwxugNSu9AdCrgIbB1Ex94dYWbmTwpV4hmaNLEwJAlXIB8C0R5xRj6ZSAeloIZreK27OE5gJrD8vQV9RINGLM~b9GiAVQqjhZcJa8iB90stskRkLhJTo58Dmuw5BRgV8lrhRhV-YclLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nebraska Department of Education","date","2025-03-01T00:00:00Z","article","Board Member Sherry Jones proposed a revised process for selecting the 16 teacher representatives to the Nebraska Council of Teacher Education (NCTE), recommending an 11/5 split: 11 selected by the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) and 5 selected by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) for teachers unaffiliated with NSEA or affiliated with other organizations.

Under Jones’ proposal, the 16 teacher representatives would include one NSEA representative from each of the board’s eight districts, with three additional at-large NSEA members; NDE-selected representatives would come from the state at large and be reviewed by the board’s executive committee before full-board approval. Jones said she derived allocation percentages from available membership estimates and proposed the 11/5 split as a fair allocation to increase representation for non-NSEA teachers.

Board members raised three recurring concerns: whether NSEA members who also apply independently would be excluded from the NDE pool, how to ensure NSEA’s internal selection process is open to all its members, and whether NDE currently has the capacity to solicit and vet the five statewide candidates. Board Member Kristen Christiansen endorsed geographic distribution so each board district has teacher representation. Board Member Liz Renner and others suggested simplifying language so the five NDE-selected positions remain open to any teacher, regardless of union membership, to avoid inadvertently disqualifying applicants.

The planning-and-evaluation committee had reviewed the item in advance. Members asked NDE and NSEA to clarify selection mechanics, candidate outreach, and alternate allocations; the proposal will return for further review at the April meeting after committee follow-up and additional stakeholder conversations.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 2025 State Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Board Member Sherry Jones proposed changing how the Nebraska Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) selects teacher representatives, recommending 11 chosen through NSEA and 5 selected by NDE and approved by the executive committee.","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},6076383,"State Board approves $153,000 federal mental health technical-assistance grant amid debate over universal screening",304,5377000,5681000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01&start=5377&end=5681","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01/thumbnail_5377000.jpg","/articles/6076383/Nebraska/State-Board-approves-153000-federal-mental-health-technical-assistance-grant-amid-debate-over-universal-screening","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076383-e828040c5f19f8f29059655f489673d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172991&Signature=CJ2ofWDioOINOeVyhKO-yte4Um4wkWRgB3pJOK18VxHz-wXqZAE3Zji1sgHFk7NlbxQ6bxmy9G7ojTdH7~qJpvQkUpDM8pQHbzMfd8q9Qn7p-4rN1REcw2I~OmKd2FTZFxHbOK3O04aOzpzR7RamCj0nnUi4ewFa2WoL-rSXWT2Kuij~HpF20uJMM7jKuNFIUMGJuDQBXkbKjbrsf7Wn575wFqlqFuMazirnVCqrAgDuZYPuuwsp3DwWLxRWWr6xeAsuIEh8ZO1pUbNpfkr545q1uRS5o40ut0lQKf3goSB4aHfA~gA~bikXCE6vdC-4V894qvPJhIxV32JrM8y1jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nebraska State Board of Education voted to accept $153,000 from the U.S. Department of Education to support a Stronger Connections technical-assistance and capacity-building program aimed at local education agency engagement and student and staff mental health.

The motion to authorize Commissioner Maher to accept the funds passed 6–2. During discussion, Board Member Lisa Schonhoff raised concerns about universal mental-health screening and cited recent meta-analyses and Oxford studies that recommend targeted interventions rather than broad, therapeutically informed universal programs. Schonhoff said some evidence suggests universal approaches can be less effective than targeted, evidence-based interventions and can produce short-lived or negative effects if not implemented carefully.

Supporters said the grant funds will enable local education agencies, ESUs, and partners such as hospitals and child-service providers to build capacity for responding to student needs. The motion drew a recorded roll call: Penner and Schonhoff voted no; other board members voted yes. The board chair instructed the recording secretary to call the roll; the chair announced the motion carried 6 yes, 2 no.

Board members asked staff to ensure that grant-funded activities are evidence-informed and sustainable. Several members requested follow-up reports and evaluations that distinguish between screening, referral, and therapeutic services and that do not overburden teachers with clinical responsibilities. Commissioner Maher said he would continue researching best practices and report back to the board.

","The State Board authorized the Nebraska Department of Education to accept a US Department of Education Stronger Connections technical-assistance and capacity-building grant aimed at student and staff mental health. The vote passed 6–2 after members raised concerns about universal screening efficacy and long-term sustainability.",{"_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},6076386,"Nebraska State Board debates informal ethics standard for members' legislative testimony",681,3782000,4463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01&start=3782&end=4463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01/thumbnail_3782000.jpg","/articles/6076386/Nebraska/Nebraska-State-Board-debates-informal-ethics-standard-for-members-legislative-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076386-b1a190d726612aa7f0880764a61327df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172991&Signature=VrCc19BjBZqMbH8~bYE6OtRmcolhqg8mv6eSgAqI8wFI5Hl6AwgZLPR5W9662QGtsl2gy6ACYSdHkV-caL6DQiOOescAwb3He7mEMi71vVJE-kGAGjJerdXNiEn7SfOpkWEzsl8U1~T3vYRyz6BHnypMVKOdwyqf7t0-7n11b2yyJZ4LQVtfcLOh9Y~VooD8BEDcR9t3VYpUxqECt1S-mwxVB72g7Y9coglF1Ec-RgkPcqvzeiD3b5xTbW-wXiTlGx5YjLyGetYEhaYvejxWx9NTtTJjMj3ZYhyHy5q-AAftOnm96BSIBvvThnKJodPFRBLv7KQ0zKdsUMU30hY7jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nebraska State Board of Education spent more than an hour debating whether individual members should sign legislative testimony or mass emails without disclaimers saying they do not speak for the full board.

Board President Elizabeth Tegmeier opened the discussion at the request of Board Member Deborah Neri, noting that past iterations of the board have followed an unwritten standard that members not testify in opposition to a formal board position. Tegmeier said she had consulted the attorney general’s office and was advised that members retain free-speech rights but should take care not to represent personal views as those of the board.

The conversation matters because multiple board members recently submitted testimony on bills that diverged from the board’s public positions. Several board members said that practice has caused confusion among superintendents and other stakeholders. “There’s been a culture here and an ethical standard that we, as board members…have always held,” Tegmeier said, urging members to include a written disclaimer, such as “these statements represent my personal views and not those of the board,” when sending written communications.

Members sharply disagreed about whether the board should try to change that precedent. Board Member Kirk Penner said he would continue to “voice [his] opinion against bills that [he thinks] are nonsense and bad for education.” Several other members urged establishing a clearer culture so the board speaks with unified authority when it acts collectively. Board Member Maggie Douglas said the board “only has impact and power when we act together,” and warned that divergent legislative testimony could create public confusion.

No motion to adopt a new written rule or to restrict members’ speech was made. Instead, board leadership encouraged members to add disclaimers to written communications per existing board operating policy 1.03 and to reserve official board statements for matters directed by the full board. Tegmeier said she will continue exercising her individual free-speech rights as a district representative but will speak officially for the board only when so directed.

The topic arose during the board’s governance discussion and ended without formal action; members asked staff to circulate the existing board operating policy and suggested further conversation in committee if needed.

","Board members debated whether individual members may testify or send written testimony on education bills without using a disclaimer and without implying they speak for the full board; discussion produced no formal rule change but a call to add disclaimers to written communications.",{"_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},6076367,"Votes at a glance: State Board adopts consent agenda items, multiple grants and pilot approvals (March 7, 2025)",5686,3205000,8891000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01&start=3205&end=8891","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01/thumbnail_3205000.jpg","/articles/6076367/Nebraska/Votes-at-a-glance-State-Board-adopts-consent-agenda-items-multiple-grants-and-pilot-approvals-March-7-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076367-cca63076ab2ada3aeb82ff565ddbd812/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172991&Signature=fJR-4qHT13oIfcCeNlt9lhjLRVAfae0Lh-kbGkRTZciW4CUqne-zaEoshKgXEPlQhHkJqKVOnCUk4MP~T1JqPNKk0WgdlurRGlCt~O6VUaxEub-yhkCJBfvW8w3P23kMB-cijXN9Wytz3x6mttoMhyukDR98Dt8nqcbPyawMZzzpfFX0JrFlOmvUxUlB2Gb5qZ3PC5zEHMA1EwUeXaKdWO5JFM7etxlFYYI91p7GKmm2FirVM1KSzukOH65SR6bXUetkQtBHtJ3esczIWmNLvW8eJ~O3x-E6Dz8br-LGto1mreo5Kyvv~dif4qPZY9fb-BqmBXLGaC80r13O~1ONCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nebraska State Board of Education recorded a set of formal actions on March 7, 2025. Below is a concise listing of motions and outcomes taken during the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt consent agenda without item 6.7.b — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)
- Motion text: “I move to adopt the consent agenda without 6.7 B.”
- Vote: Roll call recorded; the chair announced the affirmative has it and the consent agenda was adopted.

- Authorize the commissioner to amend contract for agriculture, food and natural-resources education and FFA support (agenda 7.2.b) — Adopted
- Motion text: “Authorize the commissioner to amend the contract for agriculture, food and natural resources education and FFA support.”
- Vote: Roll call recorded; motion carried (roll-call yes votes announced by recording secretary).

- Accept U.S. Department of Education funds for Stronger Connections technical assistance and capacity building (agenda 7.2.c) — Adopted (6 yes, 2 no)
- Motion text: “Authorize the commissioner to accept funds from the U.S. Department of Education to support the Stronger Connections technical assistance and capacity building grant program aimed at student mental health.”
- Vote: Recorded roll call resulted in 6 yes and 2 no; board requested evaluation and sustainability reporting.

- Accept Nebraska Department of Agriculture funds to support expansion of Farm to School and Walk to Unlock (agenda 7.2.d) — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)
- Motion text: “Authorize the commissioner to accept funds from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to support the expansion of Farm to School and Walk to Unlock.”
- Vote: Unanimous in favor per roll call.

- Authorize commissioner to contract with QuestionPro survey software (agenda 7.2.e) — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)
- Motion text: “Authorize the commissioner to contract with QuestionPro survey software.”
- Vote: Unanimous in favor per roll call.

- Approve Rule 11 teacher waiver request from Schuyler Community Schools (agenda 7.3.a) — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)
- Motion text: “Approve the Rule 11 teacher waiver request from Schuyler Community Schools.”

- Approve pilot process for conducting clinical observations for speech-language pathology virtually for the University of Nebraska at Kearney (agenda 7.3.b) — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)

- Approve pilot process for conducting clinical observations for school psychology virtually for the University of Nebraska at Kearney (agenda 7.3.c) — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)

- Authorize commissioner to approve waiver request from NCYF regarding media specialist requirements (agenda 7.3.d) — Adopted (8 yes, 0 no)

- Accept Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services funds to support prevention of youth tobacco use and prevention education (item pulled from consent agenda, 6.7.b) — Adopted (7 yes, 1 no)
- Motion text: “Authorize the commissioner to accept funds from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to support the prevention of youth tobacco use and prevention education for local education agencies across Nebraska.”
- Vote: Roll call recorded; one recorded no vote (Schonhoff) and seven yes votes.

Notes and follow-up

- The Stronger Connections grant (U.S. Department of Education) prompted the most substantive debate; board members requested midterm evaluation data and clarity about the distinction between screening and therapeutic services.
- The tobacco-prevention subgrant from DHHS is a multi-year subaward; board members asked staff to seek interim data from DHHS in future renewals.
- Several pilot approvals related to virtual clinical observations were approved unanimously; board members noted the approvals were time-limited pilot processes and would return to committee as needed.

","The State Board approved a series of consent and committee items, including adoption of the consent agenda (without item 6.7.b), contract and grant acceptances, software procurement, and several program waivers and pilot approvals. One pulled consent item (tobacco-prevention funds) also passed.",{"_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},6076373,"University faculty urge Board to allow theatre and speech subject endorsement for secondary teachers",857,2168000,3025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01&start=2168&end=3025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969834-f10a8019b2404fe5c7e09720eaa66d01/thumbnail_2168000.jpg","/articles/6076373/Nebraska/University-faculty-urge-Board-to-allow-theatre-and-speech-subject-endorsement-for-secondary-teachers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076373-4efa514cd7c533fa15706e198f8d6295/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172991&Signature=fMTVNirD8eXoMrrQsD6LeZtZKpH8fYUViEggUyzG0QZB6hlMOsAvguG21nvJw-COthaa6y6G5uITY7FOH3I-aX-S0WcQRzsZtb9~7vYXD8t0kGqiTI02JGmFoCRshHPfik4e203MCaAXmgH8ZU4VRZ~~oyUi7WjOyVmZRMf4vIxNgHL9LM2m9J5Xc6nnyfnhoT2W~Z9Lh3hLcC6m4CTnvXyD3QXeIM0fGb7xuOQJZu9RRyuWCSBO7lK6V-ZNCY2cRIbVdlHKyvr7ZPf9uVnpdLFStXwgYQ5IRa4FEHT7ieYC88zeeZU--WACzlxEcYjDjSu1wSEPIol4AOTrjwuueg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Three university theater educators told the State Board during public comment that restoring or permitting a subject endorsement in theater and speech for secondary teachers would boost the number of qualified instructors and strengthen arts education statewide.

Ryan Kathman, a professor of theater at Nebraska Wesleyan University, described theater and speech coursework as producing adaptable students with leadership, collaboration and communication skills. “These are qualities that Fortune 500 CEOs overwhelmingly say they’re looking for,” Kathman said, urging the board to approve the change to allow secondary education majors to earn a subject endorsement in theater and speech.

Dan Hayes, director of theater at Midland University, and Robin McKercher, a professor at Doane University, provided examples from their institutions of students prepared for teaching positions and noted open secondary theater positions across Nebraska. McKercher said the number of Nebraska-origin scholarship recipients has slipped and that the state loses potential teacher candidates to neighboring states that still offer theater-education endorsements.

Supporters asked the board to amend rules (Rule 24 and related endorsements were mentioned during public comment) so that teacher-preparation programs and universities can offer a clear pathway to licensure for theater and speech instructors. They urged the board to consider the local workforce implications (unfilled positions, student recruitment) and to coordinate with educator-prep providers on an endorsement framework.

Board members received the public comment as part of the public allowed period; the item was not on the board’s formal agenda for action. Board staff and committee chairs later noted that the Rules Committee is reviewing endorsements and that the committee had asked for Attorney General guidance on certain endorsement certification questions.

","Three university theater professors testified during public comment urging the State Board to permit a secondary subject endorsement in theater and speech, arguing it would expand the pipeline of qualified teachers and strengthen arts instruction in Nebraska schools.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board member proposes new selection split for Nebraska Council of Teacher Education representatives

State Board approves $153,000 federal mental health technical-assistance grant amid debate over universal screening

Nebraska State Board debates informal ethics standard for members' legislative testimony

Votes at a glance: State Board adopts consent agenda items, multiple grants and pilot approvals (March 7, 2025)

University faculty urge Board to allow theatre and speech subject endorsement for secondary teachers