The Voice The State Education Association  March 2014

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 1 Planning Period Upcoming Assignments Loan Forgiveness! Teacher Appreciation Day Legislature Adds Dollars to Loan Forgiveness; Tuesday, May 6 You Can Apply Now! n What: A day set aside to honor America’s educators. Spread the word – and don’t miss out: Applicants must be employed as a n Details: Thank your favor- the State of Nebraska’s loan forgiveness certificated teacher in an approved/ac- ite teacher or teaching colleague. plan for teachers is a good deal. credited school and be enrolled in an ap- NEA has the resources to help at: The approved proved graduate program at an eligible nea.org/grants/teacherday LB967, which added $200,000 to the institution. Applicants must also com- state’s Enhancing Excellence in Teach- plete a degree in: a shortage area; cur- Election Day! ing Program – loan forgiveness – for riculum and instruction; a subject area Tuesday, May 13 the 2014-15 fiscal year. With the added in which a teaching endorsement is al- n What: Key cash, there is $1.2 million available. ready held; or obtain a graduate degree races in the NSEA pushed hard for the extra dol- that will result in an additional endorse- Legislature and for lars during the legislative session. ment which a school administrator be- governor could set edu- The program allows those teachers lieves will be beneficial to the students cation policy for many years. enrolled in a graduate program to apply of the school. n Details: Set an example on an annual basis for a loan of $175 per NSEA members are urged to apply for your students and vote. Learn credit hour, up to a maximum of $3,000. for the loan forgiveness program. For about candidates on Pages 20-24. Applicants can secure loans annually details, or to apply, go to this website: for up to five consecutive years. education.ne.gov/EducatorPrep Leadership Institute June 16-19 Chadron Educators Receive $5,000 Grant n What: Train Chadron State College Professor Dr. and relevance. The finished modules will for three days to William Roweton and co-applicant, Dr. be hosted on the servers of the local Edu- prepare for a larger Linda Brown, have received a $5,000 cational Service Unit. role in your asso- Learning & Leadership Grant from the The grant was announced in April by ciation. NEA Foundation to produce six self- the NEA Foundation. n Details: Expenses paid for paced instructional modules that will The NEA Foundation awards grants members, this event should be on examine fundamental program assess- to educators three times a year. The next your bucket list. Call or e-mail Jan ment concepts to assist educators in ru- grant deadline is June 1. Application Anderson at 1-800-742-0047 or: ral schools. The web-based modules will forms and a video with step-by-step ap- [email protected] reinforce psychometric knowledge and plication instructions can be found at: skills and emphasize regional availability neafoundation.org

Millennials are the future of your Association, and many were present at NSEA’s Delegate Assembly in Kearney last month. Top row, from left, Devin Garcia, Lewiston; Amber Lewis, Kearney; Manny Andazola, Lexington; Jessica Hughes, Cover Lincoln. Second row, from left: Jill Kimbrough, Grand Island; Sean Carlson, Millard; Page Story: Dene Oglesby, Ralston; Jac Carlson, Omaha. Third row: Jose Hernandez, Norfolk; Jaime Jones, Omaha; Josh Hennagir, Millard; Diana Rodas, Lexington. Fourth row: 12 Brittany Firley, Newman Grove; Andy Isaacson, Papillion-LaVista; Rachel Howe, Omaha; Tommie Leaders, University of Nebraska-Omaha. For details, turn to

Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen tober, November, February, April and August. Published Assoc. Executive Director Neal Clayburn online in December, January, March and May. Director of Public Affairs Karen Kilgarin Assistant Comm. Director Al Koontz Payment of annual NSEA dues entitles Nebraska educa- the tors to receive The Voice. Cost of producing 10 issues of NSEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Voice each year is $3.41 per member. President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia VOICE Vice President Leann Widhalm, Norfolk Nebraska State Education Association Advertising rates available on request. Appearance of an NEA Director John Heineman, Lincoln advertisement in The Voice does not imply NSEA endorse- 605 S. 14th Street NEA Director Jenni Absalon, Lincoln Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org ment of the product advertised or views expressed. (402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047 Official publication of the Nebraska State Education As- Volume 67, No. 9 sociation, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Cited for excellence each year by ISSN Number: 1085-0783 Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional the State Education Editors, including USPS Number: 000-369 mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to The these 2013 awards: Best Magazine, Voice, NSEA, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Best News Story, Best Feature Story, Best Photograpy and Best Editorial Design. Great Public Schools For Every Child Published and mailed 6 times yearly in September, Oc-

PAGE 2 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 From the President The Vision to Aim High

Sculptor, painter, architect and poet Michel- from parents, the public and elected officials angelo said “The greatest danger for most of us rise to the top? Are fewer test days and more is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, time to teach our top priorities? How about ac- but that it is too low and we reach it.” countability for appropriate state standards? Our Association’s aim is a great public ed- Do we deserve competitive salaries and more ucation for every student – a lofty goal to be support for new, as well as veteran, teachers? sure. It is a vision – clearly stated in our Mis- I am certain you have many other sugges- sion Statement – of which we should be proud. tions. While that vision is timeless, reaching that vision is a constant challenge. As we move Ill-Advised Directives deeper into the digital age, we must be open to Educators must be involved in creation of change in order to rise to those challenges. The this coming vision, and that is why I so appre- NSEA President very nature of our work demands that we be on ciate Sen. Sullivan’s invitation to participate. Nancy Fulton the cutting edge of progress, and progress, of Without the involvement of educators, we risk course, means constant change. a “vision” of ill-advised directives imposed upon us by those who do not teach. Thus, we Reshaping Education need your voice and the voice of all public “ In that regard, educators have a unique op- school educators. ...we can help portunity this year. The Legislature’s Educa- So now is the time for us to take our place policymakers tion Committee chair, Sen. Kate Sullivan, has at the table with issues like education reform, invited NSEA to work with the committee to not only testing and accountability. It is time to engage provide input on a visioning process for public members to send our ideas and messages to ‘aim high’ but education, pre-school through college, in Ne- legislators and policymakers, to let them know aim in the braska. This pivotal study, approved by state that we will lead our profession, that we know senators in April, will significantly influence what works best in the classroom. right direction public education, our students and our work As part of that process, we must reach out as they craft as educators well into the future. I am quite and listen to our Millennial Generation col- pleased that Sen. Sullivan has sought our par- leagues, as well as former members and those a new and ticipation. who have never been members. Together, we exciting vision As the visioning process begins to gain can teach them about the value of membership, steam, I will seek your thoughts and input. We we can build a stronger and more effective As- for education in at NSEA are already conducting focus groups sociation for all. Together, we can help policy- Nebraska. with members to discuss and discover the is- makers not only “aim high” but aim in the right sues and goals important to you. We don’t plan direction as they craft a new and exciting vi- to stop at that. Watch for surveys and other op- sion for education in Nebraska. ” portunities that will enable you to provide your When I began teaching, the torch handed to view of what public education should look like me burned strong and bright. I believe that by in the years ahead. Your input will also tell us standing together and building on our already how we can work toward that goal of reshaping formidable Association and our already effec- education. tive public school system here in Nebraska, Should our priorities focus on smaller class we will be able to pass a strong and brightly size? Is professional development and mentor- lit torch on to the next generation of educators. ing for new teachers important? Does support Thanks, colleagues, and aim high. Finding Nebraska’s Great Public Schools (GPS) NSEA members from around the state appear Gretna...... Page 12 Millard...... Page 1, 12 Papillion-LaVista...... Page 1, 8, 12 or are mentioned in this issue. Look for: Hastings...... Page 12, 18 Newman Grove...... Page 1 Ralston...... Page 1, 12 Brady...... Page 18 Kearney...... Page 1 Norfolk...... Page 1, 8 Sidney...... Page 5 Chadron State College...... Page 2 Lincoln...... Page 1, 7, 8, 12 Omaha...... Page 1, 9, 12, 18 University of Neb.-Omaha...... Page 1 Elkhorn...... Page 8, 12 Lewiston...... Page 1 O’Neill...... Page 8 Westside...... Page 8, 12 Grand Island...... Page 1, 5, 7 Lexington...... Page 1 Overton...... Page 8 Wilber-Clatonia...... Page 7

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 3 PAGE 4 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 Opening Bell Nickels What’s Going on in Kansas? Files for Kansas Educators Lose Due Process Ed Board Kansas lawmakers have eliminated due process for teachers in that state, Former Teacher removing protections established in a 1957 Kansas Supreme Court case. Seeks State Office The state’s Senate voted 22-16 to Maureen Nickels, a 26-year eliminate due process in the first days of teacher with the Grand Island Pub- April. Following a marathon weekend of lic Schools, has filed for election debate – with the statehouse crowded to District 6 of the Nebraska State with teachers urging the bill’s defeat – Board of Education. the Kansas House voted 63-57 late on a Lynn Cronk, Grand Island, the Sunday to remove the protections. current District 6 representative. Many Kansas teachers had been at chose not to seek re-election. Dis- the statehouse until 4 a.m. that morning, trict 6 covers a swath of central Ne- watching discussion on the legislation. braska counties from Kansas to the The due process language was part South Dakota border. of a bill that added $129 million to the Nickels taught in Grand Island state education budget to satisfy a court while Cronk was on the Grand Is- ruling addressing funding inequities. The land Public Schools Board of Edu- The Candidate: Maureen Nickels hands filing papers to Deputy Secretary of State bill also gives tax breaks to corporations cation, and credits Cronk with be- that give to private school scholarships. ing a board leader and visionary. Neal Erickson. Nickels, a 26-year classroom teacher, seeks election to the State Board of Due process provides that an em- “As a parent, taxpayer and for- Education in District 6, a broad Kansas-to- ployee cannot be fired without cause. mer teacher, I very much appreci- South Dakota swath of central Nebraska. With NSEA support, Nebraska senators ate Lynn’s willingness to advocate placed due process language for educa- for policies that improve student rural school districts to create quality tors in state statute in 1980. achievement,” said Nickels. early childhood education programs, and incentives for additional family- Kansas Tax Cuts Additional Resources school-community partnerships. Nickels said among priorities, if She said she will work to ensure that ‘Utterly Fail’ to Deliver elected, will be to ensure that local com- Central Nebraska schools get their fair The Center on Budget & Policy Pri- munities, not federal bureaucrats, de- share of resources. orities says that tax cuts enacted by the cide what is right for their schools. “We pay a great deal of property, Kansas Legislature in 2012 resulted in a “I believe decisions are best left to sales and income tax dollars to support revenue drop of 9 percent when most local communities, taxpayers, teachers quality education for our children. I other states saw increases in revenues. and elected school boards – not bureau- want to make sure that our schools are The tax cut, called “one of the largest crats in Washington, D.C.,” she said. getting their fair share.” tax cuts of any state ever” by the Wash- Nickels said priorities also include Nickels has spent the past 14 years as ington Post, provides less than promis- advocating for additional resources for an organizational specialist for NSEA. ing short-term results, said the CBPP. “Promises of immediate economic Sidney’s Higuchi Was Panhandle Rep improvement have utterly failed to ma- terialize,” wrote CBPP researchers Mi- Wilbert “Wil” Higuchi, 83, Education for the Armed Forces chael Leachman and Chris Mai. longtime NSEA board member in Northern Japan. The report drew expected pushback from the Panhandle District, a He returned to Nebraska and from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s teacher at Sidney, and advocate began teaching science at Sid- office, but the Post called the report for education and educators at all ney in 1967. He sponsored the “unusually harsh for the CBPP, which levels, died April 13 at Sidney. National Honor Society and despite criticisms of liberalism often Born in Honolulu, he at- Science Club, and coached vol- produces detailed, fair policy analyses.” tended the University of Hawaii leyball. He was a scorer and The Post reported that the drop in before learning of a program timer at wrestling matches, and state revenues was matched by a drop that brought him to Chadron attended football and basketball in school funding. Meanwhile, a year ago, State Teacher’s College where games. He retired in 1996. Higuchi 18 states raised general funding per stu- he earned a bachelor’s degree Survivors include two daugh- dent relative to inflation, while 29 more in education. After duty with the ters and four siblings. Memori- states did so this year. Army in Korea, he served as Director of als are to the Sidney High Science Club. MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 5 PAGE 6 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 2014-15 Executive Team: NSEA members at the 2014 Delegate Assembly elected these educators to lead NSEA’s Executive Committee. From left, Wilber-Clatonia’s Nancy Fulton was re-elected for a second term as president; Jenni Absalon, Lincoln, was elected vice president; Grand Island’s Deb Gnuse was elected to fill the remainder of Absalon’s term on the NEA Board of Directors; and John Heineman, Lincoln, was elected to a second term on the NEA Board of Directors. ‘Bigger, Better’ is Ahead Delegates Re-Elect Fulton, Hear from Gubernatorial Candidates A modestly different team of four educators will lead NSEA Association at a decent rate, but not quite at the rate of their in 2014-15, as the Association works to convey to members Baby Boomer and Generation X predecessors. Fulton started trends in standards and instructional practices. the discussion of reaching Millennials by inviting generational Those items, as well as a study of the expert Jeff Kallay to speak to delegates. Millennial Generation, were the highlights Kallay is the CEO and co-founder of of the Association’s 153rd Delegate As- Render Experiences, an Atlanta-based sembly. Nearly 300 members took part in consulting firm that works with colleges the Assembly, held in Kearney April 11-12. and universities to attract students. Delegates also heard from NSEA- Defined roughly as those born between recommended gubernatorial candidates 1980 and 2001, Millennials are bright, ide- Chuck Hassebrook and Jon Bruning. alistic, team-oriented and quite capable, he In addition to re-electing Wilber-Clato- said. At the same time, their parents have nia Education Association’s Nancy Fulton cherished, pampered, celebrated and pro- to a second three-year term as NSEA presi- tected their Millennial children (see story dent, delegates approved nine New Busi- on Page 12). Kallay has been awed by the ness Items, made minor revisions to the collaborative work of Millennials. Association’s Bylaws and revised several “If you put them in groups, they will standing Resolutions, which are the Asso- blow you away with what they can do,” ciation’s guiding principles. said Kallay. Fulton was excited about the prospects The Educator’s Friend: President Nancy Fulton presented NSEA’s Hassebrook, Bruning Visit of a second term. highest award, the Friend of Educa- “The first term was productive. I’m hop- tion, to retired Nebraska Commis- In brief addresses, Democrat Chuck ing for bigger and better work on behalf of sioner of Education, Dr. Roger Breed. Hassebrook and Republican Jon Bruning Nebraska children and teachers in the com- spoke to delegates. Both have been recom- ing three years,” she said. mended by NSEA members to advance One of the projects Fulton will tackle beyond the May 13 Primary Election (see will focus on membership in the ranks story, page 22). of teachers in the Millennial Generation. “The best investment we can make is to Members of that generation are joining the expand pre-school and early childhood edu-

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 7 Awards galore! NEA Director John Heineman of Lincoln handed out awards to, from left, 2014 Education Support Profes- sional of the Year Shannon Lauby, Overton; 2014 Rookie of the Year Kristen Demuth, Elkhorn; and Teaching Excellence Award re- cipient Judith Stucky, Westside. Stuckey was unable to attend, and Westside President Alan Bone accepted on her behalf. cation,” said Haasebrook, who also vowed to defend the Commission on Industrial Relations and defined benefit retirement plan. Bruning lauded teachers and said “you know what works in your schools. You don’t need the federal government telling you how to teach or how to test.”

‘Steadfast Dedication’ Delegates also elected Lincoln’s Jenni Absa- lon to a three-year term as vice president. Nor- folk’s Leann Widhalm did not seek a second term. Grand Island’s Deb Gnuse was elected to fill the remaining two years on Absalon’s term as a member of the National Education Associa- tion’s Board of Directors. Lincoln’s John Heine- man was elected to a second three-year term on the NEA board. Among those honored for their work in edu- cation at the annual Horace Mann Awards Pro- Service and Outreach! O’Neill member Gary Hostert, above, re- gram was Dr. Roger Breed, former superinten- ceived NSEA’s Community Service dent at Axtell and Elkhorn, and for five years Award for 2014, recognizing the ser- Nebraska’s Commissioner of Education. vice he provides to his community. In presenting NSEA’s highest honor, the NSEA Vice President Leann Wid- Friend of Education, Fulton thanked Breed for halm, Norfolk, presented. Widhalm leading the state through the implementation of also presented Local Public Relations statewide reading, math and science tests; es- Awards to the Lincoln Education tablishment of a new and unique accountability Association’s Dan Studer and Jenni system; and his service as co-chair of the Ne- Absalon, above right, and to Papillion- braska P-16 Initiative, among other works. LaVista’s Melissa Hansen, at right. “Throughout his career, he always kept stu- The award recognizes outstanding local association communication dents – and teachers – at the forefront of his with members and the public. work,” said Fulton. “The state of Nebraska and our public schools have benefited greatly from cient on Nebraska’s “College and Career Ready Standards.” his steadfast dedication to children and education.” The committee also asked to continue another year, report- Other awards, including the Education Support Professional ing to the NSEA Board of Directors no later than March 15, of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Teaching Excellence Award 2015. Delegates approved all New Business Items (see Page 9). were presented. Delegates also approved a $4 dues increase for 2014-15.

Committee Proposals Support Fine Arts, Physical Education Three New Business Items were proposed by the Associa- Delegates made generally slight changes to the Standing tion’s Ad Hoc Committee on Nebraska Standards. Resolutions, which guide the Association’s work. The committee asked that the Association work to keep Among those changes: an expansion of Resolution C-5, members informed about national trends in standards, assess- which deals with student behavior, and Resolution C-9, which ment, instructional practices, accountability and implementa- deals with safe learning environments and bullying. Both up- tion of new curriculum to meet common core regs. dates strengthen language, call for written plans and procedures The committee also asked that NSEA develop the capacity within school districts that allow teachers to maintain orderly of local associations to advocate for professional partnerships in classroom management, and ensure safe schools. determining best instructional practices, curriculum selection/ Two new resolutions were also approved, and call for sup- development, and implementation so students become profi- port for fine arts and physical education.

PAGE 8 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 What Lies Ahead NBI 7: Education Trust Fund Standards, Instruction, The NSEA’s Government Relations team will cause introduction of legislation ‘Visioning’ on Agenda to create an Education Trust Fund in the Members at NSEA’s annual Del- 2015 session of the legislature (Proposed egate Assembly approved nine New by the NSEA Board of Directors). ship at the state, district, and local levels Business Items (NBIs), which direct of the Association. Through this process, NBI 8: EMAC Vote completion of specified projects in the the NSEA Board will determine effec- The NSEA Board of Directors will ap- coming year. The NBIs approved were: tive capacity-building approaches that point an ad hoc committee including the strengthen, renew and restore ethnic and NSEA vice president, the Ethnic and Minor- NBI 1: Pledge of Allegiance minority involvement and leadership in the ity Affairs Committee chair, and a majority Propose that the Pledge of Allegiance Association (Proposed by the NSEA Board of EMAC-recommended NSEA members be recited at the beginning of NSEA Board of Directors). to investigate the potential of having a mi- meetings and at Delegate Assembly (pro- nority at-large board member elected by posed by Edward Ventura Jr., Omaha). NBI 6: Visioning Process active membership (Proposed by Ginger NBI 2: Trends in Standards The Nebraska Legislature is set to ap- Rogers, Sasha Cervantes, Tracy Hartman- The NSEA shall use NSEA’s monthly prove a ‘visioning process’ that will estab- Bradley and Susan Loney, Omaha). magazine, The Voice, and other media lish long-term goals and priorities for the sources to keep the membership informed state’s education system, pre-kindergarten NBI 9: Board Structure and Vote about national trends in Standards, Assess- through college. In support of that process, NSEA will create an ad hoc Committee ment, Instructional Practices, Accountability, NSEA resolves to support, in particular, to examine board structures that would and Implementation of new curriculum goals and priorities that would: allow all delegates to Delegate Assembly to to meet the “Common Core State Stan- n Allow teachers the time to teach; vote for all general officers of the associa- dards.” NSEA will also keep members n Provide incentives to school districts tion. The Committee shall include repre- apprised as to how this “national trend” is to encourage educators to seek advanced sentatives of all NSEA membership catego- being manifested in Nebraska with Nebras- degrees, endorsements and professional ries. A recommendation for a structure to ka’s “College and Career ready Standards” development to strengthen teaching skills; allow all delegates to vote for all general (Proposed by the NSEA Ad Hoc Commit- n Continue and expand the Enhancing officers of the association, as well as any tee on Nebraska Standards). Excellence in Teaching forgivable loan pro- changes in Bylaws that would be needed to gram; and implement any proposed change, shall be NBI 3: Best Instructional Practices n Expand mentoring opportunities for presented to the 2015 Delegate Assembly The NSEA, through its current staff and early-in-their-career teachers. (Proposed by for consideration and action (Proposed by leadership, will develop the capacity of local the NSEA Board of Directors). Roger Rea, NSEA-Retired, Omaha). affiliates to advocate for members’ profes- sional partnerships in determining best instructional practices, curriculum selec- tion/development, and implementation so students become proficient on Nebraska’s “College and Career Ready Standards” (Proposed by the NSEA Ad Hoc Commit- tee on Nebraska Standards). NBI 4: Committee on Standards The NSEA will extend the ad hoc Com- mittee on Nebraska Standards through the 2014-15 Association year, and direct it to focus on issues related to gathering and analyzing data from local associations on current practices used to implement curriculum and compare the data gathered against research based practices for profes- sional development and implementation. Use the data analyzed to provide recom- mendations to the NSEA Board of Direc- tors no later than March 1, 2015, on how Nebraska can improve the statewide pro- fessional development delivery system and align that system to the implementation of “College and Career Ready Student Stan- dards” (Proposed by the NSEA Ad Hoc Committee on Nebraska Standards). NBI 5: Ethnic/Minority Leadership The NSEA leadership will seek funding and conduct a series of focus groups to further explore strategies for increasing and sustaining ethnic and minority leader-

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 9 PAGE 10 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 11 Millennial input: NSEA is conducting a series of focus group sessions with members of the Millennial Generation who work in the teaching profession. Among those interviewed in the Omaha area recently were these 14 educators. Seated, left to right, are: Stef Larsen, Millard; Brenna Barna and Dene Oglesby, Ralston; and Maureen Stanton, Gretna. Standing from left: Emily Bartlett, Papillion-LaVista; Jasmine Blecha, Ralston; Sam Moser and Sarah Meraz, Westside; Tanner Schutt, Elkhorn; Amber Wawrzynkiewicz, Papillion-LaVista; Tyler Barna, Ralston; Madeline McDonald, Omaha; Andy Isaacson, Papillion-La- Vista; and Christina Fox, Omaha. BRIDGE THAT GAP! Boomers, Gen Xers Take Note: The Bright, Optimistic, Team-Oriented Millennial Generation has Arrived. The Expert’s Advice: Mentor, the next 10 years. Second, 46 percent of new teachers – Millenni- als – leave the profession within five years. Engage Them, or Get Out of the Way Those statistics do not bode well for students, the profession, for public schools or for the NSEA. ‘Cause, baby, you’re a firework The teaching profession needs to attract and retain good, young Come on, show ‘em what you’re worth teachers. Likewise, NSEA requires youthful talent to remain vi- — “Firework,” Katy Perry, 2010 tal and effective in its advocacy for the profession. With that in mind, Jeff Kallay, CEO and co-founder of Atlanta-based Render “In America, each generation is a new people.” Experiences, was asked to share his knowledge of generational — Alex deTocqueville, Historian, Author, 1805-1859 differences with the NSEA Board of Directors and the nearly 300 A new generation has entered America’s workforce. educators at NSEA’s Delegate Assembly. Born after 1980, more than 72 million strong, the Millennial Generation is the largest, the most watched, and the most wanted Four Generations Together generation in American history. Millennials have joined the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers Millennials are teaching in classrooms across Nebraska – and and Gen Xers in the workforce, marking the first time in Ameri- they are ready to lead. can history that four generations have been at work at the same A flood of Millennials is surging into NSEA membership and time, said Kallay. leadership positions – though not quite at the rate of their prede- Fifteen generations have known America as a country, and cessors from the Silent, Baby Boom and Gen X generations. That each slots into a cycle with four distinct generational personali- is a concern on two fronts. First, 1.6 million teachers will retire in ties: idealists, reactives, civics and adaptives. Boomers are ideal-

PAGEPAGE 1212 || THETHE VOICEVOICE || MAYMAY 20142014 ists: optimistic, independent and quite self-reliant. “If you put them in groups, they will blow you away “Boomers rode in that back-of-the-car windshield with what they can do,” he said. Where thing,” said Kallay. “They drank out of the hose. They Further, he said, Millennials need to be asked to they are got on a bike with no helmet and join the Association. Kallay’s left the house for days.” firm recently asked thousands of Members Gen Xers, said Kallay, are incoming college freshmen why Some of NSEA’s reactive. They deal with angst they chose to attend their college. local associations do a superb job of caused in part by the failure of ev- “They said ‘the college asked recruiting members ery major social institution during us.’” of the Millennial Generation into As- their formative years: big busi- When working with Millenni- sociation member- ness, government (Watergate), als, Kallay said it is important to ship In fact, 49 mostly and an era of movies that demon- “play to their strengths. They are smaller locals ized kids: “The Omen,” “The Ex- really bright kids.” He also said: have recruited 100 orcist,” “Rosemary’s Baby.” n You cannot isolate Millen- percent of potential members among They also watched as their par- nials; they were raised on teams. those born after ents’ marriages dissolved. They “The Avengers” is the biggest 1980. Elsewhere, the reacted in an opposite fashion. hit among all Marvel superhero Fremont Education “Families matter to Gen Xers,” movies because the superheroes Association must be lauded. The he said. “If Gen Xers do divorce, teamed up to fight evil. Likewise, FEA has signed 92 Dad buys a house next door.” Harry Potter had a team. percent of the 111 n educators in that Neither Boomers nor Gen Millennials don’t want to district considered Xers, however, resemble team- be against something. They want to belong to the oriented civics that are Millennials. to be for something. Millennial Genera- tion! Kallay said the difference between n Millennials believe they These 49 locals Gen Xers and Millennials is clear have paid their dues. They have can claim 100 per- cent of Millennials in two music videos: “Smells Like studied hard, passed tests, done as members: Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, circa 1991, service work, studied overseas. n Allen and “We’re All in This Together” They are best friends with Arnold from the 2006 Disney movie “High their parents. Parents go on college Arthur County School Musical.” tours with them. Some parents go Axtell Bridgeport Both videos feature a pep rally, on job interviews with them. More Callaway but with immense lyric and visual and more colleges and universities Cedar Rapids Cody-Kilgore differences. Nirvana’s pep rally rep- have a “vice president for parent Creek Valley resents Gen X angst and bitterness, relations.” Deshler East Butler while High School Musical reveals n Millennials have very savvy Elba much about Millennials. Find them filters. They want and will invest in Elmwood- At Delegate Assembly: These Mil- Murdock on YouTube and compare. brands they can trust. Emerson-Hubbard lennials were on hand to conduct n They love mentoring. Ewing ‘Team Oriented’ Association business at Delegate As- n They are in tune with the Falls City The lyrics from “We’re All in sembly in Kearney in April. Clockwise “browning of America,” said Kal- Fullerton from top left are Paula Limbach, Lin- Giltner This Together” reinforce that while lay. “Millennials were raised in, Greeley-Wolbach coln; Kwin Kunkle, Omaha; Conrad Harvard Millennials want to work as teams, Butler and Ben Welsch, Hastings. embrace and love diversity.” Hyannis “everyone is special in their own n They do not want to be talked Keya Paha Leigh way,” said Kallay. at; they like to be talked with. They value face-to-face. Louisville Singer Katy Perry’s hit song “Firework” further n They love service opportunities. Loup County establishes the unique perspective that Millennials are n They are driven. Millennial women “kick a**,” Lynch Maxwell special. It boasts 437 million views on YouTube. he said, thanks to Disney. “Up to the point of 1989’s McPherson Co. Boom, boom, boom ‘The Little Mermaid’ every Disney princess wanted to Minatare Newcastle Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon be rescued. Ariel did the rescuing, and every Disney Newman Grove It’s always been inside of you, you, you princess since has been strong.” Grand Island NW Palmer And now it’s time to let it through-ough-ough. Pawnee City Where Boomers and Gen Xers are hard-core indi- Power to Transform Perkins County Potter-Dix vidualists, Millennials did not drink out of the hose. Finally, said Kallay, when working with or recruit- Sandhills Instead, they are team oriented. They have been cher- ing Millennials to the Association, it is not about where Sargent ished, celebrated and protected. They all earned tro- the Association has been or what the Association has Shickley South Platte phies or ribbons. done. It’s about what lies ahead. Stapleton “It’s about where they’re going, what you are going Sterling Tekamah-Herman Teaming Up Against Evil to do for them,” he said. “If you don’t take the lead and Tri County Don’t sell Millennials short, said Kallay. look ahead, they will team up and go around you.” Valentine Valley Co./Arcadia Perry’s “Firework” video “totally grabs the Millen- The reward will be great, if they are asked to join. Wallace nial Generation, where they all come together.” “If you connect with Millennials, they will trans- Wheeler Central Disney’s “We’re All in This Together” celebrates form your Association and they will transform public Winside the Millennial theme of teamwork. education in Nebraska.”

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 13 PAGE 14 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 15 PAGE 16 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 Legislature 2014: NSEA Goals Met state board to designate three priority ported by NSEA and passed by sena- Charters Defeated, schools based upon school and district tors, requires the Legislature’s Educa- Suicide Prevention performance scores, beginning with tion Committee to conduct a strategic data from 2014-15. By Aug. 1, 2016, planning process, including public hear- Training Coming the state board will approve progress ings, to create a statewide vision for ed- NSEA’s legislative goals this year plans for the three schools selected. ucation. NSEA has begun work to have included maintenance of state and local Allied School Systems: NSEA op- the voices of educators heard. The com- funding; protection of the teacher retire- posed LB682, which failed. LB682 mittee must report out before Dec. 31. ment plan and collective bargaining; mandated that any school district with Abolish the State Board: NSEA and promotion of programs that benefit fewer than 650 K-12 students for at least opposed LR421CA, which failed. It students and teachers at all levels. two consecutive years to form an allied would have asked voters to amend the On nearly every count, NSEA’s work system with at least three other like- constitution to eliminate provisions – and the impressive work of NSEA sized districts so the minimum number for the State Board of Education, the members who took time to write, call of students in the system is 1,300. State Department of Education, and the or visit with state senators – paid off. Security, Suicide Prevention: Commissioner of Education. Here is a look at how education fared With NSEA support, LB923 passed. It in the 2014 Nebraska Legislature. will establish a school security direc- Other Issues tor within the Department of Educa- Guns in Schools: NSEA opposed State, Local Funding tion. The director will collect safety LB879, which would have created a State Aid: The NSEA-supported plans from each school district, recom- new concealed handgun permit category LB725 modified the state aid formula mend minimum standards for school and allowed holders to carry concealed and offers a net increase in aid of $32.9 security, assess school building secu- handguns in school. LB879 failed. million for fiscal year 2014-15, with rity, and identify security deficiencies. Income Tax: NSEA supported the total surpassing $932 million. LB923 also requires school personnel, LB987, which passed. It offers index- Education Innovation: LB967 including nurses, teachers, counselors, ing of income brackets for inflation. It puts an extra $200,000 in lottery dol- psychologists, administrators and oth- reduces the federal adjusted gross in- lars in the forgivable loans program. ers, to receive at least one hour of sui- come (AGI) by the amount received The program will now provide $1.2 cide awareness and prevention training as Social Security benefits, which are million for such loans in both 2014-15 each year beginning in 2015-16. included in federal AGI for Nebraska and 2015-16 (see details, page 2). Strategic Planning: LB1103, sup- income taxes. State Aid Allowances: LB967 eliminates $50 million in instructional time and teacher education allowances in state aid. NSEA opposed elimina- tion, but is working with the Education Committee to find appropriate replace- ments.

Retirement Plan Credit Years: NSEA supported LB1042, which amends statutes for the School Employees Retirement Sys- tem and the Omaha School Employees Retirement System (OSERS) and will change the number years of creditable service a school employee must have from 5 to 10 years in order to purchase service credit years.

Collective Bargaining Charter Schools: NSEA opposed LB972, which has died. It would have created independent public schools as political subdivisions operating under a compact granted by the State Board.

Promote, Protect Education Priority Schools: NSEA supported LB438, which passed. It requires the

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 17 NSEA-Retired Corner Three Earn NSEA-R Stipends Scholarships Benefit Student Teachers NSEA-Retired has again honored three members of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN) with $1,000 scholarships. The stipends were presented by NSEA-Retired Vice President Tom Admiring Eyes: NSEA-Retired members Barbara Lund Irvin, Omaha, and Black at the SEAN Delegate Assembly. Janet Rose, Hastings, admire the work of scrapbooker Chris Hehner during a Honored were Raeanna Carbaugh, Peru breakout session at the NSEA-Retired Spring Conference. State; Brenna Wragge, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Hannah Schro- eder, Doane College. Spring Confab Features Applicants were required to write essays explaining why they chose the Willa Cather Tales, More! teaching profession, identifying a teach- It pays to be flexible. er who was central to that decision, and When illness forced the keynote speaker for the explaining their financial need. A third NSEA-Retired Spring Conference to bow out, the essay was required asking students Willa Cather Foundation’s Tracy Tucker stepped up to describe their involvement in their and delivered a memorable update to more than SEAN chapter activities and any leader- 70 members at the conference in Kearney. ship roles. Students were also required Tucker updated members on the Foundation’s to have recommendation letters on their work, the status of Cather’s home and museum behalf from their chapter adviser, a and publications by and about Cather. chapter teacher, and an instructor. Members enjoyed sessions on the use of iPads NSEA-Retired Board of Directors Prizes, too! NSEA-Re- member Walta Sue Dodd of Omaha cre- and iPhones; scrapbooking, retirement communi- ties, Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance options, tired member Carolyn ated a rubric in order to evaluate the ap- Simmons won a $25 gift plications more objectively. Tai Chi and the Zumba Gold exercise program. card from NEA Member — Renae Kelly, Editor NEA Member Benefits rep David Glenn also Benefits Representative [email protected] presented an informative piece on avoiding scams. David Glenn.

PAGE 18 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 From the Executive Director A Question of Value

When I graduated from high school, my friend and from good public schools? I opened an antique store. We didn’t know very much Why should anyone care about explaining the value about business and we naturally made many mistakes. of public education? Look at those states that have lost One of the mistakes I made was trying to convince their public support for paying the cost of their schools. customers that the objects they were interested in were It can happen overnight, unless we begin to intention- worth the price. The more I tried to convince them, the ally and routinely articulate the value of public educa- less inclined they were to buy. tion to our friends and neighbors. The failure to have When I later studied economics in graduate school, I value conversations with parents, the community, or learned two important concepts. First, at its foundation, the general public is one of the primary reasons for the economics is the study of how people make decisions. loss of support in some communities. One of their most important decisions is what they buy and how much they are willing to pay. Decisions An Easy Task are based on value and price. Economists tell us that We know that our communities value good education. value is not the same thing as price. My second learn- The question is how well do we help our neighbors un- ing was that value to the derstand the value that our buyers cannot be equal local schools create? It is to the price if buyers are important to remember the expected to buy. People economic principle: value generally buy when they must be greater than price... believe the value of what or there are no buyers. they buy is greater than I believe in the public the price they pay. school system and the val- ue it brings to every com- Defining Value munity. But I also remem- The mistake I made in ber the lesson of my first my first attempt at busi- attempt at business. When ness is that I tried to ex- I failed to demonstrate that plain cost to potential value was greater than buyers. They knew the the asking price, custom- price — what I needed to ers didn’t buy. It was that focus on was value. When simple. people pay for something, It should be an easy whether services, goods, Price and Value? It’s apples and oranges. NSEA Executive Di- task. Parents, grandpar- rector Craig R. Christiansen considers the difference between investments, or taxes, price and value. ents, business owners their first question is not — the general public — one of price — it is a question of value. want the young people of their community to be pre- Taxpayers are asked to make major investments in pared for college, for good jobs, and for productive lives our public school systems...to “buy” our schools for as responsible adults. That is exactly the mission of the each community. Citizens need to know the value of public school system. If you believe in that mission, what they are buying with their tax dollars. Any public don’t count on the automatic support of a community institution or agency that cannot...or does not...clearly that is not invited to join in the celebration of its schools’ demonstrate or articulate its public value will probably success. The conversation begins with the explanation lose its public support. of the benefits and value public schools bring. Are you So, how do we define value? Value is the benefit that having those conversations? This is not a job only for people get from services or products that they buy. It principals or superintendents or teachers, these conver- is subjective. The value for the taxpayer is not how sations are the responsibility of everyone who wants the schools define public education as a benefit; it is how continued support...the payment...for our public school the taxpayer defines it. What value do they receive system. It’s simple economics. It’s a question of value.

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 19 A Primary Primer The Candidates: You Decide Elections count, especially for education. specific questionaires and were then interviewed The officials you elect will be asked to make face-to-face by local, bi-partisan teams of decisions that affect all you do in your classroom NSEA members. Those teams then selected and school building. They will decide everything the candidate that best exemplified a pro- from the number of standardized tests your public education stance. The recommended students will take to the number of tornado candidates are presented here to allow you drills your school must conduct each year. to read remarks from the recommendation Thank – or blame – an elected official for committees, and then make your decision. those decisions. And pat yourself on the back Recommendations are pending in if you helped to elect a pro-education candidate. Legislative Districts 3, 22, 38 and 40. There These pages include the list of candidates for was no recommendation in District 48. office that have been recommended by NSEA. In To find your Legislative District, go to: each case, the candidates completed education- legislature.gov/about/leg_map Nebraska Legislature Legislative Dist. 2: Ron Nolte Legislature and has been supportive of legislation benefitting educa- Where: Cass County, southwest Sarpy County. tion, including adequate funding for public schools. We are confident that Sen. Krist will continue to serve the interests of public education. Nolte has years of experience as a Cass County Commissioner and a Murray City Councilman. Nolte supports early childhood education Legislative Dist. 12: , Greg Hosch programs and increasing state aid to schools. He believes in the ideal of every child having access to a quality public education. Where: Omaha, bounded roughly by Sarpy Co. to the south; 72nd St.; UP Railroad and Q St. north; and 156th. Legislative Dist. 4: Steve Howard Hosch believes strong public education forms the backbone of our Where: Omaha, bounded roughly by Maple and Pacific society. He supports funding early childhood education, and knows streets, 132nd and 180th streets. that school funding helps teachers and students alike. He supports collective bargaining as a way to ensure fair treatment of teachers. Howard is a strong supporter of public education and understands A former hospital administrator, Riepe has experience working how actions taken by the Legislature affect teachers and students. He with budgetary and public policy issues. He values public education is committed to providing funding for public schools in order to en- and believes that school funding should be more predictable than it sure quality education. He has a strong legal background in collective is now, and that education must be a top priority in the state budget. bargaining, the Commission of Industrial Relations, and due process. Legislative Dist. 16: Sen. Leg. Dist. 6: Justin Spooner, John Stalnaker Where: Burt, Cuming, Washington counties. Where: Omaha, bounded roughly by 72nd, 132nd, Pacific and Maple and Blondo streets to the north. Sen. Brasch is experienced and understands the legislative process quite well. The interview team also noted that she is quite willing to Spooner has an extensive background in public policy and has listen to and visit with constituents. worked with both Republican and Democratic U.S. Senators. A life- long district resident, he is enthusiastic about serving his constituents. Legislative Dist. 18: Mike Tesar Stalnaker is knowledgeable on policy issues and is eager to see education issues from a teacher’s perspective. He is seeking office in Where: West Central Omaha, bounded roughly by I-680 on order to be a voice for others, and is excited to meet voters. the east, Highway 64 to the south Military Road/Ida St. on the north and 168th to the west. Legislative Dist. 8: Sen. Burke Harr Tesar values his community and is eager to serve his district. He Where: East central Omaha, bounded by 41st on the east, supports public education and believes teachers should be involved in Pratt St. to the north and 83rd St. to the west. the decision-making process. He understands the importance of col- lective bargaining and due process rights for public school employees Sen. Harr has proven to be an advocate for public education and and supports the defined benefit retirement plan for teachers. has introduced and supported several bills of importance to educators and has worked to defeat proposals harmful to education. Legislative Dist. 20: Matt Lathrop Legislative Dist. 10: Sen. Bob Krist Where: South central Omaha, bounded by Pacific St., 144th, 72nd Q St. and the Union Pacific line. Where: Northwest Omaha and north central Douglas Lathrop understands issues facing teachers and students. He County, including Bennington. has a strong background in labor relations, and recognizes the Sen. Krist is a proven advocate for children and education in the importance of collective bargaining and due process rights. He

PAGE 20 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 believes education must be a top priority for the state. Legislative Dist. 34: Where: Nance, Merrick, Hamilton counties, Legislative Dist. 24: and part of Grand Island and Hall County. Where: Seward, York, Polk counties A fifth-generation Henderson-area farmer, Friesen has served on After two terms on the Seward School Board, Kolterman is well- a Natural Resources Board and the Nebraska Corn Board. He places versed in education issues. He supports collective bargaining, due high value on good education and is articulate and fair-minded. process and retirement, and has experience in all those areas. Legislative Dist. 36: Luis Sotelo, Matt Williams Legislative Dist. 26: Larry Weixelman Where: Custer and Dawson counties, Where: Northeast Lincoln, bounded by 112th St., O St., northern Buffalo County. the Murdock trail and N. 35th, 44th and 48th. Both candidates favor public education and educators, and both Weixelman is eager to engage his constituents. He understands the are articulate and knowledgeable on education issues. diverse issues facing educators, and supports public education. He Sotelo believes teachers have a voice through collective bargain- knows that charter schools are not the way to improve public educa- ing, and believes in investing in public schools to keep them strong. tion, and supports state funding to create great public schools. Williams believes the CIR is working, believes funding for educa- tion is inadequate, and favors local control of schools. Legislative Dist. 28: Where: Lincoln, bounded by O St. to the north, S. 14th, Legislative Dist. 42: Roric Paulman S. 70th and Calvert, South Sts. and Normal Blvd. Where: Lincoln County, including North Platte. Through her work on LPS bond issues, Pansing Brooks has proven When completing the NSEA questionnaire, Paulman took time to that she is committed to public education. She has developed strong research questions and fully understand the many issues facing teach- connections with school and community leaders and knows that these ers today. He supports collective bargaining and due process rights. connections are important to building a strong coalition to support school funding now and into the future. Legislative Dist. 44: Dennis Berry Where: Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Frontier, Gosper, Dundy, Legislative Dist. 30: Hitchcock, Red Willow Furnas and Harlan counties. Where: Gage County, southeast Lancaster Co., including Berry is a lifelong educator who knows the realities facing teach- Hickman, Firth and Bennett, and southwest Lincoln. ers. He supports collective bargaining and due process rights. A five- As a former school superintendent, Baker understands the diverse term mayor of McCook and former school principal, he has a strong issues teachers face in the classroom. He also knows that strong school background in education and politics. He identifies with NSEA mem- funding can have a positive impact on education. He is a friend to bers, and is willing to listen and learn from his constituents. both students and teachers, and supports collective bargaining rights. Legislative Dist. 46: Legislative Dist. 32: Phil Hardenburger Where: North central Lincoln, bounded by I-80, N. 84th St., Where: Saline, Fillmore, Thayer and and mostly along the N. 2th St. corridor. Jefferson counties, southwest Lancaster County. The founder and director of Nebraskans for Civic Reform, Mor- Hardenburger has devoted a great deal of time researching feld has developed working relationships with many senators. His in- issues. He is a supporter of public education and will continue to terests align with those of the education community, and believes the support the interests of teachers and students in the legislature. He opinions that matter most are those of classroom teachers. He is ar- supports due process rights and the retirement plan for teachers. ticulate, organized and knowledgeable, and will serve education well. State Board of Education District 5: Pat Timm District 7: Molly O’Holleran Where: Southeast Nebraska from David City and Clay Cen- Where: 38 counties west of a north-south line through ter east and south, except for a portion of Lancaster Co. Kearney, but not including Buffalo County. Timm is a 10-year member and a past president of the state board Seeking her second term, O’Holleran is a former English teacher and a former kindergarten and art teacher who spent nearly 20 years at Westside Community Schools and also taught at Mid-Plains Com- on the Beatrice Board of Education. She is a strong advocate for early munity College in North Platte. She is a former president of the North childhood education and has been supportive of NSEA positions. Platte Board of Education and has served on the Nebraska Council on Teacher Education. District 6: Maureen Nickels Where: The counties of Boyd, Holt, Garfield, Wheeler, District 8: Bob Meyers Antelope, Boone, Greeley, Valley, Nance, Sherman, Where: A swath of central Omaha and most of rural Doug- Howard, Merrick, Polk, York, Hamilton, Hall, Buffalo, las County including Valley, Waterloo and Bennington. Kearney, Adams, Franklin and Webster. A former longtime educator in the Grand Island Public Schools, A longtime educator at Grand Island, Nickels is well-versed on and a retired administrator from Ralston and Raymond Central, education and the needs for quality public school instruction. Nickels Meyers brings a unique view to the State Board. He wholeheartedly is a strong believer in quality early childhood education, in local con- supports public education, is articulate and thoughtful and takes a trol and in adequate funding for public schools. “What’s the problem?” and “Let’s solve it!” approach.

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 21 Nebraska Governor On a cold and blustery March day, candidates for Nebraska governor converged on O’Neill to participate in that city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Also in O’Neill were 15 NSEA members — your colleagues — from across the state. The bi-partisan committee of educators, which represented all ages and all teaching disciplines, spent 10 hours in a hotel meeting room as six of the candidates participated in another

36 years at Three terms 30 years Your Center for as Nebraska in small Rural Affairs, Attorney business, including 17 General, 10 years as Colleagues as execu- and two college pro- tive director. terms as fessor, expe- Recommend. Three terms a state rience in ag as University senator. and water of Nebraska issues. Two You Decide. Regent. term state senator. Chuck Hassebrook Jon Bruning Democrat Republican Republican Nebraska’s teacher salaries I support strengthening the stu- Clearly, the quality of our Make a thorough study to com- are more than $8,000 below the dent loan forgiveness program for schools is impacted directly by the pare salaries and cost of living national average. As governor, new teachers and teachers further- quality of the teachers we are able with comparable states. Our qual- what would you do to improve ing their education. I also support to attract and retain, and there is no ity of life is good and cost of living teacher compensation in order increases in state aid to improve question we have work to do on is competitive. to attract and retain qualified teacher salaries and enhance the this issue. teaching and administrative ability of Nebraska schools to re- staff? tain and attract talented teachers.

Do you believe Nebraska I oppose charters because they I would be open to any new Undecided. needs a charter school law? drain funds from public schools idea or innovation that improves Would you support charter and overall have not been dem- educational opportunities and out- school legislation that preserves onstrated to improve educational comes for our students, including employment rights laws, includ- attainment. Further, they tend to a discussion on charter schools. ing due process, salary and ben- cherry pick students leaving pub- Yes, I believe any charter efit negotiations, and inclusion lic schools with a greater concen- schools should adhere to state in the retirement system? tration of the most disadvantaged laws. students.

Do you support public funds No. I am open to the concept of fi- No. Parents make a voluntary to provide vouchers or tax nancial support for private school decision to send their children to a credits to parents who choose choices, but I do not support do- private school. to send their children to private ing so at the expense of our public schools? schools.

Do you support the concept I support the CIR. Without it, The CIR has been part of Ne- Support. It is an improvement of the Commission on Indus- I fear that teacher pay would fall braska’s labor process for nearly over the former policy. trial Relations or do you wish lower in Nebraska and make it 70 years, and I respect the rights of to change this process. harder to attract the top talent we public employees to resolve dis- need in teaching. putes through the CIR.

Should the state create an Yes, a portion of the state’s We must explore all legislative No. Unnecessary with present Education Trust Fund with a “Rainy Day Fund” in times of sur- possibilities to responsibly provide system of funding. dedicated revenue source? plus should be dedicated to an Edu- needed revenue to education. cation Trust Fund to protect educa- tion in times of falling tax receipts.

Research says that for every Ensuring that Nebraska kids With no clear and specific We, as a state, must be able to $1 invested in early childhood are prepared to learn when they funding source at the state level, afford it, balance our budget, and education there is a $7 savings start kindergarten should be one these programs must be funded not raise taxes. Maybe it is pos- in future societal costs. Would of our state’s highest priorities. I locally or privately until a realistic sible to make some cuts in other you support funding to ensure strongly support an investment by funding source can be identified areas of K-12 education to fund every child can participate in a the state in quality early childhood statewide. early childhood education with quality, early childhood ed pro- education programs that employ certified teachers throughout the gram with certified teachers? certified teachers. system. PAGE 22 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014 parade: a review in front of those NSEA members seeking recommendation for election to the state’s highest office. The interviews came after members of the NSEA team had earlier received and read the extensive written questionnaires completed by candidates. Following the interviews, the NSEA team discussed the interviews and voted to recommend election of Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning in the Republican Primary, and former University of Nebraska Regent Chuck Hassebrook in the Democratic Primary. These recommendations are based on candidate responses to questions and issues dealing with education.

Two term President, Lawyer, In his second senator; in director of retired term in the second term, the Platte managing Nebraska state auditor. Institute for partner for Legislature, Ex-director Economic Deloitte Tax. also a smalll of financial Research. business analysis for Former owner. Nat. Assn. of CEO, Regulatory Ameritrade. Utility Com- missioners. Mike Foley Bryan Slone Beau McCoy Republican Republican Republican Republican I am of the belief that adminis- I would consider alternative I will be a proponent of merit- Did not respond to requests, trative salaries are out of balance structures for payment of teachers. based rewards to great teachers including a certified letter, to par- with the salaries of frontline teach- We may need to consider adjust- and administrators who demon- ticipate in the NSEA recommen- ers. We would do well to recall that ing salary levels particularly for strate excellence and innovation in dation process. education budgets should place a areas of most need, such as math providing better educational out- priority on classrooms — not board and science. comes at the same or lesser costs. rooms and administrative salaries.

I am not fundamentally op- Yes. Don’t need charter schools in posed to Charter schools but know I believe a charter school law Nebraska unless the public school little about them and need to study is appropriate. I believe charter fails. Maybe in Omaha. the concept further. schools should be allowed to oper- Generally, I would support any ate upon mutually agreed on con- proposed law that is consistent tracts. with existing law...This question is highly dependent on details of such a proposal.

A voucher program is not likely The state’s goal should be to Generally no. I reserve the right to fit within available resources. Tax help students get a quality educa- to review the need for vouchers if credits suffer from the same con- tion and if that can best be accom- public school districts fail to pro- straint but are a possibility perhaps plished with vouchers, especially vide the baseline educational op- for low income persons. Needs fur- for low-income students, then we portunities required. ther study. should make that option available.

The CIR was reformed a few My administration would com- No recommended changes at years ago, and I would like to see prehensively examine the current this time. whether these reforms have re- function and effectiveness of the CIR sulted in what was promised by all before determining whether action to sides. adjust or reform was necessary.

I do believe stable funding to This is an interesting idea that As with the Highway Trust, a education is important for budget- I would like to research further, set-aside trust fund with a dedicat- ing/planning purposes. I would be seeking the input of NSEA and ed revenue source does not guar- open to learning more about this other education policy experts. antee adequate levels of funding. idea.

I am open to this idea, however I Yes. Provided that it is consis- At this point, I don’t believe think it is important that such fund- tent with local control and other there is the funding to support such ing happen outside state aid fund- budget priorities are considered in an expansion, nor have I conclud- ing. If early childhood education the process. ed that a government sponsored funding would somehow detract program is the appropriate mecha- from state aid funding, I would op- nism to deliver such. pose the efforts.

MAY 2014 | THE VOICE | PAGE 23 Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 NSEA Recommended Candidates

GOVERNOR OF NEBRASKA JON CHUCK BRUNING HASSEBROOK

NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE DIST. CANDIDATE DIST. CANDIDATE DIST. CANDIDATE 02 Ron Nolte 16 Sen. Lydia Brasch 34 Curt Friesen 03 Pending 18 Mike Tesar 36 Matt Williams, Luis Sotelo 04 Steve Howard 20 Matt Lathrop 38 Pending Justin Spooner 06 & John Stalnaker 22 Pending 40 Pending 08 Sen. Burke Harr 24 Mark Kolterman 42 Roric Paulman 10 Sen. Bob Krist 26 Larry Weixelman 44 Dennis Berry 12 Marv Riepe & Greg Hosch 28 Patty Pansing Brooks 46 Adam Morfeld 30 Roy Baker 48 No Recommendation 32 Phil Hardenburger

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 8 Pat Timm Maureen Nickels Molly O’Holleran Bob Meyers

PAGE 24 | THE VOICE | MAY 2014