The Nebraska State Board of Education will soon have four new members following the November election, marking a transformation of the eight-member board that oversees K-12 school systems and statewide education policy.
The board sets state education policy and regulations, and oversees the Nebraska Department of Education. It also hires the state's education commissioner.
The state is divided into eight districts, each represented by a board member elected in a nonpartisan race. They serve four-year terms and are not paid but are reimbursed for expenses.
The local race is District 1, where Kristin Christensen and Liz Davids are vying to represent people who live in the northwest portion of Lancaster County.
District 1
Kristin Christensen
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Party:ٱdz
Age (as of Oct. 1):31
Home city:ԳDZ
Occupation:Nebraska program manager for Reach Out and Read
Family:Allan Christensen, office manager; three children
Elected offices held:DzԱ
Website:
Education:Bachelor's degree, elementary education and mild/moderate disabilities K-6 (UNL); master’s degree, education administration (UNL)
Why are you running for office?
As an educator and a mother, I am concerned about the teacher shortage crisis. I am passionate about working with all board members to find creative ways to keep our effective educators in the classroom, as well as recruiting high-quality candidates into the field. I aim to provide a voice for educators and school-age parents on the state board and will keep teacher retention and student success as my top priorities.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and mild/moderate disabilities K-6 and hold a standard teaching certificate. I began my teaching career in special education at Hill Elementary, transferred to Everett Elementary, then landed at Sheridan Elementary, where I taught both special education and academic intervention. I have taught kindergarten through fifth grade. I earned my masters degree in education administration at UNL.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed in school. It’s essential to create and support policies that promote student growth and achievement, such as implementation of research-based literacy instruction and increasing mitigating measures surrounding the teacher shortage crisis in order to retain and recruit highly trained and skilled professionals for our classrooms.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
It is imperative that our school districts utilize a curriculum that includes the science of reading, that our state standards are promoting high rates of proficiency, and that the State Board of Education is focused on student-based issues. Increasing literacy rates promotes success in all other content areas, and provides a solid foundation for students’ futures.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
As a board member, there are several things I can do and would do to attract and retain highly qualified educators and administrators. I would advocate for robust compensation packages for educators and administrators, reducing the workload placed on teachers by limiting class sizes and advocating for funding for additional support staff, ensuring districts have access to mental health resources, and finding leadership and development opportunities for educators.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
I think the most important issue is our teacher shortage and teacher burnout. If we continue to lose educators and continue to see decreases in enrollment in educator training programs, our students are going to suffer in many ways, which could include increases in class sizes, decreased academic intervention supports, decreased proficiency scores in core content areas, and increased mental health needs. It is imperative that we address this crisis before it grows and the issues compound.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
I am a strong advocate of adequately and appropriately funding schools and keeping public dollars in public schools. I am the only candidate endorsed by the Nebraska Education Association and have circulated the Support Our Schools referendum petition on multiple occasions. I oppose all voucher schemes that jeopardize state budgets and take away money from public schools, as we have seen the disastrous effects it has had in other states, like Iowa.
Liz Davids
Party:ܲ
Age (as of Oct. 1):44
Home city:ԳDZ
Occupation:Currently, I am a homemaker so I can campaign full time.
Family:Husband Cody works for the state in IT; five children
Elected offices held:DzԱ
Website:
Education:Bachelor's degree in piano performance from UNL
Why are you running for office?
I have been attending SBOE and LPS board meetings for the past three years: listening to the concerns that were presented by community members and educational staff, learning about the systems and processes that are in place, and occasionally speaking at those meetings. I felt called last fall to run for this public service position in order to address the most urgent concerns of our Nebraska schools.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I have educated children up to age 18 in a variety of settings, have volunteered weekly at my local elementary school for the past four years, and have advocated and fundraised for educational philanthropic school and community projects. I have spoken to hundreds, if not thousands, of teachers, administrators, parents, and community members over the past three years and especially the past year of campaigning, hearing many common threads of concerns.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is shoring up the teacher/para shortage crisis so every classroom has qualified classroom staff and our children can have successful education experiences.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
Every school needs qualified classroom staff; recruiting and retaining qualified teachers and paras for each classroom benefits everyone in our state.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
The SBOE can be the channel for innovative resources like the new Dyslexico app recently created at UNL, provide funding to help with safe and healthy school buildings, and influence school districts to support their teachers administratively and provide attractive salary packages.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
Helping every student succeed is a challenge, achieved through a combination of many factors: supportive collaboration with school staff, feeling safe and welcome at school, having access to the resources and services necessary for their unique stage and in their unique circumstances, etc.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
The Opportunity Scholarships program received bipartisan support in the legislature but remains controversial to many. I'm curious to see what the voters think on Nov. 5.
District 2
Maggie Douglas
Party:ٱdz
Age (of Oct. 1):42
Home city:𱹳ܱ
Occupation:Counselor, Maggie Douglas Counseling
Family:David Homan, software engineer; daughter, 14
Elected offices held:DzԱ
Website:
Education:B.S., elementary education, Creighton; M.S., secondary education, UNO; MAT, UNL; M.S., clinical mental health, UNO
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Nebraska’s State Board of Education because I genuinely care about our students and teachers. As a former teacher, I saw the disconnect between policy and practice, and my experience as an educator will help connect the two. As a current mental health practitioner, I know there is an increased need for mental health resources in schools, and I will bring this experience to the board as well.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I taught for 15 years in both public and private school settings. I have supervised student teachers from UNO, and I have been an adjunct math instructor at Metro Community College. I believe my experiences of working in education combined with my mental health practitioner experience are necessary in making decisions that impact our education system.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is to expand ways to attract and retain teachers in our districts. Our state is already doing some things to attract more teachers to the profession, such as the Teacher Apprenticeship Program, para to teacher programs and Educators Rising. As far as retention, I believe it is important that we support our teachers by listening to them. Our teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we need to work with them to better the system for them and our students.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
Through campaigning, I have learned from multiple parents that special education services are not always available in rural areas whereas they are available in our urban school districts. I see it as a priority that we must get those students the services they need.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
As a Board of Education member, I will work with our state legislators regarding teacher recruitment and retention. They did great work by passing LB 705 in 2023, which enacted the Teacher Apprenticeship Program. I also plan to listen to our superintendents, principals, teachers and unions to help support the retention of our exceptional teachers.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
I have spoken with many families, and I have learned that different districts have different needs. In some districts, it is the teacher shortage; in others, it is a lack of special education resources. Our students deserve and our families expect all Nebraska students to have equitable access to all of the resources our state can provide.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
I am personally against taxpayer money going towards private schools. I am, however, glad that the voters will get to make the final decision about repealing LB 1402.
Linda Vermooten
Party:ܲ
Age (of Oct. 1):64
Home city:𱹳ܱ
Occupation:Former department chair and professor of Master of Arts in clinical mental health program, Grace University
Family:Not provided
Website:
Education:Doctorate of psychology, Forest Institute of Psychology; master's of counseling and divinity, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary; bachelor's of psychology with minor in counseling, Central Bible College"
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to ensure Nebraska’s education system delivers academic excellence, values parental involvement and supports the well-being of all students. As a psychologist and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong education can transform lives, and I’m committed to advocating for students, families, and educators to create a system that values community and success.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
With over 25 years in clinical mental health, I’ve worked with children and adolescents to foster both academic success and emotional well-being. My experience developing mental health programs and advising on best educational practices has given me the insight to address the challenges facing Nebraska’s schools and students.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is fostering academic excellence while empowering parents to play an active role in their children's education. By upholding core values, strengthening parental engagement and creating a supportive environment, we can ensure that Nebraska students are set up for success in school and life.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
Expanding access to vocational training and alternative educational pathways is key. By offering diverse opportunities for students in both rural and urban areas, we can align education with career aspirations, preparing them for well-paying jobs and future success.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
We need to prioritize competitive pay, loan forgiveness and professional development to support teachers. Partnering with local businesses for mentorship programs will enhance career satisfaction, helping to recruit and retain talented educators across the state.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
There’s a growing disconnect between parents and schools. Restoring parental involvement and trust is essential to ensuring families play a meaningful role in their children's education, fostering collaboration between home and school.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
I support parents’ right to choose the best educational environment for their children. Opportunity Scholarships give families more options, particularly those in underserved areas, ensuring every child can access a high-quality education that fits their needs and values.
District 3
Bill McAllister
Party:ܲ
Age (as of Oct. 1):63
Home city:West Point
Occupation:Retired superintendent, principal, teacher and coach
Family:Married to Peg, R.N.; four children and six grandchildren
Website:
Education:B.A., elementary education, Midland Lutheran College; master's, education administration, UNO; specialist, educational leadership, UNL; doctorate (ABD), educational leadership, UNL
Why are you running for office?
I have been a superintendent for 17 years, and I know how hard it is; I desire to serve and make a difference in the lives of our children and schools. I believe it is essential that at least one member of the State Board of Education has superintendent experience. It is this position that deals with the nearly 50 accountability reports required by the Department of Education.
What is your top priority?
I hope the priorities will be a renewed focus on student achievement as the Department of Education supports local school districts. I would like to see an alignment between school improvement goals and strategic plans. Every school is different and deals with issues of its own. One thing is that “one size does not fit all.” The Department of Education can be a great resource in helping schools accomplish their student academic goals.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
I believe a top issue is our teacher shortage and how we will deal with teacher certification issues. Second, we need to establish a focus on reading, writing, math, and science; in my experience, this was the key factor that worked in West Holt and West Point. Third, we must encourage and support all our schools and staff.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
I have dealt with this issue for the past several years. It begins with celebrating our education systems in Nebraska. Secondly, we should create different avenues for certification.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
The number one issue from constituents in District #3 that has been shared with me is “Local Control.” Having served as a superintendent, I can relate to this. I believe that the best opportunity for our students and schools to be successful is to have community members serving on local school boards.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
While this is a great question, simply put, it is not the role of the state school board. Public and parochial schools operate under different rules.(Rule 10 and Rule 14) Should we have a conversation about blending these rules together for all schools?
Lisa Schonhoff
Party:ܲ
Age (as of Oct. 1):46
Home city:Bennington
Occupation:Teacher, most recently at the Bennington Public Schools
Family:Dan Schonhoff, grain merchandiser; four children
Elected offices held:DzԱ
Website:
Education:Bachelor's in education 1-9 with social science minor at University of Wisconsin-Platteville; master's in curriculum and instruction with ESL emphasis at Kansas State; specialist degree in administration from University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Why are you running for office?
Fifty percent (50%!) of Nebraska students are not reading and performing math at proficient levels. The result is increasing remedial education costs and students who are advancing in school and entering society without the skills to succeed. That must change and quickly. I also want to ensure that our state standards, the curriculum for our state, are written in a way that reflects Nebraska values and meets the needs of all students.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I have been a teacher for more than 20 years and have earned two master's degrees. I have passed on a more traditional career track which would have taken me into education administration because my true passion lies within teaching kids to read and learn math. I have spent the past 24 years honing my expertise in literacy and math curriculum and instruction and look forward to helping out with our state standards to ensure that all kids are successful.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is to use my extensive teaching experience to help raise our math and literacy proficiency rates across our state. Nebraska's education commissioner and the current State Board of Education has established a goal to have 75% of our students proficient in literacy by 2030. My experience as a teacher and student identifying and implementing solutions that work, and my passion for these very issues, has me excited to get to work on these issues in January.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
The synergies and partnerships between K-12 education and our community colleges needs to continue to grow. This is especially true for career and technical trade programs that benefit all students, including those who do not plan to attend four-year universities.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
Minimize distractions for teachers and give them autonomy to teach content and meet state standards in a way that works best for their students. Stop wasting time and resources on initiatives that aren't making better readers, writers, and mathematicians. We need to get back to the basics when dealing with behaviors. While teachers should be trained in effective classroom management, parents and administrators must take care of chronic behaviors that disrupt classroom learning.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
The most important problem is that many families pay for tutoring programs outside of the school day to help their students improve their proficiency in reading and math. Nebraska’s K-12 schools have to prioritize core educational basics during the school day, especially in early grades, to give our students the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and after high school.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
This program, adopted by the Legislature in 2023 and set to expire before the 2024 election, provides tax credits to individuals who donate to scholarship funding organizations that give grants to families for students to attend the school that is the best fit for their success. The State Board of Education has nothing to do with this program. I support empowering parents to find the best education setting for their child, and for most of Nebraska’s children that solution is our public schools.
District 4
White Griffin
Party:Independent
Age (as of Oct. 1):51
Home city:Omaha
Occupation:Leaders to Legends
Family:Widow, two adult children
Elected offices held:DzԱ
Website:
Education:Omaha Central High School graduate; UNO, bachelor's in elementary education; UNO, master's in educational administration and supervision; doctorate in educational administration and supervision and endorsed as a superintendent
Why are you running for office?
Dr. White Griffin looks forward to continue being a part of the solution to the historical trend of over 75% of youth not being competent readers. I will bring a great deal of expertise and knowledge, and I look forward to bringing proactive and collaborative leadership to State Board of Education.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
Dr. White-Griffin is "leadership that serves." As an Omaha native, I have had the opportunity to serve as a teacher and principal for well over 30 years in both the public and private school setting. The work in education that I am doing today has been nationally recognized for being sustainable, transformational, innovative as we reach and teach marginalized students, and bringing about outstanding results for youth and families.
What is your top priority?
Literacy remains top priority. A student who is able to read and comprehend text, no longer needs to be taught what to think, but knows how to think and bring positive change across the state of Nebraska.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
A priority focus for serving all students is providing a quality education to all students, keeping the student at the center of the curriculum. Each school that I taught and led had slightly different strengths and needs. The strategies needed to address the student population is different. Keeping a focus on the needs of the population being served will enhance each community.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
Teaching was never "just a job." Successful teachers are individuals who know their subject matter, but also accept the role of being accountable for the emotional and physical well being of a child. They provide guidance and correction to ensure developmental growth. I had the opportunity to work with a great deal of teachers who accepted this accountability and changed the lives of many youth and families. Awareness of these characteristics in teachers will recruit and retain teachers.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
Dr. Griffin used strategies that "met the needs" of students and enhanced what public schools offer to families. The result of these strategies increased students love of learning, created a desirable school environment for children, and eradicated the school to prison pipeline. I look forward to brining knowledge and expertise to the State Board of Education for consideration as we collectively provide oversight of the K-12 education systems in the state of Nebraska.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
Having options like the opportunity scholarship program, that focuses on low-income families allows for parent choice and it is another helpful resource and tool for parents to decide the best educational needs and environment for their child.
Liz Renner
Party:ٱdz
Age (as of Oct. 1):54
Home city:Not provided
Occupation:self-employed writer and producer
Family:One child, age 14
Website:
Education:Beloit College, B.A.; New York University, M.A.
Why are you running for office?
As the parent of a school-age daughter, I’ve become concerned about some of the rhetoric surrounding K-12 education. It's important that we have serious, reflective and collaborative members on the board because next term the board will set the strategic vision which will impact our schools through 2036. I’m running because I want to protect and strengthen what we have.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I worked as a producer on a documentary campaign called Nebraska Loves Public Schools. That professional experience ignited my desire to advocate for educators and students. Every issue in our community impacts our schools so we need board members who are curious and unafraid to ask questions. As a communications professional, it’s my job to absorb new and complex information and make sense of it. This skillset will serve me well on the board.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is to be responsive to the needs of District 4's students and educators. Right now, what I see is a need to advocate for robust mental and behavioral health resources and information in our schools. When schools promote student mental health and wellness they see improved school engagement and classroom behavior which influences academic success — exactly what we want for all of our kids.
What one priority issue do you hope to focus on that would benefit school districts of varying sizes and serve students in rural and urban areas?
Every child in Nebraska deserves a strong foundation in reading and literacy skills regardless of their zip code or district. That foundation provides the confidence a child needs to tackle every challenge in their educational journey. The Department of Education has plans for progress over the next five years and I'm confident they will succeed in improving our state reading and literacy scores. This will remain a priority for me until we meet, and then surpass, our student literacy goals.
How can the board help address the struggle to recruit and retain teachers?
One of the reasons we're struggling to recruit and retain talented professionals is because there's been so much unwarranted negativity directed at educators. One simple thing the board can do to help our districts attract and keep top-notch teachers is reinforce a tone and culture of respect by giving a voice to teachers, honoring their professional needs, and ensuring they have safe working conditions.
What do you think is the most important problem facing students and families when it comes to public school education?
I’ve heard different concerns over the last few months. Students want to be seen and respected for who they are and they want an education relevant to their interests. Parents worry about school safety and question if our schools are administration-heavy. The board needs to be supportive of our school districts in their varied local responses to these concerns. Most importantly, the board must be a stabilizing presence in Nebraska’s education landscape.
What do you think about the Opportunity Scholarships program, which provides taxpayer money for private school students’ tuition?
I do not support providing taxpayer money for private school tuition. Evidence from other states shows that voucher programs are bad for state budgets, do not guarantee access to quality private schools, and do not result in better academic outcomes. Nebraska has a constitutional obligation to provide public education to any child in Nebraska. We cannot uphold that commitment if we're also attempting to fund an additional school system.