Southeast Community College is led by an 11-member board of governors that meets on the third Tuesday of every month.
Two members are elected from each of the board's five districts, and an 11th is elected at-large. Board members serve four-year terms and are not compensated beyond reimbursement for SCC-related expenses.
SCC has three campusesÌý— in Lincoln, Beatrice and MilfordÌý— and operates learning centers in communities across 15 counties in Southeast Nebraska. More than 14,000 students enrolled at SCC in vocational training, academic transfer programs or dual credit courses last year.
Two Lincoln incumbents are running unopposed this year: Edward C. Price in District 3 and Kristin E. Yates in District 4.ÌýIn District 5, Arlyn Uhrmacher is the only candidate for the seat being vacated by Robert Feit.
In District 1, Lynn Schluckebier is not seeking reelection. Chuck Byers of McCool Junction and Jeanne H. Stec of Crete are competing to replace him.
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Chad Aldrich of Wahoo is challenging incumbent Kathy Boellstorff of Johnson in District 2.Ìý
Incumbent Timothy R. Cerveny of Wilber was appointed in January to fill the at-large seat of Steve Ottmann after he died. Cerveny will be on the ballot with Neal Stenberg of Lincoln.Ìý
The races are nonpartisan.
Candidates for SCC Board of Governors:
Southeast Community College Board of Governors
Chuck Byers
Age:Ìý62Ìý
Occupation:ÌýPlant engineer, York Cold Storage
Political party:Ìý¸é±ð±è³Ü²ú±ô¾±³¦²¹²Ô
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý713 S. First Ave., McCool Junction
Website:Ìý
Byers believes there is a lack of training for the skilled trades and Southeast Community College can fill an important need. He said he supports the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which is a national foundation that works to support training in the trades.
SCC is funded through state appropriations, property taxes and tuition. How should SCC balance the “three-legged stool†of funding to be a good partner to the state, responsible to taxpayers and affordable for students?
SCC must control its budget. The Legislature must fund community colleges even as it works toward tax reform. Students cannot be expected to shoulder the increasing costs. To control costs it might be necessary to look at whether any programs can be consolidated to avoid overlaps. While looking at the SCC strategic plan one can see a solid plan for growth. We have to stick to this plan and ensure that taxpayers get the most bang for the buck.
Businesses in Nebraska continually say they need more qualified employees. What can SCC do to provide more trained workers for the state?
Trying to find qualified, skilled workers is extremely hard. As an employer I have seen firsthand the struggle to find high-quality candidates for skilled trade positions such as welders, electricians, mechanics, etc. I believe SCC needs to step up recruiting in the high schools. SCC must show to the public how valuable technical skills training is today and how much more in many cases students can immediately earn upon graduation, with much lower costs.
What role should SCC play in addressing issues of racial justice?
SCC is already trying to address this issue. I have looked at the code of conduct for SCC, and I believe that it covers in-depth many of the issues of racial justice. I feel that it is important that we continually remind everyone at SCC of these standards. All students, faculty and other employees and visitors to SCC must feel welcome and that their voices will be heard.
SCC is continuing to levy tax dollars to modernize its facilities. Do you agree with that plan? Why or why not?
I do agree with the plan to modernize the facilities at SCC. Many of the facilities are long past their expected useful life and in some cases are becoming unsafe. SCC can recruit more students to their already fantastic curriculum with modern facilities.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
As a society, I believe we are falling behind in training for skilled trades. SCC fills this most important need today. I want to make a difference and support the training today that will support us tomorrow. I feel that SCC is an important tool and we must do everything possible to support them and ensure the needs of students and faculty are met into the future. I feel that I can use my experience to help give that support.
Jeanne H. Stec
Age:Ìý70Ìý
Occupation:ÌýRetired certified school counselor/licensed mental health practitioner
Political party:ÌýDemocrat
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý140 S. Boswell Ave., Crete
Website:ÌýNone
Stec said her education ranged from one-room country schools to taking graduate classes at one of the consistently highest-ranking counseling programs in the United States, the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in counseling and school psychology at Kearney State College.
SCC is funded through state appropriations, property taxes and tuition. How should SCC balance the “three-legged stool†of funding to be a good partner to the state, responsible to taxpayers and affordable for students?
Quality, affordable education results in numerous benefits for the state, and various research studies have found that returns on investment are surprisingly high. Some studies show over 100% return on the investment. (see Ma, Pender, & Welch, 2016, College Board, and others). I will listen to the concerns of stakeholders regarding how the funding streams should be balanced, but I am committed to continuing robust, taxpayer-funded support of SCC. No other investment of public dollars pays such a substantial benefit.
Businesses in Nebraska continually say they need more qualified employees. What can SCC do to provide more trained workers for the state?
SCC provides trained workers who are well-respected and sought-after in Nebraska and beyond. To attract young people to these fields and help those changing careers to seek additional training, 1) Attendance at SCC must be affordable, flexible and relevant. 2) Information about SCC needs to be highly visible to potential students and their families. 3) SCC needs a vigorous engagement with the eligible public, including high school teachers and counselors, at community centers and public functions, and greater electronic messaging.
What role should SCC play in addressing issues of racial justice?
All organizations have a responsibility to address racial justice. SCC is in a unique position to provide education for those who may be "left behind" in other educational settings, particularly due to the cost of education. Through vigorous outreach, SCC can help inform and train counselors, advisers, voters and others about the needs of racial minority and first-generation students and the wide-ranging opportunities that SCC offers. This is a key component in a systemic approach to racial justice.
SCC is continuing to levy tax dollars to modernize its facilities. Do you agree with that plan? Why or why not?
Programs offered by SCC are often at the cutting edge of continually changing fields, so it is vital to keep educational facilities up-to-date and functional for all students and staff. Students are more competitive if they have practical experience and the newest methods and best practices in their fields. Again, tax dollars invested in education pay extremely high returns on the investment, and this is one highly effective way to invest those dollars.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
Throughout my career preparing high schools students for advanced education, I have had an extremely positive relationship with SCC, collaboratively providing opportunities for qualified students who might have been left out of other higher education settings. It is gratifying to watch students succeed and flourish with an SCC education. Now that I am retired, I look forward to an opportunity to assist SCC in reaching all students, providing opportunities and keeping highly qualified students, workforce and tax base in Nebraska.
Chad Aldrich
Age:Ìý47
Occupation:ÌýSenior project manager
Political party:ÌýIndependent
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý1842 County Road K, Wahoo
Website:ÌýNone
Aldrich graduated from SCC with an associate's degree in architectural technology. As a graduate, he said he knows the benefits of going to school at SCC. He also wants to let employers know that a four-year degree isn't always necessary to do a job and that a well-rounded, knowledgeable, hard-working individual can be a benefit. He said he'd like the opportunity to give back his time, experience and skills to the college.
SCC is funded through state appropriations, property taxes and tuition. How should SCC balance the “three-legged stool†of funding to be a good partner to the state, responsible to taxpayers and affordable for students?
My goal would be to have the state fund 30% of the budget, tuition revenue make up 40% and locally assessed property taxes account for 30%. Creating a partnership between businesses and students will defer the tuition cost for the student and still make affordable the option of higher learning.
Businesses in Nebraska continually say they need more qualified employees. What can SCC do to provide more trained workers for the state?
SCC needs to partner with businesses. The first step is for the businesses, associations or the industry to notify SCC what type of employees are needed in the next five to 10 years. Then SCC and businesses work together to attract potential students into the program. This can be done in many ways (scholarships, internships, number of future job openings and starting and future wage earnings). I want to promote SCC and businesses to work together to accomplish this.
What role should SCC play in addressing issues of racial justice?
Provide opportunity to all.
SCC is continuing to levy tax dollars to modernize its facilities. Do you agree with that plan? Why or why not?
I would like to create a partnership between businesses and SCC to modernize its facilities to create the next workforce for that business or industry. It's hard to keep asking for money from the public.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I would like to make a difference with positive changes. Three priorities would be to not have tuition increases, increase enrollments and increase job placement. The success will come when I partner with industry to hire SCC students and get more industries and companies working with potential and current students to have an internship before and during the school year.Ìý
Kathy Boellstorff
Age:Ìý68Ìý
Occupation:ÌýOwner/operator of a dryland, diversified farming operation
Political party:Ìý¸é±ð±è³Ü²ú±ô¾±³¦²¹²Ô
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý62902 733 Road, Johnson
Website:ÌýNone
Boellstorff has been a Southeast Community College board member since 2009 and she feels her priorities line up with the college's mission. She is currently enrolled in SCC's culinary arts program. She is a Nebraska LEAD Program fellow, graduated from Patricia Stevens Fashion Merchandising and Career College and has taken classes at Metro Community College and Peru State College. She's also a master beekeeper.
SCC is funded through state appropriations, property taxes and tuition. How should SCC balance the “three-legged stool†of funding to be a good partner to the state, responsible to taxpayers and affordable for students?
SCC’s budget is data-driven, fiscally responsible. SCC received 27.8% of the total state aid set by the Legislature and divided among the six community colleges in Nebraska. Property tax revenue originates from valuations determined by individual counties. SCC's fiscal year 2019-20 levy was 9.37 cents per $100 valuation: 7.37 cents general fund and 2 cents capital improvement. This levy is spread over taxpayers in 15 counties. Tuition revenue is based on enrollment and set at $108/credit hour. Scholarships amounted to more than $1.6 million in 2019-20.
Businesses in Nebraska continually say they need more qualified employees. What can SCC do to provide more trained workers for the state?
Southeast Community College is working with its higher education partners, employers and local and state officials to address Nebraska’s skilled worker shortage. 94% of our graduates are employed or continue their education; 90% work in their field of study and 87% work in Nebraska. SCC trains six of 10 H3 occupations (e.g., high demand, high skill, high wage). SCC is constantly evaluating new opportunities and recently approved an Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Community colleges see a need/fill a need.
What role should SCC play in addressing issues of racial justice?
From the Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination Policy: "It is the policy of Southeast Community College to provide equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all admission, attendance, and employment matters to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors prohibited by law or College policy.â€
SCC is continuing to levy tax dollars to modernize its facilities. Do you agree with that plan? Why or why not?
A maximum of 2 cents per $100 valuation can be levied for the Capital Improvement Fund. A Facilities Master Plan was developed to assess current building conditions, project future needs, then prioritize and expand capacity to address those needs in the 15-county service area. I support renovating and modernizing our facilities, including a Crete Carriers diesel technology and welding building, six new learning centers, dormitories, classroom and health science buildings to accomplish a Path to Possible at SCC.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
As the incumbent, my priorities reflect the mission, vision, strategic plan, core values and goals of Southeast Community College. Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable educational opportunities for career and technical, academic transfer and continuing education programs. SCC values include excellence, integrity, innovation, inclusion, stewardship and accountability. I want to ensure that SCC meets the highest academic standards for our students, provides a skilled workforce for employers and fiscal accountability to the constituents in 15 counties.
Timothy R. Cerveny
Age:Ìý48
Occupation:ÌýManager of Resources and Transmission for NMPP Energy
Political party:ÌýRepublican
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý126 Shalo Lane, Wilber
Website:ÌýNone
Cerveny was appointed in January from 31 applicants to fill the at-large board seat vacated by a death.ÌýA 1991 graduate of SCC’s electromechanical technology program, Cerveny holds a bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University. He previously worked for the Nebraska Public Power District before joining NMPP Energy in 2016.Ìý
SCC is funded through state appropriations, property taxes and tuition. How should SCC balance the “three-legged stool†of funding to be a good partner to the state, responsible to taxpayers and affordable for students?
Tuition costs for students should be reasonable, and students shouldn’t be saddled with crushing debt when they graduate. State aid should be fair and equitable for all college systems regardless of if they are a community college or a university. Colleges should be fiscally responsible, and legislators should work to ensure that state government is spending all tax dollars prudently and without waste. If all of these issues are considered appropriately, I’m confident that the proper balance will happen.
Businesses in Nebraska continually say they need more qualified employees. What can SCC do to provide more trained workers for the state?
The skilled-labor gap in Nebraska and across the country continues to grow. SCC produces highly educated and skilled graduates that are prepared to contribute to the workforce immediately upon graduation. The majority of these graduates stay in Nebraska and not only perform critical services needed in industry, but also contribute to the Nebraska tax base. The placement rate for SCC graduates is extremely high. The only way to provide more trained workers is to have more students.
What role should SCC play in addressing issues of racial justice?
I believe that all people should be treated equally regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality or disability. Discrimination against anyone should not be allowed, and SCC policies support that.
SCC is continuing to levy tax dollars to modernize its facilities. Do you agree with that plan? Why or why not?
I do support this plan. SCC created a strategic plan in 2015. This plan included several initiatives with one of them being a facilities master plan. Planning assessment criteria included facility physical condition, suitability as a 21st-century college, adaptability and comparability with peer institutions. The study indicated the need for the improvement of many campus facilities. This plan is being executed with careful oversight ensuring that costs are controlled, and the final product meets the plan criteria.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I am a graduate of SCC Milford. The education I received there was very beneficial in helping me reach my career goals, and now I have the opportunity to give back. I hope to continue to promote the benefits of a community college education. Students receive an education that helps them to be successful immediately. Consequently, they provide a benefit to the region by performing critical services and contributing to the local economy.
Neal Stenberg
Age:Ìý70
Occupation:ÌýRetired attorney
Political party:ÌýRepublican
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý2726 Katy Circle, Lincoln
Website:ÌýNone
Stenberg, who is retired, servedÌý20 years as chief legal counsel for Southeast Community College and said he wants toÌýgive something back to the institution. The University of Nebraska Law College graduate was a member and also served as the president of the Nebraska Council of School Attorneys.
SCC is funded through state appropriations, property taxes and tuition. How should SCC balance the “three-legged stool†of funding to be a good partner to the state, responsible to taxpayers and affordable for students?
The college’s budget statement for 2019-20 indicates that general fund revenue is currently raised as follows: state aid 30%, property tax 48%, tuition 21%, other 1%. The current split is reasonable, but I would favor some increase in state aid as a means of providing property tax relief. For 2017-18, the average annual tuition and fees for a resident student at SCC was $3,214. I would be opposed to increases in tuition greater than the rate of inflation.
Businesses in Nebraska continually say they need more qualified employees. What can SCC do to provide more trained workers for the state?
The college should be a catalyst for economic development. The college should use employer surveys to help it better understand the hiring needs of local businesses and to evaluate whether the training offered by the college matches the needs of local businesses. The college should actively recruit students, assist students in obtaining financial aid, and keep tuition at reasonable levels. I support the creation of additional trade programs whenever necessary to support the needs of business and industry.
What role should SCC play in addressing issues of racial justice?
SCC should actively recruit students and staff of color. The SCC Board should adopt and maintain policies prohibiting racial discrimination and harassment and which have the purpose and effect of providing a welcoming educational environment. SCC must maintain a fair and efficient complaint process whereby claims of unlawful discrimination and harassment can be promptly investigated by an impartial decision-maker. The college must take appropriate remedial action in those cases when it is determined that discrimination or harassment has occurred.
SCC is continuing to levy tax dollars to modernize its facilities. Do you agree with that plan? Why or why not?
I support the construction of new facilities only when a clear need exists and attention is given to all three SCC campuses. In order to avoid a hardship on property taxpayers, construction projects must be phased in over a period of time and must be financed solely with the statutorily authorized 2-cent capital construction fund levy. Health Sciences (Lincoln), Diesel Technology and Welding (Milford), Classroom Building (Beatrice), and Learning Center (Falls City) all met these criteria.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I served as SCC’s chief legal counsel for 20 years. I want to give something back to this wonderful institution. My priorities are:
1. Work to maintain and improve the already high quality of educational programs.
2. Operate the college as efficiently as possible for the benefit of both students and taxpayers.
3. Work with the leaders in business, industry, and agriculture to ensure that college programs contribute in a significant way to economic growth.