Sexually Explicit Materials in School Libraries
Last month, board member Penner proposed a motion pertaining to the Library/Media/Technology Resources policy. One of the proposed revisions would have removed sexually explicit books from school libraries. Another would have removed the requirement for schools to purchase a certain number of library books each year. Passing of the motion would have taken the policy to the Rules and Regulation Committee for discussion allowing for modifications to the proposal. The motion failed 3-5 with Penner, Tegtmeier and me casting the ‘yes’ votes. I believe my vote was inline with the majority of my constituency. Prior to the board meeting I received at least 144 emails. Of these, 130 were in support of the proposed changes with 14 being opposed. Of the 31 who spoke at the board meeting, 22 were in support; 9 in opposition. I urge local school boards, superintendents, principals, and media specialists to take a look at the titles on your school book shelves. Instead of waiting for legislative or SBOE mandates, choose to do the the right thing on your own. Protect your students. And parents, I encourage you to be vigilant of the books your children are reading. A question I have yet to be answered by anyone is “Why should there be sexually explicit books in our school libraries?”
2017 Science Standards Revision
The Nebraska Department of Education is conducting a review of the 2017 Nebraska College and Career Ready Standards for Science. The Science Standards Revision Team is comprised of 33 individuals including public school teachers, a UNL professor, and staff from the Nebraska Department of Education and Educational Service Units. Currently, Draft #1 is being reviewed. From May 3rd-30th, Public Input Survey #2 will be available on the NDE website. (Survey #1 generated approximately 500 responses related to the content and rigor of the 2017 standards.) I encourage you to familiarize yourselves with the proposed standards and give input if desired. We value your opinion.
SkillsUSA No Limits On April 11th-13th, at Fonner Park in Grand Island, the SkillsUSA No Limits competition was held. I was honored to attend the opening ceremony along with board members Tegtmeier and Penner. At this event, students across the state of Nebraska had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in approximately 75 categories. The students I observed possessed the personal characteristics and skills I would be looking for if I were an employer. They were amazing! Parents, if you and your children are looking for a school activity in which they can get involved I highly recommend checking out SkillsUSA if your school offers one. It prepares teenagers for their futures. For those of you unfamiliar with this organization, “SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA is an individual membership organization serving middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations.”
2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
Do you know of a Nebraska teacher you would like to recognize for their hard work and dedication to the children of our state? The Nebraska Department of Education is seeking nominations for the 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. Anyone can nominate a teacher online at education.ne.gov by filling out a nomination form. We have many amazing teachers in our state. Let’s overwhelm NDE’s website with nominations! The 2024 Nebraska TOY is Scott Philips, a middle school math teacher at Aurora Public Schools. On Sunday, April 20th, Mr. Phillips held a Math Walk event for the Aurora community. It was a fun-filled afternoon with math games, a math auction and raffle, with a bonus demonstration from the Aurora Robotics Team. What a fine representative Mr. Philips is for the Cornhusker State!
Upcoming SBOE Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the State Board of Education will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Lincoln at the new NDE facility located at 500 S. 84th St. The work session will be held on Thursday, May 2.
