Wakefield, Crete schools recognized by state school board

This month’s State Board of Education meeting convened March 2 and 3 at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

During Friday’s public meeting, Wakefield Community School, of District 6, was recognized for being one of two Nebraska schools, among 55 across the United States, named 2022 National Elementary Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools. Crete Public Schools was the other Nebraska school. Wakefield Community School was recognized for exceptional student performance and academic growth.

In my February SBOE highlights, I mentioned a public hearing had been held proposing the repeal of Rule 23, which would eliminate the requirement for educators to demonstrate basic skills competency when applying for an entry-level certificate. To note, this would not eliminate content-specific competency tests. The board unanimously approved repealing of this rule which now goes to Gov. Pillen for his signature and approval. The board is hopeful this would increase the number of certificated teachers and address Nebraska’s teacher shortage. In fall of 2022, there were 208 unfilled teaching positions and 769 positions being covered by staff not fully qualified for the position.

The search for Nebraska’s next commissioner of education continues. On March 14, the ad hoc search committee of the Nebraska State Board of Education identified four finalists.

Finalists for the position, in alphabetical order, are:

Dr. Lisa Coons, chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, Nashville, Tennessee;

Dr. Brian Maher, ceo and executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents, Pierre, South Dakota;

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, superintendent, DC West Community Schools, Valley, Nebraska; and

Dr. Summer Stephens, superintendent of schools and career technical education administrator for Churchill County School District, Fallon, Nevada.

The Board will be interviewing finalists on March 30, with a public meeting on March 31, to select the next commissioner of education.

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 2024 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!

April’s SBOE business meeting will be held Friday, April 14, in Lincoln. If you are unable to attend in person, you may watch the meeting online at https://www.education.ne.gov/live/