In a recent board meeting, a contentious debate unfolded over the approval of Identity Preparatory Academy, highlighting differing opinions among board members on whether the school met necessary requirements. The school, primarily serving African-American families, was at the center of discussions as board members weighed in on its adherence to Rule 14 standards.
Democratic board members Deborah Neary and Kristin Christensen, who voted against postponing the decision, argued that the school had satisfied all necessary criteria. Christensen emphasized that the board’s role was not to evaluate specific teaching materials. “From my standpoint, for with those three pieces — the application, the statute, and the Rule 14 — they have met the criteria to be an approved, conditionally approved Rule 14 school, because the actual materials that they’re using, the curriculum that they might purchase or give to students or use as teaching guides for their teachers is beyond our purview,” Christensen stated.
Neary expressed concerns about the timing of the discussions, suggesting that the delay was not based on policy or legality, particularly given the demographic the school serves. She stated, “You can still go next week and visit the school, and give your input to the staff who will continually be evaluating this because that’s their job over the next year. But it’s disrespectful. I think it might be illegal. I believe that we have a responsibility not to increase chaos, but to support schools that are trying to do the right thing for the students of Nebraska.”
In response, Board President Elizabeth Tegtmeier, a Republican, firmly refuted claims of racial motivations, saying, “I’m disappointed that the race factor came into this because nobody else raised that. There was concern with statute, and I don’t believe that this is racially motivated in any way.”
Despite the postponement, board members Renner and Maggie Douglas, both Democrats who voted for the delay, expressed their support for the school’s approval. Renner encouraged open-minded discussions with Identity Prep staff.
A special meeting is scheduled for August 11 to vote on the school’s approval, with Identity Preparatory Academy slated to open on August 19. Interest in the institution is significant, with over 300 girls on the waitlist, and 30 set to attend in its inaugural year. Phillips, involved with the school, noted her eagerness to present more details to board members, saying, “I’m excited to share with them more about what the community has created together with Identity Preparatory Academy.”
Vote on Social Studies Standards Set for September
In another matter, the board is preparing to vote on updated social studies standards at their September meeting, as part of a regular seven-year review cycle. During the recent meeting, board members discussed the inclusion of historical figures in the standards.
Neary voiced concerns about the removal of certain figures, such as Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr., from the standards. “I was told by teachers that live in smaller rural communities that they need those examples in the standards, or they’re going to be maybe called on the carpet,” Neary explained.
Tegtmeier countered this viewpoint, affirming that teachers would not face scrutiny for covering historical figures. “I did see a few looks of alarm from staff who have taught in small rural schools that they would never call teachers on the carpet for bringing up historical figures,” she remarked.
Brooke Crumb, from the non-profit Stand for Schools, expressed opposition to the proposed changes during public comments, stating, “The proposed changes would effectively undo those implemented in 2019, which is not only regressive but endangers high-quality education or instruction and risks students’ academic achievement.”
