The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is navigating a complex directive from the governor’s office, seeking to balance educational priorities without political influence. Brian Maher, a key figure at NDE, commented on the issue: “Our opinion on that particular topic is that the order does not require, nor does it rely on any authority to require the NDE to perform action in this particular area,” Maher said. “However, the order does make a request for NDE to act.”
Maher mentioned that after discussions within the department, there are potential pathways to address the directive. Maintaining respect for the governor’s office, Maher plans to engage in further dialogue with Governor Pillen to clarify expectations and potential actions. “We’re trying to do our best to not make this a political issue and make this an educational issue,” Maher added. “That’ll be how we approach addressing this topic.”
Mental Health Grants Approved Following Initial Deadlock
Following a previous stalemate, two grants aimed at enhancing the recruitment and retention of school psychologists have been approved. The board initially faced a deadlock over distributing the more than $11 million in funds. This time, the grants passed after board members agreed on a mandatory assurance statement for future mental health grants. This statement requires district superintendents to adhere to existing state and federal laws, regulations, and professional standards relating to mental health.
The assurance statement also specifies that non-compliance will result in corrective measures, with potential withdrawal of funding if issues remain unresolved. Board member Deborah Neary emphasized that the statement reinforces current standards. “I spent the last few days running this assurance past lawyers, teachers, mental health professionals, school leaders, school board members — everybody that might be able to give me some insight about this,” Neary said. “What I learned is that it doesn’t change anything that we already have in place. That it’s for some intentionality.”
Lisa Schonhoff, another board member, highlighted the necessity of the statement despite its basis in existing statutes. “The reason why we need it is because the state statute that says involvement of parents, guardians, and educational decision-makers need to be involved in the mental health programming that occurs, we’ve had many constituents reach out and say that hasn’t happened,” Schonhoff explained.
Schonhoff inquired of Maher about ensuring compliance with the new requirements, to which Maher promised an answer by the August board meeting. Sherry Jones, reflecting on her experience as a school counselor, expressed gratitude for the clarity the assurance statement provides. “I did not know about these statutes, and I think many counselors are probably in the same boat,” Jones added. “Before we can fulfill the requirements, we have to know they exist. I see this as being very helpful to my fellow…school counselors.” The grants and assurance statement received unanimous approval.
In other board decisions, Maher’s annual salary increased to $335,807.72 following a more than $10,500 raise, approved within the consent agenda. Additionally, the board rejected the payment of dues to two organizations in a tied vote, while approving $60,500 for the Education Commission of States without any preceding discussion. The next board meeting is scheduled for August 7.
By way of full disclosure, Brian Maher is a commissioner on Nebraska Public Media’s governing board, the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission.
