Nebraska Supports PNC-PAC

A note of gratitude from the PNC-PAC board

left to right: Kirk Penner, Liz Davids, Linda Vermooten, Lisa Schonhoff

For the uninitiated, Protect Nebraska Children PAC has one mission: to further the election of qualified conservative candidates to the Nebraska Board of Education. In 2024, Nebraska has a rare opportunity to wrestle control of the Board away from the teacher’s union and Planned Parenthood. Those two powerhouse donors have owned the State Board of Education for so long, they felt entitled to dictate policies and standards that undermined the traditions and values of 90% of Nebraskans. (That number is based upon a survey commissioned by the Nebraska Dept. of Education in 2021, and carried out by the University of Nebraska)

In 2022, PNC-PAC and 3 outstanding individuals named Sherry Jones, Kirk Penner, and Elizabeth Tegtmeier put a dent into the leftists grip on the Board. Now we aim to “Finish the Flip” in 2024, with the candidacies of 3 outstanding individuals named Liz Davids, Lisa Schonhoff, and Dr. Linda Vermooten.

Two educators and one psychologist; these ladies are incredibly qualified to take on the challenges before them. It’s up to all of us to make sure they get the opportunity.

If the conservatives claim a majority of seats on the 8 member board, everything changes for the better for students throughout Nebraska. Literacy can once again take precedence over “social justice.”

PNC-PAC: Who we are, why we matter, why you should help us. (This previous article contains the map of the candidates’ districts)

On June 6, 2024, at a sold-out event at the ‘Round the Bend Steakhouse’s beautiful ballroom, expertly catered by Clayton Kastl of Brainard, Nebraska, we gathered with 300 of our closest friends to celebrate our successes and plan our future.

We welcomed attendees and donors from at least 15 counties, some driving over 2 hours to participate, many carrying in items for the silent auction which had been donated by themselves or by friends not in attendance.

Those too far away to participate mailed checks to support the event and the PAC.

Sue and Elliott at the sold-out event

A core group of volunteers from several counties, many of us meeting each other for the first time, coalesced into a well-oiled machine that managed the planning, decorating, design and printing, ticket sales, media, silent auction, and even bussing tables, serving cookies, and taking out trash. Huge kudos to our volunteers, we love you, you know who you are.

Speaking of cookies, volunteers from Mead, Wahoo, and Ashland baked those. Thanks ladies!

Special thanks to George and Kathy Nelson who sponsored the meal.

hard working volunteers: Cortney, Kathy, and Rhonda

The program began with Elizabeth’s and Kirk’s comments on accomplishments they have achieved in spite of a divided board. Kirk worked with the legislature to obtain state funding for Career and Technical Education, which prepares students for careers in the trades. Elizabeth spoke about the onerous regulations in Nebraska that prevent reciprocity of licensing teachers who move here from other states, and how she is working with the Department of Education to relieve that situation.

Kirk and Elizabeth

The program then turned to the future of the State Board: Our three candidates.

Liz Davids talked about the teacher shortage in Nebraska, how it is affecting all schools, but rural schools in particular. Getting quality educators back into classrooms is a priority of her campaign. Liz says teachers feel they are underpaid, overburdened, and unsupported. Resources need to be targeted to where they would best support the classroom staff. She pointed out that the board represents taxpayers in overseeing the Nebraska Dept. of Education’s $2 billion budget, and Liz takes that oversight seriously. She gave examples of wasteful spending, such as $200,000 spent on a DEI program, and $37,000 spent on a relationship consultant for the board.

Dawn and Liz

Lisa Schonhoff, as a 20 year educator with advanced degrees in Curriculum Instruction and Administration, has witnessed first-hand that freshly graduated teachers are often not equiped to teach reading and math effectively. Most administrators do not come from a reading or math teaching background, and therefore are unable to provide “on the job training” for new teachers in those areas. Her focus on the board will be to get back to basic education and uncomplicated standards that are easier for teachers to understand and meet. Lisa envisions a mentoring program for teachers, and believes there are things the board can do to nudge teacher colleges toward improved preparation of future educators.

Lisa

Dr. Linda Vermooten, with a PhD in psychology, reiterated the need to retain our best teachers. She spoke about her concern for the mental health of students and teachers, recognizing a current school climate that rewards conformity rather than critical thinking. Linda’s goal is to target resources into projects that improve proficiency in reading and problem solving. Based upon her experience from clinical practice, she speaks eloquently about the people who experience the hardship of being an illiterate adult in the modern world.

Linda

A few friends from Saunders County!

The Program:

If you missed the event but would like to contribute to our candidates, please go to “Donate” at PNC-PAC.com

That link gives you a secure online payment platform, and a PO Box if you prefer to write checks. You may also choose to support an individual candidate. Here are their links:

LizforNebraska.com LisaforNebraska.com LindaforNebraska.com

clean up crew: Sue, Katie, Jenna

Thank you to all of the people have contributed their time, talents, and treasure. Because of you, this serious mission has become a joyful experience.

We are grateful beyond measure. The PNC-PAC board of directors