State Board of Education discusses arming school staff

The State Board of Education discussed a policy arming authorized school staff in smaller school districts at its meeting Friday. The Nebraska Legislature directed the board to create the model policy earlier this year.

In the policy, those wanting to carry a firearm must pass a background check and mental health screening. They must also meet with a psychologist, have a concealed carry permit and complete 20 hours of training — among other requirements.

DRAFT Authorized Security Personnel (ASP) Model Policy

“This could be a very concerning item in our culture today, and apparently our citizens that have seen it are not afraid of this,” board member Patsy Koch Johns said.

Board member Sherry Jones said the 20 hours of training matches with what school resource officers are already required to complete.

Board Vice President Deborah Neary said she appreciates the work put into creating it.

“It's just common sense, but it was, a lot of thought was put into it,” Neary said.

There will be a vote on the policy at the board's next meeting in December.

In other business, the board accepted Jacquelyn Morrison’s resignation. Morrison didn’t state a reason for resigning in her letter to the board.

Jacquelyn Morrison Resignation Letter

Board President Elizabeth Tegtmeier said she appreciated her time working with Morrison.

“I had the privilege of being on rules committee for two years with Jacquelyn Morrison and always found her questions and her insight to be so unique,” Tegtmeier said. “She provided a different perspective that many of us board members didn't have.”

Morrison's seat is up for election in November, and she was not running for reelection. Gov. Jim Pillen has 45 days to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. The board has one more meeting this year in December.

Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher presented the Nebraska Literacy Project. Earlier this year, the board made a commitment to increase third grader proficiency in reading on the state’s English Language Arts assessment to 75% by 2030. Maher said that currently about 60% of the state’s third graders are proficient.

To do this, Maher said the state will focus on five tenants:

• A professional learning system based in the science of reading
• Curriculum and teacher preparation based on evidence-based reading instruction
• Regional literacy coaches
• Data
• Family literacy and pre-kindergarten programs

Maher broke these down further to look at the ways the department is investing into these tenants. NDE uses funding for literacy programs at three campuses in the University of Nebraska system. The department also focuses on improving chronic absenteeism, access to tutors and access to literacy coaches.

“Our goal is that kids, more kids, become proficient readers in this state as a result of the activities,” Maher said.

The board’s next meeting is in Lincoln on Dec. 6.