The League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha contacts candidates during each election cycle and invites them to participate in the print and online editions of the Voters’ Guide. Candidates provide their biographical information and their positions on selected issues. Candidates are aware in advance that the biographies and answers will be printed exactly as submitted without edits for content, spelling, punctuation or grammar. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that never supports or opposes any political party or candidate for office. PDF of Douglas County Voters’ Guide | Find voter information specific to your ballot at vote411.org. Find your district by looking up your voter registration on the Nebraska Voter Check website.

Candidates for Elkhorn Board of Education

Chuck Burney (R):  Current Public Office, dates held: Elkhorn School Board, 2011 to 2018.  Education: Bachelor’s Degree In Social Sciences Education (7-12) From Wayne State College  Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from The University Of Nebraska At Omaha.  Military experience: N/A.  Volunteer experience: Nebraska Realty Kindness Crew St. Patrick’s Church Men’s Club Elkhorn Girls’ Softball Association Open Door Mission  Charles B. Garman (R):  http://www.GarmanForElkhorn.org.  Current Public Office, dates held: Trustee SID, third term. Just elected clerk.  Education: Augustana University, BA 2002 Creighton University School of Law, JD 2005.  Military experience: Army National Guard 1999-2011 Active duty in support of OIF 2003.  Volunteer experience: Service as assistant minister at St. Timothy. Amy Parks (D):  No response received. Nancy A. Rogic-Greufe (R):  Unable to reach candidate. Reagan Rosenberg (NP):  Unable to reach candidate.

Elkhorn Board of Education Candidates’ Responses

If elected, what two things do you hope to have accomplished by the end of your first year?

Chuck Burney:  My top priority is for the Elkhorn Public Schools to continue and build on our outstanding academic achievements that have been produced year in and year out, while at the same time passing fiscally responsible budgets that will give our staff the best resources to accomplish this.  Another priority that I hope to accomplish by the end of the first year of my third term would be to help make our students aware of all of their opportunities as they determine their post-high school plans. Charles B. Garman: I will push for a comprehensive curriculum that sets high standards to give students a goal to shoot for.  Specifically, our children should either be able to read to standard by grade three or have additional educational support in place to correct any deficiencies.  This includes early diagnosis of learning disabilities.  I will work on a prioritized budget that takes loss of state funding into consideration.  The budget needs to fund what the district needs but not everything desired. Amy Parks:  No response received. Nancy A. Rogic-Greufe:  Unable to reach candidate. Reagan Rosenberg:  Unable to reach candidate.

How can schools use technology to create better equity and educational outcomes?

Chuck Burney:  During the last couple of years the Elkhorn Public Schools has been phasing in 1-to-1 technology into grades 8-12.  Technology should be used to enhance learning. Technology allows greater access to online resources.  The proper use of technology creates greater student engagement and allows teachers to create tailored learning experiences.  It is important to ensure teachers are properly trained to integrate technology into our curriculum, and for the district to oversee its proper usage. Charles B. Garman: Technology and its proper use is the future of education.  However, it cannot take the place of properly trained and paid educators.  Technology is an education multiplier but does not replace best practices. Amy Parks:  No response received. Nancy A. Rogic-Greufe:  Unable to reach candidate. Reagan Rosenberg:  Unable to reach candidate.

What can be done to ensure the safety of students and teachers in our schools?

Chuck Burney:  I was a teacher at Millard South on 1-05-2011.  It is vital that we ensure the safety of students.  Through recently passed bond issues, we have improved safety by limiting access points to all of our older schools, while building new ones with an emphasis on safety.  This year we have added school resource officers so all of our high and middle schools will have an SRO presence during the day.  Staff policy and procedures regarding safety must be reviewed often to make our schools safe. Charles B. Garman: Unfortunately this is a matter for our State Legislature as currently not all options are on the table.  EPS is currently a good job having School Resource Officers where our schools are soft targets and strictly controlling access where possible. Amy Parks:  No response received. Nancy A. Rogic-Greufe:  Unable to reach candidate. Reagan Rosenberg:  Unable to reach candidate. Chuck Burney:  Speaking as a member of the school board for the highest achieving school district in the state, there is no role for charter schools within our district.  My opinion is that the state would be better suited providing more funding for K-12 education rather than redirecting resources away from public education.  The Elkhorn district, as well as many others in Nebraska have produced excellent results on a dwindling budget.  It would be exciting to see what they can accomplish when properly funded. Charles B. Garman: My job as member of the Elkhorn school Board would be to ensure EPS offers the highest quality education so that parents have no interest in a charter school. Amy Parks:  No response received. Nancy A. Rogic-Greufe:  Unable to reach candidate. Reagan Rosenberg:  Unable to reach candidate.