By Dr. Laura Barrett, Administrator for ESU 13
The week of January 21-28, 2024 is recognized as School Board Recognition Week in Nebraska to honor those individuals who go above and beyond for all Nebraska public schools, Educational Service Units (ESU) and their students. The local board of education is a uniquely American institution that has made the public schools and ESUs flexible, responsible and accountable to the needs of the local communities, our state, and our nation.
ESU and school board members are extraordinary people who voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governance and do so in a manner that illustrates what it means to be an advocate for our students. While they all come from different backgrounds and live different lives, these individuals come together on their school board with the common goal of helping students grow, learn, and enjoy their educational experiences. More than half of Nebraska school board members are serving in the district they graduated from. These dedicated board members work closely with parents, education professionals and other local citizens to create the educational vision for our communities. They take time away from their jobs and families to participate in monthly meetings and continuing education opportunities.
The board of ESU 13 consists of 12 election districts that cover over 14,000 miles in the Nebraska Panhandle. These members bring the voice of their communities, to each meeting and decision. ESU 13 is fortunate to have the following elected individuals represent their areas on our board:
- Mark Sinner (President) – Scottsbluff
- Kim Marx (Vice President) – Hay Springs
- Thomas Millette (Secretary) – Bridgeport
- Tim Horn – Hemingford
- Patricia Jones – Alliance
- Dr. Caroline Winchester – Chadron
- Raymond Richards – Scottsbluff
- Dr. Ronda Kinsey – Scottsbluff
- Scott Marsh – Gering
- Diane Coon – Bayard
- Casper Ningen – Sidney
- Steve Diemoz – Kimball
School and ESU board members exemplify local citizen control and decision-making in education. The ESU 13 staff sends a grateful thanks to the 1,700 locally elected volunteers who make up the Board of Education for Nebraska’s Public Schools and ESUs. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to acknowledge the board members in your community who make the time to share their leadership and voice about the future of Nebraska students.