Nebraska State Statutes and the Nebraska Department of Education govern local school boards. School board members are therefore limited in what they can do based on these entities.

They are responsible for the oversight of the school district’s budget, tax levy, managing growth of the district, hiring of administrators, and setting district policies.

If elected, Elizabeth will work to provide opportunities and programs that will serve this community.  Specifically, Elizabeth wants to expand early childhood education, hire more mental health counselors and behavior specialists. She will also work to protect teacher’s plan time.

Elizabeth will keep the tax levy low. As a steward of public funds, she carefully budgets for projects while curbing unnecessary spending. Since taking her role in Omaha, she has cut her department’s budget of nearly one million dollars by 5%, and continually has money left over each fiscal year. This was accomplished by analyzing her department’s needs and utilizing technology to improve process, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Leadership:

Elizabeth is a proven leader. She is the current president of the Nebraska Municipal Clerk Association, Past President of the Omaha Unit of Parliamentarians and a graduate of the International City Manager Association Emerging Leader Program.

For the past 15 years as a City Clerk, Elizabeth has advocated for transparency and streamlining process. She has taken every opportunity to continue to learn about best practices in government, including numerous training classes on the Open Meetings Act. She is a go-to person for advice on running meetings, parliamentarian procedure and policy.

Policy:

Elizabeth is a professional policymaker. She is constantly analyzing other government entities agendas and policies to see what works and doesn’t.  In 2022, the Omaha voters passed Elizabeth’s suggested changes to the Omaha Charter that revised the petition notification process for the city, ultimately benefitting the taxpayers.

On a larger scale, Elizabeth got a state law passed to modernize the notification process for the Board of Equalization. This law impacts all government entities throughout the state. During the public hearing, State Senators referred to this bill as a “Good Government Law”. It was passed unanimously.

Community Involvement:

Elizabeth has always stepped up to leadership roles professionally and in the community.

• Papillion Recreation Organization (PRO) – Executive Board Secretary – February 2022 to 2024
• Leadership Sarpy – Class of 2010
• Papillion Area Historical Society – Board Secretary 2011 to 2013
• Teammates Mentor – 2011 to 2014
• Papillion Chautauqua Event 2013 – Co-Chair
• St. Columbkille Church – Member, volunteer – 2009 to present
• International City Management Association Emerging Leader Program – Class of 2020
• DOTcomm Oversight Committee – Chair – 2021 to present
• Omaha Nebraska Parliamentarian Unit – Member -2013; (President 2021 to 2023)
• National Association of Parliamentarians – Member – 2014
• International Institute of Municipal Clerks – Member – 2009 to present
• Southeast Area Clerks Association – Member – 2009 to present. (President 2014)
• Nebraska Municipal Clerks Association – Member – 2009 to present; Board President 2024

Endorsements

Elizabeth has worked effectively with Republicans and Democrats throughout her career. Elizabeth knows the importance of working with everyone to pass items that benefit the entire school community. Stay tuned!