The Nebraska State Board of Education focused on advancing student literacy at its Friday meeting, held in Grand Island. In addition, the board accepted the resignation of Jacquelyn Morrison, a state board member from Omaha representing District 4 since 2021. The board also previewed a model policy for allowing authorized school security personnel to carry firearms in Nebraska’s smaller public school districts.
Nebraska Literacy Project Improving student literacy has become a key priority for the board, with a specific goal of raising third-grade reading proficiency to 75% by 2030. Education Commissioner Brian Maher presented updates to the 24-page “Nebraska Literacy Project,” which focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. Currently, around 60% of Nebraska’s third graders are proficient in reading, and formal test results will be released soon.
The literacy plan targets five key areas:
- Professional development in the science of reading.
- Curriculum aligned with evidence-based reading instruction.
- Employment of regional literacy coaches across the state.
- Data tracking for intervention effectiveness.
- Family literacy programs and pre-kindergarten education.
Funding for these initiatives includes $6 million in COVID-19 relief funds, $6 million over three years from the Nebraska Legislature, and $55 million from the federal government. Although the target of 75% proficiency remains set for 2030, Maher expressed optimism about reaching this goal by 2027, remarking, “If we can do that, I wonder what we can get done by 2030.”
Board members praised the simple yet student-centered approach of the plan, emphasizing its potential to make significant progress in literacy and dyslexia awareness. The board also awarded nearly $500,000 to Dyslexico, an Omaha-based company researching artificial intelligence tools to assist students with dyslexia.
Firearms Policy for Small School Districts The board also reviewed a draft policy regarding firearms in small school districts, following new legislation that permits districts with fewer than 5,000 residents to allow select school security personnel to carry firearms. Introduced by State Sen. Tom Brewer and included in Legislative Bill 1329, the policy applies to Class I and II public school districts and nonpublic schools, excluding larger districts like Lincoln and Omaha.
The draft policy, created in collaboration with the Nebraska State Patrol, outlines strict requirements for school employees authorized to carry firearms. These include:
- Passing a background check.
- Holding a valid concealed carry permit.
- Providing three letters of recommendation.
- Undergoing a mental health screening and consultation with a psychologist.
- Completing 20 hours of training in safe firearms handling, medical first aid, conflict de-escalation, and trauma-informed responses.
Firearms would need to be holstered and concealed, stored in a biometric safe, and only accessed in case of an active threat. The policy also emphasizes that authorized personnel do not have the same authority as law enforcement officers and must notify local law enforcement of their role.
Board members expressed their support for the draft, noting its similarities to firearm regulations for school resource officers. The policy will be finalized and voted on in a future meeting.
Both the literacy initiative and the firearms policy reflect the board’s commitment to addressing critical educational and safety concerns across Nebraska’s school districts.
