November 4th, 2024

Final Thoughts Before Election Day

 

Campaigning over the last year my goal has been to listen to YOU, the voter, on what’s important to your family in a school board candidate. I have had so many insightful conversations, and I believe our community shares more commonalities than there are differences.

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Everyone wants their children to receive the best education and to be in a safe and supportive environment. With that, I realize that our district faces unique budget challenges due to the state spending formula on education and our limited commercial tax base. We must spend wisely, and that is what I as a school board member will always consider.

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While out canvassing I made it about the voter. I would introduce myself and what I was running for, then ask them what are your concerns? Here are some of the key issues I’ve heard at doors and my thoughts on the subjects.

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Q: Citizens are concerned about their property taxes. Some are concerned yet understand we need a second high school.

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A: Like the spring election, this has been about a 50/50 split at the doors. I agree we have a need for a second high school. But as I have mentioned, I want to understand how the current high school is already having issues when it is not at capacity and ensure we do not have these issues down the road once the new school is built. With the unique make up of our tax base I feel it is more important than ever to make sure we spend each dollar as wisely as possible.

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Having gone to most school board meetings and bond meetings I also feel the people do not feel heard. The district needs to have an open and honest Q&A to allow real questions to be asked of the district and for them to be open to out of the box ideas. I think education will look very different in the next 10-15 years and we need to ensure we are providing an education that fits all our students’ needs.

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Q: What is my stance on boys in girls’ spaces.

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A: My answer has been a resounding no, boys do not belong on girls’ sports teams or in their restroom and locker rooms. Full stop.

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Q: I have been asked what my stance on DEI is.

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A: I feel DEI initiatives have done more harm than good, by lowering standards for everyone. In some cases, to meet a quota, we are sending kids off to colleges that they are not prepared for and in the end do them a disservice. I believe in building every kid up, and teaching them by staying in school, staying out of trouble, making good decisions, working hard and getting good grades will open doors to any child willing to put in the effort. UNO and UNL have recently disbanded their DEI offices, and I believe this proves these efforts had unintended negative effects that these universities no longer wanted to support.

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Waiting until election day to cast your vote and have a question you do not see answered here, please reach out.

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Email: baker4bennington@gmail.com

Phone: 402-915-5199

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Thank you for visiting and God Bless America!