State Board adopts revised Douglas–Sarpy Community Achievement Plan over dissent on accountability

The State Board of Education voted 4–3 with one abstention on Feb. 27 to adopt a revised Community Achievement Plan (CAP) for the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Bennington resident Tracy Baker, who spoke during the public-comment period, told the board that the plan lacks clear performance metrics and benchmarks. "Public education cannot continue to demand unlimited funding while refusing measurable accountability," Baker said, arguing that "if this program cannot clearly define what success looks like, how will it be measured?".

The CAP also drew support from Bishop K. Javon Chambers, who spoke on behalf of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Metropolitan Omaha. "CAP strengthens early education. It boosts reading. It boosts attendance," Chambers said, urging the board to "stand with children, stand with families and educators by voting yes on the community action plan."

In the discussion that followed, State Board member Sher Jones said she "stands by my vote of no" and repeated concerns she raised at a prior meeting, noting that a recent revision removed the listing of partnering organizations and expressing particular unease that One World Health was included in the plan.

State Board member Lisa Shonhoff reiterated that she would vote no, citing what she described as persistent academic shortfalls and a lack of demonstrable impact. Shonhoff said Nebraska spends "approximately $5 billion" on education and that "in Omaha, we spend approximately $19,000 per pupil," but pointed to low proficiency and graduation rates in parts of the Learning Community and said the CAP remains at the lowest evidence tier under federal guidance. "The school districts of the learning community have not provided this board with metrics demonstrating how their current plan has directly impacted academics," she said.

After debate, the recording secretary called the roll on the motion "to adopt the revised community achievement plan of the learning community of Douglas and Sarpy counties." The votes recorded were: Deborah Ner — yes; Lisa Shonhoff — no; Elizabeth Tegmmeer — no; Kirk Penner — no; Kristen Christensen — yes; Liz Rener — yes; Sher Jones — abstain; Maggie Douglas — yes. The chair announced the motion adopted by an affirmative vote.

Board members and the public were thanked for participating. The board noted that its next meetings are scheduled March 5–6, 2026, in Lincoln. The session was then adjourned.