District details

The winner will replace Democrat Patricia Koch Johns who has served on the board since 2017. Koch Johns said the changing political environment factored into her decision to not run for reelection. 

Christensen — a Democrat — is the Nebraska program manager for Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit that promotes reading aloud to help children with their development. She helped with the ballot initiative campaign seeking to repeal Nebraska’s school choice law. She has also worked for the Nebraska Legal Action Fund, an organization to fight disinformation and extremism, and said she’s a mother with children in public schools. Christensen said she’s running for the position because she wants to promote a strong, inclusive and supportive educational environment where students and families can thrive. 

Davids — a Republican — founded Empower Nebraska, a conservative organization that encourages civic engagement in education. She has homeschooled all five of her children, according to her campaign website. Davids did not respond to Flatwater Free Press’ questionnaire. She told 10/11 News Now that her interest in the State Board of Education began in 2021 — as the board was debating sexual education. Davids felt the board was not listening to its constituents. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, she delivered “bold statements” during public comment periods, and used vegetables to condemn the proposed health standards.

On the issues

Christensen told Flatwater Free Press she would prioritize mental health for teachers and students, literacy development efforts and the teacher shortage crisis. Specifically, she wants to ensure school districts are providing mental health support through people such as social workers, counselors or school psychologists. She also wants to find creative ways to keep and recruit quality educators and ensure students have proficient reading skills by third grade. 

According to David’s campaign website, her priorities include supporting more vocational education, computer science and STEM programs. Additionally, she values transparency and wants parents to have a clear understanding of everything occurring in their children’s classrooms from curriculum choices to mental health issues. She also would like to support teachers through pay and benefits, while also ensuring taxpayer money is spent efficiently.  

Asked about book bans, Christensen said local school districts should follow their existing policies to address concerns regarding inappropriate content. Davids told 1011 News she supports statewide library standards to address book bans.
The Nebraska State Education Association and State Board of Education members Koch Johns, Lisa Fricke and Deb Neary endorsed Christensen. The Nebraska Republican Party posted their support for Davids and other Republican State Board of Education candidates.