Most pressing issue

Baier said it’s important to maintain a thorough understanding of the value of public education and recognize that federal education funding is in flux. She noted that after five terms on the board, she can provide stable leadership and offer context regarding existing policies and insights into how previous boards have addressed challenges.

Duncan said diversity, equity and inclusion is the most pressing issue facing the district. He said he appreciates the intention behind DEI programs, but said they sometimes can divert the focus from providing a rigorous academic education. Duncan said the district must prioritize such core subjects as math, science, reading and writing and equip students to thrive in a competitive world.

Top budget priority

Duncan said he will advocate for more budget transparency because taxpayers should know where the money is going.  

Baier said her top budget priority is to keep classroom sizes under control with adequate teacher-to-student ratios. She noted that the school board has significantly reduced its levy in response to increased property values, and she said teachers and support staff must be adequately compensated for the district to remain competitive in the job market.

Superintendent search

Superintendent candidates, Baier said, must have experience leading a large urban school district. She said candidates need to understand effective educational approaches, possess effective management skills, understand school finances, be open to different family dynamics and be able to establish a rapport with the community.

Duncan said the district’s next superintendent should have strong leadership skills, a clear vision for educational excellence and the ability to communicate with everyone while prioritizing academics. The candidate also should have experience in curriculum development and a focus on student-centered learning, he said. In addition, Duncan said, the board should prioritize transparency and community involvement in the search process.

Test scores

LPS continues to achieve well above other urban school districts, Baier said, especially considering the district’s size and diversity and pandemic-related pressures. The district provides additional support to four struggling schools designated as needing more support and to other schools serving low-income families and their students, she said.

Duncan said that to ensure continued achievement in LPS, especially in the schools that need more support, it’s essential to analyze the areas where proficiency scores are lagging and to develop targeted programs to address those gaps. This, he said, could involve additional training for teachers, implementing effective teaching strategies and providing resources tailored to student needs. Engaging with parents and the community also can play a big role, Duncan said, adding that by partnering with local organizations, LPS can create support systems that help students inside and outside the classroom.

Safety and mental health

To ensure Lincoln’s schools remain safe and welcoming for all students, Duncan said, he would implement comprehensive safety protocols, including regular staff training on emergency procedures and conflict resolution. He said he also supports anti-bullying programs and inclusivity initiatives and the hiring of more school counselors and mental health professionals. Collaborating with local mental health organizations to offer workshops and resources for students and families also could help, he said.

District schools have school resource officers and campus security in middle and high schools, Baier said, and all schools have secured entrance monitors. The district’s greatest challenge, she said, is students’ mental health and the pressures put on teachers. The district’s cellphone and social media policy lets students focus on their education during the school day, Baier said. In addition, she said, LPS has partnered with community-based mental health service providers and has increased the number of social workers and school counselors who provide direct services.

Teacher recruitment and retainment

LPS continues to prioritize hiring high-quality teachers by offering competitive salary and benefit packages, superior classroom supports and vetted curricula, Baier said. The board also has developed several “Grow Your Own” initiatives, she said, including a paraeducator career track to teaching. She noted new teachers are offered mentoring and additional training and said LPS has developed partnerships with local and historically Black colleges and universities to have their education students complete their student teaching in the district.

Duncan said the district must offer competitive salaries and benefits; provide financial incentives to educators willing to work in high-need subject areas or schools; establish strong professional development programs; offer a supportive work environment; partner with universities to create pathways for student teachers; and promote a good work-life balance.