The Race
Mara Krivohlavek, a mother with three sons enrolled in Lincoln Public Schools, is running unopposed for the District 5 seat on the LPS Board of Education.
Krivohlavek, a Democrat, will replace Lanny Boswell, who has served on the board since 2013 and decided not to seek reelection. The district covers southeast Lincoln and it’s the only school board race that doesn’t have at least two candidates running.
Most pressing issue
Krivohlavek said the budget is the most pressing issue facing the district, noting the uncertainty around state and federal funding. Board members, she said, must be innovative in determining how to provide a quality education, to ensure that the district retains teachers and staff and to find solutions to reduce property taxes.
Top budget priority
Krivohlavek said her top budget priority is to ensure that LPS can provide the quality education parents expect. The district must retain and recruit high-quality teachers and staff while being fiscally responsible, she said.
Superintendent search
The hiring of the next superintendent, Krivohlavek said, will be the board’s most important job, and the person who is chosen should strive for transparency, fiscal responsibility and providing the best possible education.
Test scores
Krivohlavek said she will ensure continued student achievement by keeping budget cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, making sure resources are being directed to teachers and children who need more support and prioritizing lower student-to-teacher ratios in struggling schools.
Safety and mental health
The safety of students should be the board’s top priority, Krivohlavek said. Procedures for emergency situations must be continuously evaluated, and staff members must be well-trained in the district’s prevention policies. Investing in mental health resources, ensuring every child is fed and providing extracurricular opportunities will help students and improve teachers’ job satisfaction levels.
Teacher recruitment and retainment
Krivohlavek said LPS must offer competitive salaries, health care benefits and pathways to tuition reimbursement. State aid cuts, she said, make it more difficult to fund such efforts.