Kimball School Board Election: Meet The Candidates

Kimball School Board appears to be the most sought after position in the local elections as nine candidates are vying for three positions. The Observer presented the candidates with questions and requested a photo. Although many voters will be voting early by mail, the primary is May 12 and the nine candidates will be narrowed down to six individuals for the general election.

Jennifer Griebel

I was born and raised in Colorado, but shortly after nursing school I moved to Kimball, Nebraska where I met my husband (also a Colorado native) and we had our two children. We both have lived in Kimball for the last decade and plan on making this our forever home. We currently have two children; Tempe who is seven years old and Treyson four years old, who both currently attend elementary school in Kimball, Nebraska. My husband started for Clean Harbor in 2007 and plans to continue this role for years to come.

Aside from my family, after achieving my registered nurse and practicing for 13 years, I did attend school once more for my Master of Science in Nursing and am currently board certified as Family Nurse Practitioner. I currently work for Regional West Physicians’ Clinic as a primary care provider in Internal Medicine. I have been in this role for three years.

What experiences in your life would make you a good school board member?

Aside from many academic achievements, I have volunteer experience. This includes experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Colorado for five years. During this time, I maintained the role of Chief of one ambulance crew and office of Captain for another ambulance crew. This allowed me to serve on four volunteer departments simultaneously between fire service and ambulance service for more than five years combined. My volunteer service was crucial to the success of my community during that time and I intend on bringing my variety of leadership skills to Kimball, Nebraska as a school board member.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

Some of my strengths include thriving in chaos by quickly adapting, improvising and organizing. I view myself as a detail-oriented individual who strives to be proactive verses reactive in negative situations.

In my personal life I can find balance as a mother with my children’s activities, my career, and extracurricular activities.

Why are you interested in serving your community and your school?

As I have previously mention, while I was not born and raised in Kimball, I do plan on making this my forever home. As part of my personal growth and desires I wish to be more engaged and involved in my community. This is more so now as my children are growing and are more involved in the Kimball education systems.

As part of serving on the school board, I wish to serve the community as an individual that is able to formulate solutions to problems that are current and future problems in ways that will supports Kimball schools, administration, staff and students.

Are there any issues you are generally concerned with the school system?

As a mother and current non-school board member some of my concerns with the Kimball school systems are the lack of transparency with the community/public, which also includes communication. I would like to improve upon efficiency so that there is increased transparency and less sporadic school board meetings.

Albert Hargreaves

I was raised in Kimball. I went to Kimball schools from K-12. I went to Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. I graduated with an associate degree in John Deere Ag Tech. I worked for Brighton Equipment in Kimball for 18 years until they closed in 2007. I then worked for 2 years at 21st Century, the John Deere dealer in Sidney. And, for the past 10 years, I’ve been working for Horizon West Inc., the Case dealership in Sidney.

What experiences in your life would make you a great school board member?

My family and my wife’s family have all gone to Kimball schools. I have gained a genuine interest in the school system watching my daughter grow in Kimball schools.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

I feel that I have the common sense necessary to make good decisions concerning the schools.  I feel that I am open-minded and will listen to everyone’s concerns, then make a decision that is best for everyone concerned.

Why are you interested in serving your community and the school?

I have a daughter in the Kimball school system. I want what’s best for her and what is best for our schools.

Are there any issues you are genuinely concerned with the school system?

I would like to work with the staff and board members to make Kimball schools the best they can be. I would really like to see students coming back to Kimball instead of going elsewhere.

Maggie Laughlin

I attended grades K-12 here in Kimball, as have most of my immediate and lots of my extended family. After graduating in 2007, I attended the University of Wyoming and earned my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. I work for FirsTier Bank as the Loan Administration Officer. My husband, Daniel, and I have 2 children and are expecting our 3rd later this year. Natalie is 9 and in the 3rd Grade and Gunner, 4, will start Pre-Kindergarten this August. We enjoy spending time with one another, and their activities already keep us busy!

What experiences in your life would make you a great school board member?

My education, work experience, and civic involvement have led me to be able to understand budgets, parliamentary procedure, how to effectively communicate my thoughts and opinions, the need to understand that others’ thoughts and opinions matter and deserve to be heard.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

One of my primary strengths is my analytical mindset – I look at each situation, question, hurdle, etc. from several of different angles and try to think about the various outcomes each decision that could lead to. During this thought process, I also take into great account other stakeholders’ thoughts, opinions, and testaments. By nature, I have a positive outlook on things, while also being steadfast in my opinions.

Why are you interested in serving your community and the school?

Serving this community that I’ve called home for the better part of 25 years has always been something that I’m passionate about. Starting from a very young age, I saw the direct impact my parents were making by contributing to the Kimball community – serving our community has never been something that I look at as a burden, but rather tackle with great pride and enthusiasm.

As far as serving the school specifically, I am an alumnus of the Kimball school program, and my children will go through the same program – if I can have a direct part in ensuring they and their peers have the best possible education they can. I will proudly serve them, their peers, and their parents. 

Are there any issues you are genuinely concerned with the school system?

I feel that transparency and communication between all parties (board of education, parents, school personnel, etc.) should be of the utmost importance and cannot be something that’s only boasted about but never truly seen. I also feel that Kimball has a “brain drain” problem, not only in the school system but workforce-wide, we need to find a way to keep employees here in Kimball and that takes a united and concerted effort amongst us all!

Lanny Little

My intention for running for the Kimball School Board is to make sure ALL students are given the opportunity to receive the best, possible education available and prepare them to enter our society ready to fulfill their civic duties.

I feel I would be a positive asset to the school board as I have been in education since 1988, until my retirement in 2014. I was involved in varying capacities as an Elementary, Middle and High School Teacher, in all areas of the curriculum and administration, which gives me intimate knowledge as to the workings of a school and its’ district. Prior to my educational profession I was in the business world managing a retail store for a large retail chain for 17 years. This experience in budgeting, personnel matters, organizing people and materials, makes me uniquely qualified to fill this position.

With my extensive background in education and business I feel very confident I can be a valuable member to our school district by making sure our: Schools and facilities’ needs are met in a responsibly fiscal manner.

Administration develops and/or adopts methods and guidelines which enable our school community to succeed.

Teachers have the materials and skills needed to address our changing and complex world in which they work and in turn use these materials to teach these skills to our students successfully!

Parents are involved in all aspects of their child’s educational experiences and their concerns are met.

Students, who are the reason we exist, are motivated to succeed, have the self-determination to do well with the guidance of mentors and meet the state guidelines required for advancement.

“An educated populace is the reason our society prospers.”

Please consider me, with your vote, for the Kimball Public Schools’ Board of Education.

Heather Norberg

I am a Kimball native and graduated in 2002. Along with her husband, Mike, they own and operate a local diesel repair shop. Beside being the “official forklift operator” and officer manager, I am a mom to three school aged children. In their spare time our family enjoys camping, horses, and trail riding. My passion is serving in public education and has been on the Kimball Board of Education for nearly five years. 

What experiences in your life would make you a great school board member?

The experiences I’ve encountered over the past five years in service to the Kimball Board of Education have been some of the most rewarding, challenging, and sometimes frustrating moments in my life. Those experiences have also helped prepare me to serve for another term with lessons learned, maturity, and dedication to doing what is in the best interest of students and our community. Serving on the Board of Education is a responsibility and commitment that I do not take lightly. I have taken several opportunities to grow and learn; I have attended multiple meetings, conferences, retreats and planning sessions to expand my knowledge and understanding so I can make the best decisions possible for Kimball Public Schools.  

I have had the pleasure of collaborating with some wonderful people with the shared purpose and goals of doing what’s best for kids. Over the last few years there are several things we, as a board, have supported and accomplished. I would like to share a few. 

• Chromebooks for students

• Edgenuity Academic Intervention Program

• New Mathematics, Language Arts/Reading, and Science Textbooks

• Replacement of Jr/Sr High School Roof

• New Mary Lynch Playground for Primary Students

• Significant Budget Reductions and Savings

• Stadium project

• Auditorium Renovation project

• Continuous Improvement Plan (prioritizing curriculum and instruction)

• Marzano Instructional Model Adoption and  training for staff

• SPARQ (paperless meetings)

• Transportation vehicles

• Committees as the whole (special board meetings to be transparent with the public)

• ELITE after school program

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

I am motivated with the desire to serve, and I listen and respect the opinion of others. I encourage my fellow members to collaborate and review essential facts. It is important to consistently uphold all laws, rules, policies and procedures. Every month I diligently prepare and attend board meetings. I actively maintain communication with the board and superintendent. Having the willingness to spend the time required to become informed about all the topics that public schools face is a priority to me. I am respectful and I recognize that this is a team effort and I value the merit of the work for all of those involved.

Why are you interested in serving your community and the school?

I am committed to the education of all students. We have the next generation of lawyers, electricians, nurses, entrepreneurs, and every occupation you can think of. It’s pretty humbling to think about the opportunities this school can provide for them. I want to continue to serve in this capacity and be consciously guided by what is best for all students of Kimball Public Schools.

Are there any issues you are genuinely concerned with the school system?

Finances and budget are always a concern. Our school receives next to nothing as far as funding goes, we are primarily funded by our local property tax. We work hard to spend that money respectfully and have priorities to ensure the funds align to our instructional needs. Change comes slowly and it isn’t an easy thing, but we are on the right track to making the needed progress.

Tom O’Brien

I was born and raised in Kimball, graduating from Kimball High School in 1982. I attended UNL and got a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance in 1987. After college I ended up in St. Louis, MO, where I was a professional singer and actor for 20 years. While living in St. Louis I also worked various part-time jobs to supplement my income, including some substitute teaching.  I also completed most of the required course work toward a vocal music teaching certificate at Missouri Baptist University. I decided to move back home to Kimball in 2007 to be closer to my family. I started working at Clean Harbors in November of ‘07 and have been there ever since. After moving back to Kimball I met my wife, Kris and we were married in 2011.

What experiences in your life would make you a great school board member?

As an entertainer I have had the pleasure of interacting with literally thousands of people from all walks of life, either performing for them or alongside them. This exposure to a diverse range of people has taught me to collaborate, cooperate and get along with just about everyone I’ve ever known. It has also allowed me to have an open mind and be able to see all sides of an issue.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

I am a good communicator and I’m not afraid of dealing with whatever is thrown at me. I have an inquisitive nature which means I’m constantly trying to figure out how and why things are the way they are. I am able to get along with most everyone I meet. I am rational and reasonable. I am empathetic by nature which means that I care deeply about other people’s feelings and needs.

Why are you interested in serving your community and the school?

I want to serve my community and the school because having grown up and gone to school here, I remember a time when there was pride in both. I believe in our community and I believe in Kimball schools.

Are there any issues you are genuinely concerned with the school system?

No school system is perfect just as no teachers, students or administrators are perfect. Our school system is no exception. First and foremost, it would seem that there is a profoundly diminished, if not lack of school pride that has pervaded our system. There seems to be a fairly high rate of turnover among the teaching and administrative staff. If the staff isn’t excited to teach here, how can the students be excited to come to school and learn every day?

Chauncey G. Pedersen

I was raised in Mitchell, Nebraska where I received my elementary and high school education. After graduating from high school I attended Chadron State College on a football scholarship for one year and Kearney State College for one first semester.  I then decided at that time I was not interested in college. I then served four years in the United States Navy, being stationed in Mayport, Florida for three years and Portsmouth, Virginia for one year.  After I was discharged, I moved to California where I worked construction for 5 years. I then moved backed to Nebraska so I could finish my education. I received my Associates degree from WNCC, my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Chadron State College and also my Master’s degree in Education: school counseling, from Chadron State College. I am completing my 24th year in education. I worked at a behavior school in Scottsbluff for 3 years, taught 5th grade at Mitchell Elementary for 7 years, was a 7-12 counselor for two years at Mitchell High School, and will be completing my 12th year in Kimball as the school counselor.

What experiences in your life would make you a great school board member?

My educational background, as I have worked in education for 24 years, three different school districts. I feel this background really helps me to understand what goes on behind the scenes with teachers and students and I would be able to communicate with those teachers and students and push what is best for our students.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

Personal qualities I have to bring to the school board would be my knowledge of the education system, having been in education for 24 years. I am also able to communicate well with others and I bring a high amount of “Common Sense” to the table.

Why are you interested in serving your community and the school?

Having been at Kimball Public Schools the last 12 years, I have seen too many great teachers leave the profession or district and have also seen too many students leave the district due to various reasons. This is a concern to me and we need to keep those teachers here and keep our students in Kimball. 

I do not believe that our school system is in a good place right now. I believe teacher and student morale are at an all-time low and that needs to change. I also believe that if your school district thrives, then so does your community and vise-versa.

Are there any issues you are genuinely concerned with the school system?

I would just repeat that the schools and the community need to work together so the community of Kimball and the Kimball School District are both thriving together and are both something to be proud of and to be happy to be a part of.

Laura Perry

My name is Laura Perry. I have a Doctorate in Nurse Practice and am a Family Nurse Practitioner. I worked as a Registered Nurse for seven years and have been practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner for three years. I married Justin Perry in 2013 and have two children, Theodore and Elizabeth.

What experiences in your life would make you a good school board member?

I have been on the Kimball Parade of Lights Committee since 2013 and volunteered for the Kimball Ranch Rodeo. I am also a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

Qualities that I bring to the school board include: committed to community involvement and attending community activities, respectful, honest, willing to stand up for my beliefs and values but willing to listen, understand and respect others beliefs and values.

Are there any issues you are generally concerned with the school system?

Issues that I am concerned about within the school system include: balance of technology and teacher contact time, rejuvenating community and school interaction.

Carrie Tabor

Hi! My name is Carrie Tabor, and I am incredibly excited to be running for Kimball School Board. As a mother of 5, all of whom have or will go through Kimball Public Schools, I am deeply passionate about the success of our schools and ensuring the absolute best opportunities for our children. A little about me: I obtained my Associate degree at Front Range Community College and my Bachelor’s in Technical Management from DeVry University. Before moving to Nebraska in 2007, I worked at First Data, and after the move, I worked at Cabela’s for 10 years – first, as a financial analyst and, later, as a fraud manager. For the last two years, I have stayed home to raise my youngest as well as complete bookkeeping for Tabor Transportation. Additionally, I have been involved with our schools as a School Board member, the Cheer and Dance coach, and a teacher at the ELITE after-school program.

What experiences in your life would make you a great school board member?

Professionally, my background in finance has provided me with a thorough comprehension of numerical data and helped me to both understand as well as make educated decisions regarding the school district’s budget and expenditures. Along with my career background, the last five years I have spent on the Board have provided me with ample opportunities for school leadership development. From attending conferences and workshops—covering finances, educational policies, and school culture—to interacting with other Board members and administrators from our district and peer institutions, I have utilized these experiences to better myself as a Board member and a representative of our community.

Describe some of your personal qualities that you would be able to bring to the school board.

I truly believe in a quality public education for our current and future students, and I know this district is capable of amazing things.  I am a passionate individual, which includes my commitment to this school district and the educational experience we provide.

I have a unique perspective as a parent in this district given the spread of my children through our system. I have had my kids in our schools for 13 years already and will still have one of them at KPS 19 years from now. I am truly in this for the long haul.

Why are you interested in serving your community and the school?

I want to serve this community as a School Board member because I believe I can help bring together all stakeholders—parents, all district personnel Certificated, Classified, and Administration, as well as the students—to work towards a shared vision.

My greatest desire for serving on the Board is to ensure we do all we can as a district to meet each student where they are and raise them to their greatest potential, instead of limiting the tools and resources we have to do exactly that.