Kimball's Nora Robinson Named To State Board

Nora Robinson of Kimball was selected recently by Gov. Pete Rickets to serve on the state Early Childhood Education Endowment board. This three-year commitment requires meeting three times a year.

Like many boards, it is an unpaid position and does not require Unicameral approval, although some boards do require legislative approval.

Robinson currently works at ESU 13 as the Panhandle Early Learning Connections Coordinator. Before working at ESU 13, she taught elementary school in Kimball.

According to the description for the program: The Department of Education shall establish and administer the Early Childhood Education Grant Program. Grants provided by this section shall be to school districts and cooperatives of school districts for early childhood education programs for at-risk children from birth to age 3, as determined by the board of trustees pursuant to criteria set forth by the board of trustees.

School districts and cooperatives of school districts may establish agreements with other public and private entities to provide services or operate programs. Membership shall include The Commissioner of Education or designee; the Director of Health and Human Services or designee; two persons nominated by the endowment provider; an early childhood professional representing a rural at-risk area; an early childhood professional representing a rural at-risk county.

Hundreds of residents throughout Nebraska are called to serve their state on boards or commissions. Appointments are usually made through the governor and require expertise and a time commitment.

With over 200 state boards, the range of categories include the Nebraska Hemp Commission, Healthy Soils Task Force, Brain Injury Oversight Committee, the Nebraska Brand Committee, and the Early Childhood Education Endowment.