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Latest updates from the campaign:
In 2 weeks, voters will elect Kearney School Board members
With three seats up for grabs and just one incumbent left in the field, the Kearney Board of Education will have at least two new members after voters have had their say on Nov. 8.
Drew Blessing is the lone incumbent on the KPS ticket.
Kearney Public Schools board candidates speak out on issues
Town: Kearney
Current and prior elective office: Kearney Public Schools Board of Education
List of community service: Kids coding club (Coder Dojo/Hour of Code), founding member of local housing nonprofit, Nebraska Liquid Asset Fund Board of Trustees, Launch NE Leadership and Planning Committee, KPS Board and NASB Legislation Committee member
Occupation: Software developer
Family: Wife Brittany and son Karson
Question 1: What personal qualities do you possess that make you a strong candidate for Kearney Public Schools Board of Education? (50 words)
I am reliable, honest and trustworthy. Serving our community and schools is my passion. My experience allows me to continue leading and advocating for teachers, students and families. I am thankful to serve the Kearney community on the school board and would be honored to continue serving.
Question 2: Describe one current trend in education that either encourages you or discourages you. (50 words)
I am encouraged by community support for public education. Teachers, parents and students are more engaged than ever to help KPS achieve success. Local organizations continue to seek partnerships with KPS. These relationships inspire me to keep working to improve outcomes for our children, schools and our community.
Question 3: This is your option. Select any one of the issues listed here or address an issue of your choice. Please explain how you will address that issue as a KPS Board member.
OPTIONS: High property taxes; Curriculum and academic performance; Sex education standards; Teacher shortage; Parental involvement; Screening library books. (50 words)
Unlike other government subdivisions, schools receive funding only from state aid (about 20%) and property taxes. Lowering taxes requires the collaboration of schools, senators and the governor. I will continue advocating for property tax relief and changes to school funding, and commit to reducing our tax levy as a result.
We have to acknowledge differences exist and that we all deserve respect and kindness
Washington Post article "Claim that sex ed ‘grooms’ kids jolted Nebraska politics a year before it swept the nation"
Drew Blessing, a Kearney school board member tried to correct what he called “a ton of misinformation” about the proposed standards. Some foes of the standards accused him of being a “groomer” in emails, he said.
“We’re talking about public schools, not Christian schools,” said Blessing, 34, who is active in his church. “We are not trying to teach kids to be gay or trans … but we have to acknowledge these differences exist and that we all deserve kindness and respect.”
Kearney Public School board candidate tosses support behind Blessing, Icenogle, Kreis
One of the two candidates who fell short in his bid for the Kearney School Board is endorsing three of the top four vote-getters.
“At this time, I would like to endorse Drew Blessing, John D. Icenogle and Wendy Kreis for the upcoming general election,” said Will Kirkland in a Wednesday press release in which he conceded his loss.
Kearney Public School board candidates say how they would strengthen the district
Blessing worked in K-12 schools upon graduating from college and at Educational Service Unit 10 in Kearney. Those experiences, as well as serving on the board during the pandemic, showed him how critically important education is to a community, he said.
“I take my role very seriously. I represent not just my child, not just your child, but I represent over 5,500 students in this district and that is not lost on me. That’s so important, and I take that very seriously,” Blessing said.
Blessing wants to stay on Kearney Public board, address student, teacher's mental health
Kearney Public Schools Board of Education member Drew Blessing has announced his campaign for re-election.
“No one could have predicted what we would encounter over the last four years. I’m thankful for all of those moments that polished me as a member of the board and a leader in our community. I’m proud of the impact we’ve had on improving our schools for students, teachers, and staff and I look forward to continuing that work through a second term,” Blessing said.