Lisa Albers, Dave Hulinsky, Tracy Goodman, (Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND – Three people are running for two vacancies on Grand Island Public Schools’ Board of Education, Ward B.
Listed alphabetically, they are Lisa Albers, Tracy Goodman, and Dave Hulinsky.
Albers was the only candidate to return answers to three questions sent to candidates. Chaperone, a political action committee, is endorsing Goodman and Hulinsky. The candidates’ responses, listed alphabetically by candidate, are:
Lisa Albers
1. Why are you running for office?
After reflection, I have decided to seek a third term on the GIPS Board of Education. My passion and commitment to this role remain strong. Public schools are the heartbeat of our small communities, yet they face increasing challenges and attacks. With my flexible work schedule, I am uniquely positioned to consistently and actively advocate for our schools.
My service on the Legislative Committee of the Nebraska Association of School Boards, along with my recent nomination to its Governing Board, places me in a prime position to collaborate with school board members across the state, driving forward the mission of strengthening public education. No other candidate for the GIPS Board of Education brings these qualifications and this breadth of experience to the table.
The past eight years have been invaluable in teaching me the nuances of effective advocacy. I am eager to continue this important work, ensuring that GIPS families, students, and staff have the support they deserve.
2. What are the top three issues you would face in office?
Three critical issues currently impacting Grand Island Public Schools are staffing shortages, student mental health, and funding challenges.
Staffing shortages are a nationwide problem affecting both public and private schools, as fewer college students are pursuing careers in education. This trend presents significant challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and support staff.
At the same time, concerns about student mental health have grown. Today’s students face a wide range of pressures, and the need for expanded mental health services is more urgent than ever. Adequate funding for these services is essential to support students and their well-being.
Finally, the current funding model for Nebraska public schools is under increasing scrutiny. What worked in the past is no longer effective. It’s time to bring experts together to develop sustainable solutions that ensure public schools remain well-funded without placing an excessive burden on taxpayers. This will be a critical conversation in the upcoming Legislative session.
3. What background and experience do you have as an elected official?
For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education with enthusiasm and dedication. My husband and I were raised in Grand Island and we, in turn, raised our own family here. We take great pride in being lifelong members of this community and proud graduates of Grand Island Senior High.
My experience on the Board, combined with a lifetime of deep-rooted connections to Grand Island, has equipped me to continue advocating for our schools and representing the best interests of our students, families, and community.
Tracy Goodman
Goodman did not return answers to three questions sent to her. Information about her is available on the Internet for Chaperone, which is available at the Facebook site for Chaperone and Chaperone’s website.
The Facebook site for Chaperone is at: https://www.facebook.com/ChaperoneGI
The website for Chaperone is at: http://ChaperoneGI.com/
Dave Hulinsky
Hulinsky, also an incumbent, did not return answers to three questions sent to him. Instead he referred to information about himself on the Internet for Chaperone, which is available at the Facebook site for Chaperone and Chaperone’s website.
The Facebook site for Chaperone is at: https://www.facebook.com/ChaperoneGI
The website for Chaperone is at: http://ChaperoneGI.com/
