Get to Know Your 2024 Bellevue Board of Education Candidates
Get to Know Your 2024 Bellevue Board of Education Candidates
In Sarpy County, early voter ballots will be mailed out beginning September 30th. To help you get to know the candidates before you vote, we asked the six individuals running for Bellevue Public Schools Board of Education three questions. Each candidate was asked the same questions, and their answers are provided below. On the ballot, voters may select up to three candidates for the school board. The three with the most votes will be elected to the board.
Aside from some minor formatting changes, each candidate’s answers are unedited and presented as received.
Jump to a candidate:
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Scott Eby
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
I decided to seek my third term to continue my work on the board and to continue serving the students and families of Bellevue. I would also like to continue developing the Frank Kumor Career Center programs that are available to hopefully help meet the needs of as many students as possible.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
Being in a leadership role with my company CKF, and having to make decisions every day on what is best for the company and employees has helped me on the Bellevue School Board. I try to provide the same business approach to making educated decisions for the district, teachers, and the students we serve.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
Prior to being on the School Board, I coached football and wrestling for BJSA. I also served on the Board of directors for BJSA. I currently serve on the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation Board. I also regularly attend MISA meetings and advocate for funding and grants for our school district.
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Kristy Kiviniemi
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
My decision to run for re-election is deeply rooted in my personal and strong family history with the district. I, along with my father and brother, attended BPS from kindergarten through 12th grade. Today, I am a proud parent of two BPS graduates, and my youngest son is set to graduate within the next three years. My husband, Don Kiviniemi, has dedicated 23 years of service to BPS, while my mother, Mary Hansen, has dedicated 29 years of service, and sister-in-law Lynn Sudduth, 23 years of service. Additionally, our daughter attends Bellevue University and is pursuing her degree in education with the goal of becoming a public school educator.
I believe wholeheartedly in our school district, its mission and vision. I support the district’s robust educational programs, its commitment to innovation and culture of belonging through diverse learning environments to enhance student development. Moreover, I am a strong advocate for the collaboration between the school district, parents and the community, recognizing that such partnerships are essential for fostering a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
My extensive experience uniquely qualifies me to continue serving as a board member. Having already served four years on the school board, I possess a deep understanding of the policies, challenges, and opportunities that our district faces. My tenure has equipped me with the insights and skills necessary to advocate effectively for our students, staff, and community.
Growing up and living in Bellevue for the past 47 years, I have witnessed the district’s evolution firsthand and have a profound connection to the community. My professional background as a nurse and as the Executive Director of Compliance and Internal Audit for Nebraska Medicine—including our local Bellevue Medical Center—has endowed me with a strong foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance.
These roles, combined with my personal and familial ties to the district, fortify my dedication to ensuring that our schools continue to thrive and that every student has access to quality education.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
Throughout my time in Bellevue, I have been actively involved in numerous school district and community activities that reflect my deep commitment to our local area. I volunteer for Bellevue Community Foundation annual events such as Bellevue Rocks, Trick or Treat Downtown Bellevue, and Santa in Oldtown. Additionally, I am a founding board member of the City of Bellevue Inland Port Authority. I also support organizations such as the Bellevue Schools Foundation and Chamber of Commerce, as well as many activities and events throughout the school district. These experiences have not only allowed me to give back but also to build lasting relationships within the community.
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Christine Clerc
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
Growing up, my parents actually sacrificed their hard-earned money for me to attend St. Mary’s Catholic School in Bellevue, and later Gross Catholic High School. I had wonderful teachers and made lifelong friends, and still carry with me the core lessons learned there as a child. While I acknowledge the special place that private schools have in our communities, as an adult, I became more aware of the indispensable role that public schools play in our communities as well. They are a major employer in our area, and offer quality education to every child regardless of their abilities, background, or socioeconomic status. We all benefit from a public school system that provides education and support for all families that they might be able to fully participate in our society.
I began attending the BPS School Board meetings regularly several years ago when my daughter entered kindergarten. I was impressed with the in-depth information I was receiving about the ongoings of the district. Witnessing the meetings has given me a better idea of the strengths and weakness within our board and greater district. I’ve become inspired to get involved in a hands-on way to help support our families and educators in the most meaningful and effective ways that I can.
One of my aspirations is to help raise the profile of Bellevue’s Board of Education as a source for credible information for community members to be partners in advocacy for the good of our local schools and families. I am committed to using my knowledge of child development and the problem-solving skills I gained as a healthcare professional and community volunteer to assist the district administration, staff, families, and students. I always seek to educate myself on topics of concern and will approach issues with an open mind and a willingness to listen and have difficult discussions in a respectful and productive way. Working together we can improve the programs in BPS so that all children may thrive and reach their fullest potential.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I believe that my lived experience of having two young children is important since this perspective is currently lacking on our board. I know firsthand how our district’s policies, procedures, and curriculum are affecting families and staff. I’ve also been a dedicated volunteer and organizer in our school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), working regularly to address the needs of our teachers, students and families.
Additionally, I serve as an Executive Committee Member for Nebraska PTA to help facilitate PTA programs across our state. I assist the Legislative Chair in engaging our federal and state representatives regarding funding for essential programs, digital safety, family engagement, gun violence prevention, and promoting welcoming, inclusive, and supportive schools. Most recently I have taken on the role of Programs Chair and will be getting Nebraska involved in a national student art competition called Reflections.
For the past two years, I volunteered for Support Our Schools Nebraska gathering signatures for their referendum petitions. During that time, I had many difficult but thoughtful conversations with citizens in the metro area about the role of education and public funding.
As a volunteer with Sarpy County Democrats, I have participated in voter outreach efforts, with emphasis on voter registration and civic participation.
Finally, prior to becoming a stay-at-home parent in recent years, I was trained as a physician assistant (PA) and maintain my certification. I worked as a PA for a local allergy office providing developmentally appropriate healthcare for children and adults, using shared complex decision making. My work as a PA also included a role as a research sub-investigator which required data analysis. My background in science and healthcare has fostered my data-driven approach to problem solving.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
- Active volunteer and organizer for our school’s PTA
- Executive Committee Member, assisting the Legislative Chair, and Programs Chair for Nebraska PTA
- Volunteer and Second Associate Chair for the Sarpy County Democratic Party
- Volunteer for Support Our Schools Nebraska
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Matt Goetz
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
Reason #1: Teacher retention! Bellevue has a reputation for having strong teachers. Teachers are the face of the district, and I have seen too many teachers leave this district to teach in other school districts. Providing good working conditions, competitive pay, and a strong overall school culture are essential. This would be my top priority. I would also actively invite feedback from current Bellevue educators on what the administration and the school board can improve on to make their job more efficient, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling.
Reason #2: Some facilities at Bellevue Public School need an upgrade! This would include athletic facilities, playgrounds, parking lots, school safety issues and general upgrades to our schools. I realize we are in tough budget times, and we need to make sure the taxpayer gets the most out of each dollar, but we cannot allow Bellevue Public Schools to fall behind other local suburban school districts. An investment in upgrading facilities enhances the learning experience for both students and teacher and is a positive for the entire community.
Reason #3: Bellevue Public Schools, in my mind, is one of the best school districts in the Metro Area. I want to continue to make sure that BPS continues to be one of the best school districts in this area. I want to work with the school board, the administration, the teachers, and all stakeholders to keep Bellevue Public Schools moving forward! Keep Bellevue moving forward while working with the current school board.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I have been a long-time resident of Bellevue and have also worked in Bellevue for the last 25 years. Both of my children were graduates of Bellevue Public Schools.
My experiences working with the youth of Bellevue and their families gives me an advantage to know what issues families have with our school district. This has prepared me to sit on the Bellevue School Board.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I have been the Program Director at Bellevue Junior Sports Association (BJSA) for over 25 years. I have worked with 1000’s of families during my tenure at BJSA. Having been in this position I have had the opportunity to work with many schoolteachers, school administrators and current school board members. I am impressed with their dedication towards the youth of our community and I am proud to say that BJSA and the Bellevue Public School District have a great partnership.
Community involvement has always been important to me. I am currently the vice-president of the Bellevue Community Foundation. Over the past 10 years the foundation has awarded over $500,000 to local nonprofits. Many of the recipients have been organizations/clubs from Bellevue Public Schools. I have also sat on several committees/boards over the years that benefit students and families. These includes Bellevue Legion Baseball Board, Metro Youth Football League (MYFL), and the City of Bellevue Park Master Plan Committee. I have learned firsthand how important a strong school system is to a strong, vibrant community and I will work hard to make sure Bellevue students have the best educational experience possible.
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Dickee Jost
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
America’s future is dependent upon our children’s resolve, fortitude and love of country. Educational excellence is the foundation and the key to our children’s success and thus our Country’s success.
I believe we can fundamentally do a better job preparing our children for success. In our community and across the State, test scores have been stagnant or worse, declining. We have yet to recover from the major dip in test scores due to the response to the 2020 pandemic. Nebraska’s own evaluation system, Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS), shows Bellevue students are just above 60% in grade level proficiency for Math and English. Elkhorn is hovering around 90% while spending over $1000 less per student. With a $120 million budget, throwing more of our tax dollars into this is likely not the answer. The answer to this issue exists within our teachers and parents, not in some Gov’t sponsored newfangled study.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I am Rich “Dickee” Jost. I believe I can leverage my 25 years of military experience into serving our community. Board members have many responsibilities. They look at contracts, budgets, new hires, resignations, performance reports, grades, and so much more. I have filled each of these roles and have performed similar tasks. These have included program management, certified flight instruction, performance reviews, equipment and building budgets, and tracking millions of dollars worth of flight hours. As a civilian, I served as the Chief Operating Officer for a company with a budget larger than the Bellevue school district’s. I ran operations in 38 states and 48 nations. This meant working respectfully with people from many walks of life and cultures. I have experience working with the government, managing multi-million dollar contracts, and working with human resources to hire new talent.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
My service has always extended to my community no matter where the military sent me. I served on the Finance Committee of my church while living in Alaska. Moving away from my place of birth, my kids did not have the chance to see their grandparents as often as we would have wished. So, we visited a neighboring nursing home and “adopted” a grandma and grandpa. Around the same time, I was the boys’ basketball coach for four years, coaching grades five through eight. I was nominated and elected as Home and School Board (similar to a PTA) vice president then served two more years as president using Robert’s Rules of Order to conduct meetings. I volunteered as an adult leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as my son advanced through the ranks. My wife and I are currently members of the Sarpy GOP. There, I have supported, with my time and resources, various local, county, and state races. It was through my volunteering for others running their own campaigns that I realized there was more I could do. My family and friends inspired me to run for the Bellevue School Board.
If you are ready for servant leadership, I am here and Mission Ready.
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Pat Beckham
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
I am running for the Board of Education because I am deeply passionate about education and its transformative power. Growing up in a working-class family, I saw firsthand how support and dedication to learning can open doors. Thanks to the guidance of my teachers and the value my parents placed on education, I was able to graduate from college and pursue a successful career as an actuary – an opportunity that has been both intellectually stimulating and fulfilling.
As a long-time resident of Bellevue, I am committed to seeing our community grow and prosper. I believe that a strong public school system is fundamental to our community’s future. I am eager to contribute to creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential. By leveraging my experiences and dedication, I hope to help shape a thriving educational environment for all our students.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
Both my professional life and my personal life have helped me develop skills that will be valuable as a board member. My career experience includes project management, efficient allocation of resources, staff management and development, client communication and financial management. Over the past 30 years, I have worked as a consulting actuary for public retirement systems. If you’re unfamiliar with the field, think of an actuary as a specialist who uses mathematics and statistics to help organizations manage financial risk and plan for the future. Actuaries analyze data to predict the likelihood of various events, such as health issues or accidents, and assess how these events could impact financial stability. For example, in retirement systems, actuaries calculate how much money needs to be set aside to ensure that future pensions and benefits are fully funded. In essence, actuaries are experts in financial analysis and risk management. They use their skills to make informed decisions, helping organizations prepare for potential future events and ensuring there’s enough money to meet their obligations.
In addition to my professional life experiences, I have also been a wife, mother, daughter, sibling, grandmother, neighbor, friend, employee, citizen and volunteer. Through these various roles, I have developed a set of skills that will be beneficial to the school board. In particular, the experience of raising three children develops a broad range of skills that are directly applicable to serving on the school board.
The most relevant skills are set out below.
Professional Experience and Skills
- Financial Acumen: This expertise will be useful for budgeting and financial planning on the school board, helping to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently, and that long-term financial stability is maintained.
- Analytical Skills: On the school board, the ability to analyze complex data and make informed decisions based on that data will be useful in evaluating educational programs, assessing performance metrics, and understanding the implications of various policy decisions.
- Strategic Planning: Long-term planning and forecasting skills are crucial for a school board member when setting strategic goals, planning for future needs, and developing policies that impact the school district’s future.
- Risk Management: Understanding and managing risk can help the school board identify potential financial risks or issues related to policy changes and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
- Communication Skills: The ability to effectively communicate with people is important for a school board member in explaining budget decisions, policy changes, and other key information to parents, teachers, and the community.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to approach problems systematically and find practical solutions is crucial in addressing challenges within the school district, from financial issues to program effectiveness.
- Attention to Detail: Attention to detail can help in ensuring accuracy in financial reports, budget planning, and policy implementation.
- Ethical Considerations: The strong ethical standards in actuarial work will be valuable for maintaining transparency and accountability in the governance of the school district.
Personal Experience and Skills
- Understanding of Student Needs: Firsthand experience with the challenges and diverse needs of students provides a perspective that can help in making decisions that are empathetic and address the real concerns of families and children.
Experience with School Systems: Raising three children has provided a broad understanding of the workings of school systems, including the curriculum, communication with teachers, and the impact of school policies on students and families.
Advocacy Skills: Personal experience in advocating for my children’s needs and well-being has prepared me to advocate for the needs of all students, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Conflict Resolution: As a mother of three, I’m no stranger to mediating conflicts and coming up with reasonable solutions. This has prepared me for handling even the toughest negotiations.
Budgeting and Resource Allocation: In my professional life, I assist my clients in managing their resources in the most efficient manner to meet their goals and on a personal level, I manage a household budget. Both roles involve finding balance and making decisions about resource allocation which can be helpful in ensuring the school district’s resources are used responsibly and effectively.
Empathy and Patience: These qualities are important for addressing the diverse needs of students and working collaboratively with other board members, school staff, and the community.
Commitment to Education: A commitment to educational excellence and student success aligns with the goals of the school board to improve educational outcomes and support student development for all children.
Both my professional and personal skills and experiences equip me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to the Bellevue School Board, bringing a balanced and informed perspective to the governance of the school district. I have the passion and time to devote to my responsibilities as a school board member and I’m ready to put my skills and talents to use to help the broader Bellevue community.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
Education, teamwork, and collaboration have always been central to my life, guiding my involvement in both local and international communities. Balancing a demanding job with raising three children limited my ability to participate in traditional school or community activities, but I made the most of the time I had. I dedicated my efforts to being involved in my children’s sports teams, which allowed me to support their development and foster teamwork. My commitment extended to my church, where I served on the church council and participated in various committees. I currently serve on the Endowment Committee and the Partner in Education program with one of the local elementary schools. These roles have enabled me to contribute meaningfully to both the church’s mission and the local community.
Additionally, I support international educational initiatives by supporting projects in several African countries. This work aligns with my passion for global development and education, helping to create opportunities and improve educational outcomes.
These experiences, while diverse, have been deeply fulfilling and have equipped me with unique insights and skills that I am eager to bring to the school board. My goal is to leverage this background to foster a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that benefits all students.
