Sherrye Hutcherson for State Board of Education

Worth supporting: Sherrye Hutcherson for State Board of Education

Why she matters: Sherrye grew up swinging her legs at school board meetings — the daughter and granddaughter of public school teachers and administrators. She's brought that same commitment to education through 30 years in corporate leadership at Union Pacific, Omaha Public Power District, and Bellevue University, where she's now Executive Vice President. She's registered nonpartisan and has been endorsed by the incumbent she would replace, Deb Neary.

Her focus:

• Improving student literacy through evidence-based approaches
• Reducing chronic absenteeism and making school a place students want to be
• Recruiting and retaining Nebraska teachers
• Respecting the state-local balance — supporting districts without meddling in what superintendents and school boards do
• Keeping District 8 families and students at the center of every decision
• Collaborative, nonpartisan governance focused on the greater good