OMAHA- Deborah Neary announced Tuesday that she will seek a second term on the Nebraska State Board of Education.

A news release described her as a strong advocate for public schools, for science-based and age-appropriate health standards, and for inclusive social studies standards. It also touted her advocacy for supporting teachers during and after the pandemic.

The Nebraska social studies standards, she said, made national news for being some of the most inclusive standards in the country.

Neary said addressing the teacher shortage is an urgent need, and it could be helped by offering alternatives to the basic skills test required to enter teacher-prep programs.

Neary, a Democrat, won the District 8 seat in 2018, handily defeating incumbent Pat McPherson. The district represents a large chunk of Douglas County.

Neary has been targeted by conservative critics who claim she overstepped bounds as a board member and improperly influenced the development of proposed health education standards for Nebraska schools.

“All I did was invite people to a discussion that was presenting the most current research that’s out,” she said. “Why wouldn’t our board want to hear that research?”

She said she’s always been an advocate for using expert and diverse opinions.

Republican John Sieler announced in December his intent to run in the district.

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