WASHINGTON- Matthew Blomstedt told a congressional panel that Nebraska's newest school year started with "much more reason for optimism" than in past years.

"I am hearing that schools believe student negative behaviors that were markedly up in '21-'22 seem, at least for now, to have waned," Blomstedt told the panel.

Blomstedt stated that he believes these behavioral changes have come because of Nebraska's larger focus on the social and emotional needs of students, especially after Covid-19. He also believes that federal pandemic aid was key in allowing these programs to flourish.

"Anecdotally, the numbers and access to licensed mental health providers in schools for communities has been a focus that has assisted both classroom teachers and students and families," Blomstedt said.

Throughout the panel, Blomstedt walked Congress through Nebraska's journey since March 2020, and focused specifically on the impact the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund had on the state

Blomstedt believed that these funds helped provide a safe return to classrooms, and although absenteeism is still a problem in Nebraska schools, test scores have been improving.

The education chief plans to use the rest of the funds before the deadline. "Regardless of accounting timelines," Blomstedt stated, "Nebraska endeavors to invest and target funds where they are most needed."

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