Steve Gaasch, Central Nebraska Today
KEARNEY — Incumbent Steve Gaasch is running to maintain his seat on the Kearney Public School Board of Education during this election season.
Steve Gaasch is the current president of the Kearney School board.
Gaasch said he has been a resident of Kearney for the last 35 years and noted he is the father of three girls who attend Kearney Public Schools, (KPS).
When asked about his time on the board since being elected in 2020, Gaasch said they have been more challenging than he initially anticipated, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and discussions over comprehensive sex education, critical race theory, transgender sports participation and challenges over certain library books.
Gaasch also noted the board had to name a new superintendent during his tenure, as well as a number of changes in KPS administration and selecting new board member Amy Barth to replace Dave Brandt, who stepped down to teach at Kearney High School.
When asked why he is seeking to continue serving on the board, Gaasch said he enjoys helping to guide the direction of KPS.
“I feel like there are still some things I would like to be involved with and seeing accomplished,” Gaasch said.
Gaasch said he wants the district to have a good system in place that can bring in quality staff, retain them and give them an opportunity to thrive.
Another major area Gaasch cited wad the district’s budget, citing the fact that they are more reliant on property taxes, rather than funds from the state. Schools in the area receive more state aid, such as Grand Island and Lexington.
Gaasch said Kearney is considered more of a rural area than the urban centers of Lincoln and Omaha and this effects the formula of how state aid is distributed.
He added the rural areas have more in the way of property value, given the strong agricultural presence and this plays a factor in school aid. Because there is more value in farmland, the state doesn’t provide as much aid.
Gaasch noted that school funding is not static and could change, with a recent special session of the Nebraska Legislature held to discuss property taxes.
When asked how those issues facing schools should be addressed, Gaasch said being fiscally responsible goes a long way. He said they are seventh lowest in cost per pupil in the state.
“We are careful with what we spend and how we spend it,” he said.
KPS recently announced a $10.3 million, 28,704-square-foot flex space addition that will be constructed on the south end of Kearney High School and a $2.23 million a new and more secure south entrance at Central Elementary.
Citing his experience with facilities, Gaasch said its best not to wait in regard to facilities.
“I try to base my decisions not just on today or tomorrow but also five years, ten years down the road,” Gaasch said in a past interview.
When asked what would influence his decisions as a board member, Gaasch said the students would always be the focus. He said that the school works to provide the best possible opportunities be it in academics, athletics, etc.
Editor’s Note: Steve Gaasch appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.