Meet Deb
a little bit about me (she/her)
My husband, Joseph, and I have helped raise 8 foster youth and we help take care of a sister with an intellectual disability. Because of these experiences, I have led my life with great concern for foster youth, children with disabilities, and other underserved individuals like our LGBTQ+ youth, BIPOC youth, and all that may be left behind and not fully supported by our current education systems and our society. These are not political issues to me- these are personal values shared also by my husband, taught to me by my Catholic parents, and ingrained in me with 12 years of Catholic School education (St. James / Marian High School). My career and volunteer work have always been about simple concepts like showing respect and dignity for ALL, keeping young people safe from harm, and ensuring ALL youth and families thrive in the complex world they live. Research shows that when we help struggling students to reach their full capability, then all students will also benefit. I want all of Nebraska's students to excel and achieve their greatest potential!
Podcast “Education with an Edge”: An interview with Deborah Neary, State Board of Education
Research shows that when we help struggling students to reach their full capability, then all students will also benefit. I want all of Nebraska's students to excel and achieve their greatest potential!
I believe research, evidenced-based practices, and data, should help guide all policy decisions by every policy maker. And, because of my strong religious faith, I also truly believe that love will ultimately prevail over the misinformation and the fear that now permeates our society. In everything I do -- I hope to be a champion for the people that need love the most.
- Deborah Neary