Meet Kathy Danek

What high school(s) did you attend/graduate from?
Lincoln Northeast

What college did you attend?
Southeast Community College

What is your profession?
Homemaker and community volunteer. I am currently serving third term as National President of the Auxiliary to the American Postal Workers Union, and I am actively engaged in community activities, including working on Children Incorporated. I teach classes on grassroots political activity, responsibilities of citizenship and membership, human relations projects, and benefits of active engagement and activity. Locally, my Auxiliary works with the local union with the Operation Warming a Child’s Heart Coat project – providing NEW coats to any child who needs them.

How would you describe yourself?
I live my life as a person who shares the gifts of life and loves every minute. My greatest priority has always been my family. I love being a grandma, mom and wife. I love my friends and making new friends. I love learning new things. I also like getting things done. When you set a priority, you should move heaven and earth to accomplish or make progress on the goals.

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
The state championship basketball game of 1970 at Omaha Civic Auditorium against Omaha Tech. I saw a volatile race relationship in a very tenuous time. It taught me that we need to address problems – not just be a spectator – and to try and create an environment to make things better.

What was your favorite class/subject in school and why?
I loved Journalism and served on the yearbook staff for two years. It taught me to be concise in my writing, how to use words to tell a story, and more importantly how a picture is worth a thousand words.

What are the biggest challenges facing our schools today?
Changing needs and demographics, adequate funding to address the changing needs of students, and keeping up with the technology. Helping our legislators understand the needs of educating our children. Because of term limits, we need to continually educate the new senators on the demands of public education. We are the stewards of public education and need to protect it for all future generations. Any attempt to divert our responsibility to provide a free public education should be fought. Keeping community support for our growing school district.  We also need to do what is right – not what is always popular.

What do you hope for the children in our community?
That every child will be college, career or life ready when they leave our schools. Children have dreams. We need to prepare them to find their dreams, and also to be equipped for the changes that happens as our community, state and nation change.

What legacy do you hope to leave at LPS when your service on the board is finished?
Every child, every day with a love of learning and a hope for the future.