Nebraska State Board of Education Member Lisa Schonhoff Endorses Scott Petersen

OMAHA, Neb. — Scott Petersen, Republican nominee for Nebraska Secretary of State, today announced the endorsement of Lisa Schonhoff, member of the Nebraska State Board of Education representing District 3.

Schonhoff, a longtime educator with more than two decades of experience in the classroom, curriculum development, instructional coaching and teacher training, said Petersen’s commitment to civic education is one of the reasons she is enthusiastic about his candidacy.

“I am thrilled to endorse Scott Petersen for Nebraska Secretary of State,” Schonhoff said. “As an educator, I have spent my career helping students understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters. That is one of the reasons Scott’s commitment to civic education means so much to me.”

“We cannot expect the next generation to value self-government if we do not teach them how it works.”

Schonhoff said the Secretary of State and State Board of Education have different constitutional and statutory responsibilities, but there is meaningful opportunity for state leaders to work together to strengthen students’ understanding of government, elections and citizenship.

“The Secretary of State’s office has an incredible opportunity to help young Nebraskans better understand elections, voting, our Constitution and the responsibilities that come with citizenship,” Schonhoff said. “The State Board of Education and Secretary of State do very different jobs, but there is real potential for those offices to work together in supporting strong, accurate and engaging civic education for Nebraska students.”

Schonhoff said Petersen understands that public confidence begins long before a voter enters a polling place.

“Scott understands that restoring confidence in government does not begin only at the ballot box,” Schonhoff said. “It begins much earlier, when students learn how their government works, why their voice matters and what it means to be an informed and engaged citizen.”

“That excites me.”

Schonhoff, who has consistently emphasized literacy, strong academic foundations, local control and collaboration in her work on the State Board of Education, said civic literacy should be approached with the same seriousness.

“Civic education should not be about telling students what to think,” Schonhoff said. “It should give them the knowledge and tools they need to think for themselves, understand our system of government and participate confidently in their communities.”

“As a teacher, that is exactly the kind of partnership I want to see from our state leaders.”

Schonhoff said she sees opportunities for the Secretary of State’s office to make election administration and state government more understandable and accessible to students and educators.

“Imagine the Secretary of State’s office working alongside educators to help young people better understand voter registration, election administration, the Constitution, public records and the responsibilities of citizenship,” Schonhoff said. “Nebraska should be raising a generation of young people who know how their government works and believe they have a meaningful role in it.”

“Scott Petersen understands that civic literacy strengthens our students, our communities and our elections. I am excited to stand with Scott and proud to endorse him as Nebraska’s next Secretary of State.”

Petersen thanked Schonhoff for her endorsement and praised the energy and experience she brings to public education.

“Lisa brings tremendous energy to everything she does, but underneath that enthusiasm is a serious educator who has spent decades thinking about how young people learn,” Petersen said. “She understands that knowledge gives students confidence, and civic knowledge is no different.”

“I am grateful for Lisa’s support because she shares my belief that civic education deserves a much larger place in the conversation about the Secretary of State’s office. We should be helping the next generation understand their Constitution, their elections and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.”

Petersen said he would welcome opportunities for the Secretary of State’s office to work constructively with educators, the Nebraska Department of Education and the State Board of Education to expand access to accurate, nonpartisan civic resources.

“We have an opportunity to make civic education something Nebraska is known for,” Petersen said. “If young people leave school understanding how their government works, how elections are administered and why their participation matters, we have strengthened Nebraska for generations.”

Petersen has made civic education and constitutional literacy one of the priorities of his campaign for Secretary of State, alongside restoring confidence in Nebraska elections, modernizing business services and ensuring the office serves Nebraskans with transparency, accountability and professionalism.

About Lisa Schonhoff

Lisa Schonhoff represents District 3 on the Nebraska State Board of Education. She is a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience and a professional background that includes elementary education, English learner instruction, curriculum and instruction, literacy and math coaching, teacher mentoring and professional development.

Schonhoff has emphasized academic fundamentals, literacy, local control and collaboration among parents, educators and communities during her service on the board.

About Scott Petersen

Scott Petersen is the Republican nominee for Nebraska Secretary of State. A Nebraska business owner, conservative leader and longtime Republican activist, Petersen is running to restore confidence in Nebraska elections, modernize business services, promote civic education and ensure the Secretary of State’s office serves every Nebraskan with transparency, accountability and professionalism.

Learn more at PetersenForNebraska.com.

Media ContactScott Petersen for NebraskaPetersenForNebraska.com