Mara Krivohlavek was accepted onto the Lincoln Public Schools board committee recently according to Lincoln Public Schools. She is the newest board member replacing Lanny Boswell who has passed away. She is ready to make an impactful and positive change for LPS, using her background as a nurse and mother.
Krivohlavek explains her roles and responsibilities, and says that she helps set policies and works on the budget. She said, “Our goal is to serve our constituents, and so we do a lot of listening,” and explains that a big majority of the job is listening to what the people want, and how to make the best changes. She also shares that having three young kids will give her insight that not all the board members have. “It brings a unique perspective” said Krivohlavek and explains that with her sons still being in school she is able to connect with the community more and build better relationships.
Krivohlavek has a background as a registered nurse and lots of skill sets from that job will translate over to her position on the board. She says, “I think you have to hear people on an individual basis and you have to think about the community as a whole, and I’m very passionate about serving and creating community. So I do think there is a tremendous amount of overlap.” She is ready to create and build up the community, and said her goal is to make a positive and impactful change for all.
Krivohlavek also shares that she is most passionate about mental health and thinks school counselors have a huge effect on students. She says that counselors are the ones that see students in real time and what they are going through, and they are the best resource to help those in need. She explains that students’ mental health affects behavior and academics and it’s important to keep it a top priority.
Don Mayhew, a member on the board and a close friend to Lanny Boswell, also had some great insight into Krivohlavek being added. He explains that he is retiring after being on the board for twenty four years, signifying that there will be lots of new people. He expresses that this means they are losing lots of experience but says, “However, all of the new members are very committed to “children first” so I think it’s largely going to be business as usual.” and explained that he thinks this will come with a positive change.
Mayhew thinks that Krivohlavek will be a great addition to the board, and it will continue to help the community and students within LPS. He talks about how he is most passionate about being able to help children in poverty get a proper education, and he is creating an equity plan titled All Means All. He said, “To me this means that we believe every child can learn, and that we will educate every child who walks through our doors despite the challenges they may struggle with.”