Grady Erickson: Nebraska State Board of Education

My name is Grady C. Erickson, and I am running for the Nebraska State Board of Education, District 6.

I am a Grand Island native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Vermont Law School. Public education has been a core principle in my family for generations. My grandmother served for many years as an elementary teacher and principal—first in Plainview, then in Meadow Grove, and finally in Grand Island. My parents were both special education teachers in the Grand Island Public Schools; with my father retiring after having been a high school math teacher. My wife is a former elementary teacher who now serves as a school counselor working with youth. I have seen firsthand the dedication, hard work, and integrity that go into being an educator, and I firmly believe every child deserves access to the highest quality education.

For the past 10 years, I have worked as an attorney, where it has been essential to carefully examine both sides of every issue before making a decision. If elected, I will use my legal training and courtroom experience to make fair, balanced, and independent decisions, and not simply follow marching orders. As a litigator, I find the greatest reward in serving as a Guardian ad Litem for juveniles who often find themselves at risk of harm. In that role, it is my responsibility to look beyond the emotions of the moment and focus on the long-term best interests of the children I represent. It gives me great purpose to be a strong voice for kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity to be heard.

Through this work, I collaborate closely with juveniles, probation officers, and Department of Health and Human Services caseworkers across Adams, Hall, Merrick, Howard, Greeley, Boone, and Buffalo Counties. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing families throughout our District.

On the days she is willing to claim me, I am happily married to my wife, Laura, and we have been blessed with 15 years of marriage. Together, we are raising our three children in Grand Island. As a believer in strong communities, I have served on several boards of directors in the Grand Island area, including the Grace Cancer Foundation and the Third City Community Clinic. I have also volunteered my time supporting Habitat for Humanity capital campaigns and other fundraisers, coaching high school Mock Trial teams, co-coordinating the annual Goldilocks Mock Trial for third-grade students in the Grand Island area, working with the Multi-Cultural Coalition, and contributing to several juvenile court improvement projects, as well as the Re-Entry Court for adult probationers.

I am committed to strengthening public education, supporting our educators, and ensuring that every student in District 6 has the opportunity to succeed.