John Cartier
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
John Cartier ran for election to the Lincoln Public Schools to represent District 1 in Nebraska. He lost in the general election on May 6, 2025.
Cartier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
John Cartier was born in Herber City, Utah. is a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Faith Lutheran High School. Cartier earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Concordia University and a J.D. concentrated in constitutional law from the University of Nebraska College of Law. His career experience includes practicing law in the state of Nebraska providing legal services and advice to clients for various civil, criminal, and government matters under Cartier Law, LLC.[1][2][3]
Elections
2025
See also: Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska, elections (2025)
General election
Nonpartisan primary election
Endorsements
Cartier received the following endorsements.
2015
- See also: Lincoln Public Schools elections (2015)
The election in Lincoln featured three of the seven seats on the board up for primary election on April 7, 2015, and the general election was held on May 5, 2015. Newcomers Connie Duncan and Rachel Terry competed for the District 2 seat, while John Cartier and Annie Mumgaard campaigned for the District 4 seat. Challenger Matt Schulte faced incumbent Katie McLeese Stephenson for her District 6 seat. Duncan, Mumgaard and Schulte won the three seats.
The top two vote recipients in each district in the primary election proceeded to the general election. District 2 candidate Norman Dority and District 4 candidate Jesse Wyrrick were eliminated from contention in the primary election.
Results
General election
Primary election
Funding
Cartier reported no contributions or expenditures to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission during the election.[4]
Endorsements
Cartier received an endorsement from the Lincoln Education Association.[5]
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
John Cartier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cartier's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a dedicated advocate for public education and a passionate believer in the power of strong, inclusive schools to transform lives. I have deep ties to our community and understand the importance of local leadership in ensuring that our schools thrive. I am running for the LPS Board of Education because I want to support our teachers, students, and schools in a time when public education is under attack.
I’m committed to protecting the quality education LPS is known for, while making sure our schools remain safe, welcoming, and equipped for success. My focus is on teacher retention, mental health support, and ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability. I will work hard to ensure that our schools are always a place where our students can grow, learn, and succeed without political interference.
My goal is to ensure that District 1 remains a strong advocate for public education, fighting for the resources and policies needed to keep LPS a national leader in education. - Equity in Education – Every student deserves access to a high-quality education and personalized support.
- Stronger Together – Fostering a diverse, supportive community where all feel valued and empowered.
- Limitless Potential – Committing to curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning to help each student achieve their dreams.
I'm passionate about public education, ensuring every student has access to a quality, inclusive education, and that teachers receive the support they need to thrive. I also care about mental health support for students and teacher retention, as both are crucial to long-term success. Additionally, I am focused on equitable funding for schools and pushing back against political interference in education, so our schools remain focused on student achievement, safety, and well-being.
I look up to my mom, who raised me as a single parent, more than anyone else. She raised me on her own, and no matter what, she always made sure education was a priority. Her determination to give me the best opportunities she could set me up for success and showed me the power of hard work. Her example of resilience and dedication is something I carry with me every day, and I’m grateful for the values she instilled in me that continue to guide my decisions today.
I would recommend the book One Person, No Vote by Dr. Carol Anderson. It provides a powerful exploration of voter suppression and its impact on democracy, shedding light on the barriers that disenfranchise marginalized communities. This book emphasizes the importance of equity, fairness, and ensuring all voices are heard, which align closely with my political philosophy of prioritizing inclusion and access to education and opportunity for everyone.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and transparency. An elected official must be dedicated to serving the public, listening to their constituents, and making decisions based on facts and the community's best interests. Collaboration and respect for differing opinions are key to making informed decisions. An official should also be committed to fairness, equity, and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to the LPS Board of Education are to make decisions that ensure a high-quality education for all students, provide oversight on school budgets, and ensure that resources are allocated equitably. Board members should advocate for teacher support, student safety, and inclusive educational opportunities. Additionally, they must foster collaboration between schools, families, and the community, hold the district accountable, and ensure that policies are made with the long-term success of students in mind.
I want to leave a positive legacy for my children, one that shows them the importance of hard work, resilience, and making a difference in the community. I hope to inspire them to always stand up for what they believe in and to create opportunities for others, just as my mother did for me. Above all, I want them to see that by staying true to our values and supporting one another, we can make the world a better place for future generations.
The first historical event I remember is 9/11. I was in the 4th grade, and I’ll never forget the images on the TV as I was getting ready for school. That moment shaped not only me but an entire generation. As millennials, we’ve faced so much uncertainty—recessions, pandemics, wars. But 9/11 taught me something invaluable: how quickly life can change. It made me realize the importance of resilience, of adapting to challenges, and always moving forward despite the chaos. That moment truly changed the way I see the world.
My first official job was working as a bagger at Albertsons. I had that job all through high school, and it was a hard-working experience that instilled in me the value of dedication, especially when doing a minimum-wage job. It taught me the importance of reliable work ethic and being accountable, no matter the task. That job gave me a strong foundation, and I still carry those lessons with me today.
The primary job of a school board member is to represent the community's interests in overseeing the school district’s policies, budget, and strategic direction. This includes ensuring that schools provide a safe, high-quality education, advocating for resources, and holding the district accountable for student success. A school board member also works to support teachers, promote inclusivity, and foster positive relationships with families and the wider community. Ultimately, the role is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
My constituents are the people of District 1, located in North East Lincoln—a community of hardworking, blue-collar, and working-class families. These are the best kinds of people—resilient, dedicated, and committed to making sure their families thrive. I believe in representing the values of this community by prioritizing quality education, support for teachers, and opportunities for students, all while ensuring that our voices are heard in decisions that affect our schools.
I would support the diverse needs of our district’s students, faculty, staff, and community by prioritizing equity in all decisions. This includes making sure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, whether it’s through special education services, mental health resources, or extracurricular opportunities. Additionally, I’d work to ensure that our teachers and staff are supported with competitive pay, professional development, and a safe work environment. Listening to the needs of the community and collaborating with families and local businesses will help create a strong, inclusive environment for all.
To build relationships with the broader community, I will focus on actively listening to families, teachers, local businesses, and organizations to understand their needs and concerns. I will collaborate with parent groups, local nonprofits, business leaders, and community organizations to ensure that our schools are meeting the needs of every student. By regularly engaging with these stakeholders, I will work to create stronger partnerships and advocate for policies that benefit students, educators, and the community as a whole. Transparency and consistent communication will be key.
Good teaching is characterized by clear communication, engagement, and adaptability—ensuring students are both challenged and supported in their learning journey. It involves creating an environment where students feel valued and are encouraged to think critically. Measuring success can be done through both student outcomes (academic progress, engagement) and feedback from students and peers. To support advanced teaching approaches, I would advocate for professional development opportunities, collaborative teaching models, and integrating technology and innovative methods to keep teaching dynamic and effective.
I believe there is a significant opportunity to expand technical training and apprenticeship programs for students, particularly in fields like STEM, trade skills, and healthcare. These programs can provide hands-on experience, making students job-ready and highly competitive in the workforce. Additionally, I would push for innovative programming like project-based learning, where students can work on real-world problems, and entrepreneurship education that encourages critical thinking and creativity. These initiatives would prepare students for both higher education and immediate career opportunities.
To ensure schools are properly funded, I would advocate for increased collaboration with local businesses and community partners to create alternative funding opportunities. Additionally, I would work to protect local control over school budgets, ensuring that the district has the ability to allocate resources where they are needed most. If state or federal funding is limited, I would push for grants, partnerships, and innovative funding models to maintain high-quality education while advocating for better funding policies at the state level. Lastly, I believe LPS board members can play a key role in lobbying at the Unicameral to propose alternative means of funding schools by increasing state aid and decreasing the over reliance on property taxes to fund schools.
My policies for school safety are driven by the principles of prevention, preparedness, and support. Ensuring a safe physical environment is critical, including secure campuses and protocols for emergencies. Additionally, I emphasize mental health support for students and staff, creating a culture of respect and inclusion where students feel safe to learn and grow. Finally, community involvement is essential, so parents, teachers, and local leaders work together to prevent incidents and provide ongoing safety solutions.
To support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff, I would focus on increasing access to mental health professionals, such as counselors and psychologists, and ensure safe spaces where everyone feels respected and encouraged to express what is on their mind. It’s critical that we provide resources to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and normalize mental health support. I would also prioritize professional development to equip staff with the skills to assist students and colleagues and create a culture of openness and support.
What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?
If I could change state policies, I would focus on reforming how schools are funded, moving away from relying too heavily on property taxes. Instead, I would advocate for drawing more funds from alternative sources, such as state-level funding or public-private partnerships. This would ensure more equitable distribution of resources, regardless of property wealth in certain areas, and help stabilize funding for schools across the state, allowing all students to have equal access to a quality education.
Lincoln Education Association
My ideal learning environment is one that is safe, inclusive, and engaging—where all students feel respected and supported. It’s a space where teachers can foster creativity and critical thinking, and where students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally. Collaboration between students, teachers, and families is key, and students should have opportunities for hands-on learning, emotional support, and personal growth. Ultimately, this environment should prepare students to thrive not just academically, but as well-rounded individuals ready for the future.
I believe the district did its best to respond to the challenges of the pandemic by shifting to remote learning and ensuring that students and staff remained safe. However, in hindsight, I would have prioritized more consistent communication with parents and families, as well as increased support for students' mental health during this stressful time. Going forward, I would ensure that we are better prepared for future disruptions, with clear protocols in place for both health and emotional well-being, while prioritizing student engagement in all learning environments.
To build a strong relationship with parents, I will actively listen to their concerns, encourage their involvement in school activities, and provide regular updates on district decisions. I will create opportunities for open dialogue through community forums, town halls, and parent-teacher meetings. I aim to ensure that parents feel heard, supported, and empowered to participate in their children's education, fostering a collaborative environment where families, teachers, and schools work together for student success. I will always be available for contact by my constituents and open to meeting in person or over the phone to answer questions and to listen to their concerns.
To recruit top faculty, staff, and administration, I believe in offering competitive salaries, strong professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. It’s important to foster a culture of respect and recognition for the hard work of educators. Additionally, I would prioritize diverse recruitment efforts to reflect the community’s needs and ensure that educators feel valued. Building partnerships with local universities and providing mentorship programs can also attract and retain quality staff dedicated to student success.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to building trust and ensuring effective governance. Taxpayer dollars must be spent responsibly, and the public should always have access to clear, understandable financial reports. Elected officials should be accountable for their decisions, ensuring that policies align with the best interests of the community. Transparency in budgeting, decision-making, and policy implementation helps build confidence in government actions and ensures that public resources are used efficiently to support the needs of students, teachers, and families.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2015
Cartier published his campaign themes on his ActBlue page:
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Because education has had such a huge impact on my life, I decided to put my name in the race to help ensure the generation following mine is allowed the same opportunities – even better ones – than what I received. I truly believe education is what opens doors for children and can be the difference that ensures a successful, fulfilling life.
I believe what I bring to the table is unique in that I’m still close enough to my roots as a student growing up in the school system to have a clearer grasp on what goes on inside the classroom as well as how students think today. My experiences as a student-leader is something that the Board of Education lacks. There needs to be a representation of the students themselves; with this, I believe it will lead to balance.
In short, my qualifications are this: I am passionate about public service, I am a proven leader that leads by example and character, and I am a student with a vested interest in ensuring my generation has the best educational opportunities at their disposal.
Once in office, I will make strives to accomplish an increase in expanded learning opportunities and community learning centers, programs that keep kids occupied after school by allowing them to follow their respective interests and passions. I would also see continued cooperation and improved communication between the school board and educators, as the real people making the difference in the lives of children are Lincoln’s phenomenal teachers and their opinions should be respected greatly. Finally, I’ll represent the idea that the students of Lincoln should be accepted for who they are, not what other people believe they should be. Lincoln’s schools must be a warm inclusive environment that does not discriminate based on gender, sexual-orientation, race, or religion. For everyday a child spends feeling alienated and bullied inside the classroom is a day lost in priceless education.[6]
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| —John Cartier's ActBlue page (2015)[7]
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See also
External links
- ↑ Lincoln Journal Star, "NU law student wants to serve on LPS board," January 21, 2015
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia from candidate on January 23, 2024
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 7, 2025
- ↑ Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, "Campaign Statements Search," accessed May 4, 2015
- ↑ Lincoln Journal Star, "Lincoln teachers union endorses PAC four school board candidates," March 23, 2015
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ ActBlue, "John Cartier," accessed May 4, 2015
Annie Mumgaard 
