Lisa Schonhoff

Lisa Schonhoff

Nonpartisan

Nebraska State Board of Education District 3

Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2029

Years in position

0

Predecessor

Patti Gubbels

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of Wisconsin, Platteville, 2001

Medical

University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2010

Personal

Birthplace

La Crosse, Wis.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Education specialist

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal Facebook

Lisa Schonhoff is a member of the Nebraska State Board of Education, representing District 3. She assumed office on January 9, 2025. Her current term ends on January 4, 2029.

Schonhoff ran for election to the Nebraska State Board of Education to represent District 3. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Schonhoff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Lisa Schonhoff was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville in 2001, a master's degree from Kansas State University in 2005, and master's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2010. Her career experience includes working as an education specialist.

Elections

2024

See also: Nebraska State Board of Education election, 2024

General election

General election for Nebraska State Board of Education District 3

Lisa Schonhoff defeated Bill McAllister in the general election for Nebraska State Board of Education District 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lisa Schonhoff (Nonpartisan)	63.1	66,822
		Bill McAllister (Nonpartisan)	36.9	39,080

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 105,902
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Nebraska State Board of Education District 3

Lisa Schonhoff and Bill McAllister advanced from the primary for Nebraska State Board of Education District 3 on May 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lisa Schonhoff (Nonpartisan)	59.9	23,884
✔		Bill McAllister (Nonpartisan)	40.1	15,989

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 39,873
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Schonhoff in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Lisa Schonhoff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schonhoff's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Science. I taught English to Taiwanese students before moving to Kansas City inner city students. I went on to earn a specialist degree in Urban Leadership Administration and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I became a Mentor and Instructional Coach to other Kansas City teachers. I also taught college courses to teachers receiving their Master's degree. While in Nebraska, I developed the K-12 English Language Program for Bennington Public Schools. I have four of my own children currently attending public schools.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Local control and parental engagement are vital pillars of a strong education system. The State Board of Education must resist the impulse to micro-manage Nebraska's educational system. By allowing decisions to be made at the local level, communities can tailor education to meet the specific needs and values of their students. Local control promotes a collaborative effort amongst parents, teachers, community members and elected local school board members, to shape the curriculum, policies, and programs that directly impact their children's education. When parents are actively involved in their children's education, they become partners in the learning process, providing valuable insights, support, and encouragement.
• Nebraska's literacy rates are a critical concern that demands well-trained educators who can effectively address this challenge. In comparison to more competitive states, Nebraska's literacy rates highlight the urgency to prioritize and improve literacy education. By investing in comprehensive training for educators, we can equip them with the necessary tools, strategies, and knowledge to foster strong literacy skills among students. Collaborative efforts between schools, districts, and communities, such as implementing early literacy programs, providing resources for struggling readers, and fostering a culture of reading both inside and outside the classroom, can further contribute to improving literacy rates in Nebraska.
• Fiscal responsibility is of utmost importance to Nebraska's education system as it ensures the efficient and effective use of resources to benefit students. By maintaining a responsible approach to budgeting and spending, we will be better positioned to prioritize investments that directly impact student learning and achievement. Responsible fiscal management promotes transparency, accountability, and wise decision-making at the state and local levels. It prioritizes critical areas such as instructional materials, teacher professional development, technology infrastructure, and facilities. Any expenditures that do not directly enhance those goals should be carefully evaluated by the Nebraska Board of Education.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am especially passionate about ensuring that the state standards are written in a way that meet the needs of all students. I also want to make sure our state assessments are accurately assessing what students need to know to be successful in their future and provide teachers with timely feedback as to what students need.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and integrity are the most important principles for an elected official. I want my constituents to know exactly what I stand for so they know what to expect once I am elected. I will work hard to ensure that all decisions made are in the best interest of kids.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe that making sure the standards are written in a way that are easy to follow for teachers and meet the needs of all kids is a critical role in this position. My background teaching literacy and math in all grade levels will help me effectively oversee that standards are written in an appropriate continuum.

State assessments must be written in a way that thoroughly evaluates what students need to understand to be successful in the future. They also need to provide teachers with timely feedback that guides instruction.

Fiscal responsibility is achieved by having people on the board who understand what is needed for kids to be successful. Experience teaching reading and math to multiple levels will help to pinpoint what spending is necessary and what can be cut.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at a Chiropractor's Office in my hometown. I worked there from the age of 13 until I graduated from high school at the age of 18. I began with cleaning and clerical work and ended with insurance verification and patient registration. I also worked at preschools and child care centers all through college.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Senator Brad von Gillern, District 4

Senator Ben Hansen, Distirct 16
Senator Christy Armendariz, District 18
Senator Robert Dover, District 19
Senator Kathleen Kauth, District 31
Senator Dave Murman, Ed. Committee Chair, D38
Senator Lou Ann Linehan, District 39
Senator Steve Erdman, District 47
Kirk Penner, State Board of Education Member - D5
Sherry Jones, State Board of Education Member - D6
Nebraska Attorney General, Mike Hilgers
Nebraska State Auditor, Mike Foley
Honorable Hal Daub
Mayor Joey Spellerberg, Fremont
Aaron Hanson, Douglas County Sheriff
Charles W. Herbster
Don Rowe, Omaha City Council Member
​Nebraska Republican Party

County Republican Parties: Douglas, Platte, Stanton, Washington, Burt, and Dodge

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.

Campaign website

Schonhoff’s campaign website stated the following:

“	The Nebraska Way Nebraskans value hard work, self-reliance, and a strong sense of community. These values reflect a commitment to personal responsibility, resilience in the face of challenges, and a willingness to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need. Most Nebraskans I’ve met appreciate honesty, integrity, and stress the importance of family. These values foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment where collaboration, respect, and empathy are emphasized. Incorporating The Nebraska Way into our educational system cultivates a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among students, teachers, and the broader community. These values, promote a work ethic that instills perseverance, discipline, and a dedication to personal and academic growth. Emphasizing Nebraska values in education encourages students to become responsible and compassionate citizens. Local Control Local control and parental engagement are vital pillars of a strong education system. The State Board of Education must resist the impulse to micro-manage Nebraska's educational system. By allowing decisions to be made at the local level, communities can tailor education to meet the specific needs and values of their students. Local control promotes a collaborative effort amongst parents, teachers, community members and elected local school board members, to shape the curriculum, policies, and programs that directly impact their children's education. When parents are actively involved in their children's education, they become partners in the learning process, providing valuable insights, support, and encouragement. Together, local control and parental involvement create a cooperative educational ecosystem that empowers communities, nurtures student success, and cultivates a sense of pride and ownership in the education system. Literacy & Math Nebraska's literacy rates are a critical concern that demands well-trained educators who can effectively address this challenge. In comparison to more competitive states, Nebraska's literacy rates highlight the urgency to prioritize and improve literacy education. By investing in comprehensive training for educators, we can equip them with the necessary tools, strategies, and knowledge to foster strong literacy skills among students. Collaborative efforts between schools, districts, and communities, such as implementing early literacy programs, providing resources for struggling readers, and fostering a culture of reading both inside and outside the classroom, can further contribute to improving literacy rates in Nebraska. This issue needs to be priority number one at the Nebraska Department of Education. Classic Fundamentals Preserving America's cultural heritage is crucial to Nebraska's education system as it nurtures a sense of identity, pride, and continuity among students. By integrating and upholding the rich history, values, and traditions that have shaped our nation, we provide students with a deeper understanding of their roots and the principles upon which America was built. This knowledge fosters a sense of civic responsibility, respect for diversity, and an appreciation for the sacrifices made by previous generations. Preserving our cultural heritage also promotes a sense of belonging, reinforcing positive social connections and a shared sense of community. We will have failed our students if we do not prepare them to become responsible citizens who can contribute to society while upholding the principles that have defined America's success. It’s time to get back to the basics and focus on literacy, math, and Constitutional principles. When we appreciate America for what she truly is, we know that our Declaration is worth preserving, our Constitution worth defending, our fellow citizens worth loving, and our country worth fighting for. Fiscal Responsibility Fiscal responsibility is of utmost importance to Nebraska's education system as it ensures the efficient and effective use of resources to benefit students. By maintaining a responsible approach to budgeting and spending, we will be better positioned to prioritize investments that directly impact student learning and achievement. Responsible fiscal management promotes transparency, accountability, and wise decision-making at the state and local levels. It prioritizes critical areas such as instructional materials, teacher professional development, technology infrastructure, and facilities. Any expenditures that do not directly enhance those goals should be carefully evaluated by the Nebraska Board of Education. Ultimately, fiscal responsibility in education translates into maximized opportunities and resources for students, enabling them to reach their full potential and succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Teacher Retention The teacher shortage in the State of Nebraska poses a significant challenge to our education system and the future of our students. With a declining number of individuals pursuing careers in teaching and an increasing number of retiring teachers, the shortage threatens the ability of local districts to maintain the high quality of education provided to our children. To address this issue, we must prioritize policies that attract and retain talented educators. This includes strategies such as advocating for competitive compensation packages, offering incentives such as loan forgiveness programs for individuals pursuing teaching careers, expanding recruitment efforts, and promoting alternative certification pathways to bring professionals from diverse background into the teaching profession. Additionally, we should foster partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide mentoring programs and professional development opportunities for teachers. By implementing these strategies, we can strengthen our education system and secure a brighter future for Nebraska's students. Objective Learning The primary role of public education is to provide students with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to express their own informed opinions. While education should promote a well-rounded understanding of various subjects, personal narratives impose specific beliefs or ideologies (i.e. Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) and Critical Race Theory (CRT)) onto students without encouraging critical analysis or alternative perspectives. By ensuring that public schools prioritize unbiased education, we promote intellectual freedom, respect for diverse viewpoints, and the development of independent thinkers who are capable of engaging in constructive dialogue. Alternative Pathways A one-size-fits-all approach to education falls short in meeting the diverse needs, strengths, and aspirations of students. Each learner possesses unique talents, interests, and learning styles that require tailored and individualized educational opportunities. By expanding access to charter schools, vocational training, and other alternative educational pathways, we can cater to different learning styles and career aspirations more effectively. Charter schools offer innovative approaches to education, allowing for flexibility and specialization in curriculum and teaching methods. Vocational training equips students with practical skills and knowledge, preparing them for specific careers and addressing the demand for skilled workers. Alternative educational pathways provide students with options beyond the traditional academic route, ensuring they can pursue their passions and find fulfillment in diverse fields. By embracing these alternatives, we create a more inclusive and dynamic educational landscape that maximizes opportunities for all students, empowering each of them to thrive in their chosen path and contribute meaningfully to society.	”
—Lisa Schonhoff’s campaign website (2024)

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Lisa Schonhoff campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Nebraska State Board of Education District 3	Won general	$141,598	$168,315
Grand total			$141,598	$168,315
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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Nebraska State Board of Education District 3

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Patti Gubbels	Nebraska State Board of Education District 3 2025-Present	Succeeded by -