ONE VISION, ONE COMMUNITY, FOR EVERYONE
What is Chaperone?
Chaperone is a nonprofit, political action committee consisting of engaged parents, business leaders, and community members that have a vested interest in the success of Grand Island’s public schools and the students they educate.
Endorsed Candidates
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Donna Douglass
Ward A
A GI resident since 1997, Donna is a full-time Transitional and Independent Living Coach for Central Plains Center for Services. She and her husband, Terry, have four children. Donna is passionate about academics and has been an active participant in the education of her four children. She believes that having a strong school system is a vital part of a thriving community, and that children deserve to have great educational opportunities.
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Dave Hulinsky
Ward B
Dave is the Owner and Sales/Marketing Manager at COMPLETE weddings + events, the state’s largest wedding entertainment and media company. He is well involved with the Grand Island community, acting as a volunteer at Grand Island Northwest and GIPS and a One Acts coach for Grand Central Catholic, in addition to his four-year service as a current GIPS Board of Education member. Dave is passionate about education because he wants to help prepare the future of our community, and ultimately, the world.
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Tracy Goodman
Ward B
Tracy is a lifelong GI resident with deep ties to the city through her family’s business, Skagway. She is a preschool teacher at Peace Lutheran Church. Tracy is a passionate advocate for all children and would love the opportunity to serve our community as a member of the GIPS Board of Education. She believes that now, more than ever, it is imperative to have community volunteers to serve as trusted guardians of our public schools who know the importance of maintaining our valued teachers.
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John McHargue
Ward C
John is a lifelong GI Metropolitan area resident. He has served in multiple youth and school support roles, including 10 years as a public speaking coach and NSAA-certified judge. John’s business background helps him to recognize that in order to recruit a well-qualified workforce, including GIPS faculty, to the community, we must provide a quality school system where students feel safe and receive a superior education that equips them for success now and after graduation.
Endorsed Board Members
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Amanda Wilson
Ward A
Having been a Grand Islander for ten years and with five children enrolled in GIPS, Amanda is extremely passionate about our local school system. She chose to run for the GIPS Board of Education because she believes the teachers are not being given the care they deserve, the students are not receiving the education they need, and the community is not offered the transparency that GIPS claims to provide. As a member of the Board of Education, Amanda is An Ally to the Community, Teachers, and Students.
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Josh Sikes
Ward A
Josh Sikes is a student minister at Third City Christian Church. He is passionate about our community's youth and is motivated to ensure that they are set up for a successful future -- and that starts with the teachers. Students won't receive a solid education unless GIPS is able to recruit and retain the best teachers in the state. Josh was motivated to run for the Board of Education to ensure that GIPS is making the necessary changes to better prioritize Recruiting and Retention.
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Hank McFarland
Ward B
Born and raised in Grand Island, Hank has been surrounded by education his entire life. His mother, father, aunt, and uncle all spent many years of their lives teaching and/or coaching youth. A graduate of GISH, Hank was disappointed to see the state of GIPS in 2022, and as a result he chose to run for the Board of Education. As a board member, he demands to see more attention brought to The Three T's: Transparency, Teachers, and Test Scores.
Why We Exist
Chaperone was organized to focus on bringing endorsable candidates to run for the Board of Education and beyond. We exist to ensure that:
The Superintendent reports to the Board of Education
The Board of Education members report to their constituents
Teachers are valued, heard, and supported
Students are equipped with essential skills before they graduate
How to Vote
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There are three GIPS wards: A, B, and C. The candidates you see on your ballot will depend on the ward in which you reside. Click here to view a GIPS ward map.
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Hall County establishes a polling station in each of its 24 precincts. Click here to view a list of the polling stations for the November 5, 2024 election. To view a map of the Hall County precincts, click here.
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On election day, visit your polling station anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to cast your vote. You must be a registered voter to participate in the election. For more information on how to register to vote, click here.
Election Day is November 5.
We encourage everyone to go vote for better educational outcomes!
Each endorsed candidate will be on the ballot on Election Day. If this is your first time voting in an election or you need a refresher on voting procedure, please take the time to read over these three important steps so that you’re ready to cast your vote in Hall County on November 5.
Press
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Three newcomers running for Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education
March 6, 2024
“Douglass, Goodman and McHargue have been endorsed by Chaperone of GI, a Nebraska political action committee. Hulinsky, who has served on the board since 2020, also has the endorsement of Chaperone.”
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2024 Candidates Press Release
February 15, 2024
“CHAPERONE PAC ENDORSES FOUR CANDIDATES FOR GI BOARD OF EDUCATION”
“GRAND ISLAND, NEB – Chaperone of GI, Inc., a Nebraska political action committee (PAC), has endorsed four candidates for the 2024 Grand Island Board of Education election.”
Contact Us
Got a question for Chaperone? Want to help out as a volunteer, donor, or candidate?
Fill out the contact form below and we will be in touch. Chaperone is a community organization. We are comprised of community members who care for our Grand Island youth. We wouldn’t be able to enact lasting change without your help, feedback, and encouragement.