John McHargue and his wife, Mary, are the parents of three children and six grandchildren. He is a lifelong resident of the Grand Island Metropolitan area and has lived in Grand Island for 15 years.

McHargue has served in multiple youth and school support roles, including 10 years as a public speaking coach and NSAA-certified judge, advisory council Chair, parent-teacher association Chair, vocational advisory council Chair, 4-H leader, and Skills Academy judge. His wife was employed by GIPS as a school psychologist.

McHargue says, “I have a passion for educating, developing, and promoting our youth. I recognize the diversity within the GIPS student population and contend there is a need for both career and trade-based training as well as higher education and AP options.”

McHargue graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Agriculture Economics and Animal Science within the Agriculture Honors program, and also earned an MBA in Finance later in his career. He is a graduate of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Leadership Nebraska Class X.

McHargue says, “While progress is evident, Grand Island Public Schools must strive for academic excellence and higher test scores.

As a businessperson, I recognize that to recruit a well-qualified workforce, including GIPS faculty, to Grand Island, 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. To guarantee that success, we need a school system that prepares students how to think independently instead of telling them what to think.

I contend that my experiences as a parent, youth leader, businessperson, property owner, community leader, volunteer, and lifelong learner have prepared me for this position in public service. I believe Grand Island faculty, parents, students, taxpayers, and citizens deserve and support strong new leadership for our public schools.”