Creating eager learners for tomorrow’s workforce.

my priorties
OVERSIGHT OF OPS ACTIONS & DECISIONS
WORKFORCE READINESS
HELP TEACHERS BE TEACHERS
GRADE-LEVEL READING
RELEVANT CURRICULUM & CLASSROOMS
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

About Jane

I remain the most qualified candidate to represent district 7 on the OPS Board.

I have lived in Omaha my whole life, which means I have a deep understanding the of the changing ethnic and economic dynamics of the City and how the public school systems have – and have not – responded to those changes. 

I am running for re-election – and there are no other candidates in this race — but you may still want to know a little about me and what I have been working on.

VIEW JANE'S NEWSLETTER FROM HER 2020 CAMPAIGN

I never thought I would be a political candidate, but in 2020 as a recently retired teacher (and former lawyer), several friends approached me to run for the Omaha Public Schools Board.

There were three other candidates running for the position, but with lots of knocking on over 12,000 doors, delivering over 400 yard signs and having a compelling message of experience and determination, I was elected and have been representing District 7 on the Omaha Pubic Schools Board since January, 2021.

Jane standing in front of a banner that says Omaha A+ Public Schools and a construction machine.

I, my siblings, and daughters all attended public schools in Omaha. I graduated from UNL, then law school at George Washington University. I returned to Omaha and practiced law at Kutak Rock for 22 years, where I became a partner, specializing in public bond financing. While practicing law, I earned a second degree in education and chose to retire from law to teach at Omaha North High Magnet School for 16 years, then at the Omaha Home for Boys for two more.

During that period, I served on several OPS committees, wrote district-wide curriculum for OPS high school social studies classes and served on assessment and scheduling committees. I was elected to represent teachers as an Omaha Education Association board member and served two terms on the Nebraska Education Finance Authority, with one term as Vice Chair.

My husband of 41 years is Mark Hoeger, an adjunct professor at UNO and self-employed film and video producer. Our two daughters, Christian and Eleanor, graduated from Central High School and UNL, and earned Master’s degrees and work for established non-profit organizations.

Jane standing in front of a banner that says Omaha A+ Public Schools and a construction machine.
I think my choice to make a career change (and significantly reduce my income) shows my commitment to public education is real.
I also think my life-long residency means I am well-equipped to represent the Omaha community, understand the many issues we face and the solutions that can work to create eager learners for tomorrow’s workforce.

And, finally, my training as a bond finance lawyer and partner at Kutak Rock makes me uniquely able to be a proactive member of the OPS Board, balancing a budget of more than $800,000,000, educating more than 50,000 students and supervising over 6,000 full-time employees.

Endorsements

I told Jane I struggled with my attention span and I was afraid I was going to fail her class. Her exact words: “I’m not going to let you fail.” She believed in me, she believed I could do what not even my family could – graduate from high school.
Aaryon Williams

Businessman, Former Professional Athlete

I was fortunate to have Jane as my social studies teacher. Her support, guidance, and hundreds of letters of recommendation were paramount in my graduation from Morehouse College. She understood the true objective of her profession was not merely to train students to think intensively and critically. Rather, she embodied Dr. King’s idea that ‘complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.’
Christopher McCroy

Educator and Pastor

Jane was a tough, outgoing, and thoroughly inspiring teacher. Every class period she gave her all to make us think about the world beyond that we could have an impact upon that world.
The Omaha School Board needs Jane, her experience, her caring attitude, her passion for education and her love of children.
Michaela Daugherty

Community Organizer

Jane is an amazing educator and has played a key role in my development. I am so proud to support her for the OPS Board.
She is definitely a voice I trust to give her all. I am eager to continue to see her continue to advocate for and serve students and I am confident in her ability to be an invaluable member of the OPS Board.
Jabin Moore

UNO Student President/Regent

Jane inspired me to become a teacher because she is one of the best educators in the field. She modeled for us how to build positive relationships and see challenges as opportunities to empower others. In her classroom, she created a secure environment for students to learn, grow, and feel safe. Because of her values, commitment, passion and service, I became a better student and human being.
Sidra Fahad

OPS ESL Teacher

When I heard one of my favorite former teachers was running for OPS board, I could not think of anyone better.
She sees the inherent value in every student who crosses her path and does her absolute best to make sure their potential. comes to fruition. She fights the good fight when it comes to education inequalities. The OPS Boards would be in no better hands than Jane’s and I’m thrilled to support her.
Anna McKeown Hoiberg

Loyola Law Student

My District

Are you in Jane’s District?

OPS District 7 includes the following schools:

  • Beals Elementary
  • Belle Ryan Elementary
  • Field Club Elementary
  • Jackson Elementary
  • Jefferson Elementary
  • Norris Middle School
  • Transition Program, UNMC
  • JP Lord SPED

Contact Jane