<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OuouJ_1GBLVLwW00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OuouJ_1GBLVLwW00" width="300" height="210" >North Platte Public school board Ward 3 candidates Emily Garrick and Kyle Nichols, locked in a contentious race, discussed district finances, leadership, collaboration, and public communication Thursday at a candidate forum.The forum, sponsored by the North Platte Education Association teacher’s union, was held in the McDonald-Belton theater at North Platte Community College.Garrick, the school board president, seeks reelection. Nichols is challenging for the seat.Garrick is a former teacher and business owner. She emphasized her experience on the board, her commitment to transparency, and her willingness to make difficult decisions.Nichols entered the race because of concern that the district is becoming divided, administrators have departed, and he is also concerned about financial practices. He said he wants to improve trust, cooperation, and strengthen long-term planning.Collaboration, district leadershipWhen asked how to foster collaboration among school staff, students, families, and community stakeholders, both candidates emphasized working toward common goals despite disagreements.Garrick said disagreement can be productive when handled respectfully, citing a recent board meeting in which she and another member voted differently but maintained a positive personal relationship afterward.“Disagreement is not the same as disrespect,” Garrick said. “Disagreement is important, and it’s okay to disagree.”She said that collaboration requires board members to actively investigate concerns, listen to constituents, and work with district employees to resolve problems.Garrick said service on the board involves more than attending meetings and approving agenda items. She said it is important to research policies, address concerns about personnel practices, and participate in negotiations.Nichols said the board sets the tone for the district and members must show they can work together despite differences.“We don’t have to get along with everyone,” Nichols said, emphasizing the distinction between personal relationships and working toward shared goals.He said developing a district that attracts families also requires creating an environment where employees want to work. He said board members should show mutual respect while remaining focused on student success and the district’s long-term future.Enrollment figures &amp; district dataCandidates were asked how they would use district data, community input, and information from staff and families to identify priorities.Garrick said student achievement and parental involvement are important. The district should focus on information that demonstrates the approaches that produce the strongest educational outcomes.She suggested gathering feedback from families who choose to enroll their children outside the district.“Where are you going and why are you leaving? What would it take to get you back?” should be asked, Garrick said, noting that about 500 students opt out of the district each year. Apparently, Garrick was referring to the number of students who have optioned out of the district and could be attending NP each year if they hadn’t done so. Likewise, Nichols challenged her characterization. He said the figure of approximately 500 students represents an enrollment change over multiple years rather than an annual loss, and it is important to put that in context. “Data without context can make a difference as well,” he said. Nichols also emphasized the importance of communicating financial information, building conditions, and other district concerns before decisions are made, allowing the public and board members to better understand the circumstances.In her closing statement, Garrick cited declining enrollment, which is not necessarily because of option students. She said enrollment is not declining as much as it has in the past. She said the district went from losing about 160 students annually several years ago to about 30 last year and 60 this year.Financial pressure, spending prioritiesWhen asked how they approach financial challenges, both candidates emphasized protecting funds for students and classrooms, while acknowledging the need for responsible spending.Nichols said lower property taxes and strong schools can coexist through improved long-term financial planning.“I truly believe we can have them both, but it’s gonna take a lot of long-term planning,” he said.He said financial plans should extend 3-5 years rather than focus exclusively on the next fiscal year budget.Nichols would rely on the expertise of district financial personnel while also considering input from teachers, staff, and administrators. He noted that budget decisions affect students, and better planning could help the district avoid unexpected financial pressures.Garrick said the district has improved its cash position while reducing its property tax levy in recent years.She acknowledged ongoing financial challenges, but argued that the district must examine spending priorities before requesting more money from taxpayers.Garrick expressed concern about spending on central offices, administration and athletics, saying more resources should go to classrooms and teachers.“Throwing more money at the problem is not going to fix it,” Garrick said.She also challenged the idea of lowering taxes without identifying potential spending reductions.“I would ask them, what are you willing to cut to lower taxes?” Garrick said.Garrick said the district must consider declining enrollment and the number of administrative staff when evaluating expenditures.Social media, public communicationThe final question addressed how the district and board members should use social media to share information and maintain public trust.Garrick defended communicating directly with constituents through social media, saying that while board meetings are publicly available and recorded, many residents do not watch them. She said its important to meet residents where they receive information and provide opportunities for questions and discussion.She acknowledged that her social media presence may upset some individuals but said explaining decisions and listening to constituents are important parts of accountability.“I believe, though, that when you sit in this role, you have to be able to answer to the public,” Garrick said.She also said the district has improved its use of social media to communicate meaningful information, beyond announcements and photographs.Nichols praised recent district social media posts highlighting positive accomplishments, but criticized some of Garrick’s online statements.He argued that information presented without sufficient context can create confusion and conflict within the community.Nichols cited an example involving a friend’s 12-year-old child who, he said, questioned whether Nichols received $100,000 annually from the district because of statements attributed to Garrick on social media.Nichols said elected officials should consider how their statements may influence public perceptions of district employees and community members.He encouraged residents to share more positive information about the district and its accomplishments.Closing statementsNichols called for restoring trust, improving cooperation, and establishing responsible long-term financial planning.“We don’t need six people who agree on everything. We need six people who know how to work together,” he said.He credited the district’s teachers, staff, administrators, and students, saying he didn’t believe everything in the school system was broken.Garrick pointed to improvements that occurred during her time on the board, including better enrollment trends, teacher retention, student test scores, transparency, and the property tax levy.She said those improvements required the entire district’s work, rather than any one board member. She encouraged voters to consider candidates’ competency, integrity, and willingness to make difficult decisions.Voters will select one candidate from Ward 3 in the Nov. 3 general election.© 2026 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!</div></body>

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North Platte Public school board Ward 3 candidates Emily Garrick and Kyle Nichols, locked in a contentious race, discussed district finances, leadership, collaboration, and public communication Thursday at a candidate forum. The forum, sponsored by the North Platte Education Association teacher’s union, was held in the McDonald-Belton theater at North...

Garrick, Nichols square off at candidate forum

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North Platte Public school board Ward 3 candidates Emily Garrick and Kyle Nichols, locked in a contentious race, discussed district finances, leadership, c

Garrick, Nichols square off at candidate forum

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