Welcome to 2026: An Off-Year With On-Going Responsibility

As we begin 2026, Douglas County Parents wants to be clear about one thing: an off-year election cycle does not mean an off-year for public education.

The successful 2025 School Board election may be behind us, but the work of governing, listening, and delivering on promises continues every day. This year is about what happens after the signs come down and the campaign rhetoric fades. It is about whether commitments made to families, educators, and students are honored in practice.

That is where Douglas County Parents will stay focused.

Holding Promises to Practice

During the last election, candidates shared clear commitments with voters. They spoke about transparency, fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, respect for educators, and meaningful community engagement. In 2026, we will be paying close attention to how those promises show up in board decisions, policy changes, and district priorities.

Accountability is not adversarial. It is a necessary part of public service. Voters deserve to know how decisions are made, why they are made, and who benefits from them. Our role is to help make that process visible and accessible to the broader community.

Staying Engaged Between Elections

Too often, civic engagement spikes during elections and disappears afterward. Douglas County Parents believes that the most important work happens in the quieter moments.

This year, we will continue to:

• Break down Board of Education decisions and agendas in plain language

• Highlight how policies impact students, educators, and families across the district

• Share opportunities for public input and meaningful engagement

• Encourage respectful dialogue, even when we disagree

Our goal is not to tell people what to think. It is to make sure our community has the information it needs to stay involved and informed.

Celebrating Progress Where It Happens

Accountability also means recognizing progress. When the district takes steps that move us closer to strong neighborhood schools, responsible governance, and student-centered outcomes, we will acknowledge that work.

We believe hope and vigilance can exist together. Celebrating forward movement does not weaken accountability. It strengthens trust and encourages better decision-making.

A Community Effort

Douglas County Parents is not just about parents. It is about neighbors, educators, students, retirees, and taxpayers who believe public education is a shared responsibility. Our strength comes from the diversity of voices who care about the future of our schools and our county.

As we move through 2026, we invite you to stay engaged with us. Read, ask questions, attend meetings when you can, and share information within your networks. Democracy and public education both work best when participation is ongoing, not episodic.

In 2026, we want to build on that momentum by engaging more people and strengthening our collective impact. As a small donor committee, we rely on many community members giving what they can. We are able to accept up to $50 per person per calendar year, and off-years are an important opportunity to grow a broad base of everyday supporters who make our work possible.  Please consider supporting Douglas County Parents in 2026.