Two long-serving Bellevue school board members will not seek re-election to the board.
John Hansen, the board's current president and a member in his 28th year on the board, and Denise Seaman, who is in her 20th year on the board, did not file for election by Wednesday's deadline for incumbents.
Hansen, who was first elected to the board in 1984, said it's time for a younger leader to serve on the board.
Having already seen his three children graduate from Bellevue schools, Hansen said he hopes to see a board member elected with children in school. He said that helps a board member form a stronger connection with the school district.
"It's been a long time," Hansen said of his tenure. "It's been great. I've really enjoyed it."
One incumbent on the board, Lisa Rybar, is running for re-election. Three at-large seats are up for election.
Bellevue City Council
Having served for almost 20 years, Bellevue City Councilman Dave Sanborn has decided to step aside when his current term expires.
Sanborn first won election to the council in 1992. The council's recent redistricting put Sanborn's residence outside the ward he previously represented.
Sanborn said he could have run for election to the at-large seat on the council this year, but decided against it.
La Vista City Council
Incumbent Mark Ellerbeck, who represents Ward 3 in La Vista, is not running for re-election. But his wife, Debra Hale-Ellerbeck, will run to claim his seat.
Papillion-La Vista school board
Barry DeJong, who joined the board in 2007, will not run for re-election. Two other incumbents, Valerie Fisher and Bill Gess, filed to run for the three available seats.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1128, jeff.robb@owh.com
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