Donate
MenuClose

Meribeth Jackson to receive first Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award at ERC's Raise the Bar event.

Education Rights Counsel (ERC) will honor Meribeth Jackson with the first-ever Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award at Raise the Bar, a free event for anyone age 21 or older at Brickway Brewery and Distillery on Wednesday, August 27, from 5–7 p.m.

Jackson’s 25-year career in special education spans teaching and administrative roles in Omaha and Bellevue Public Schools, San Antonio’s Northside and Spring Branch ISDs, and as Disability Services Director at UNO. She is known for placing students—and their families—at the center of every decision, helping them overcome challenges to graduate, transition to mainstream classrooms, and thrive in employment.

“Meribeth’s leadership is guided by one principle: do what’s best for each child first,” said Lauren Micek Vargas, ERC Executive Director. “Her work has changed lives.”

Raise the Bar is free to attend for guests 21+ and will feature networking, community connections, and the award presentation.

More about Raise the Bar:

Event Webpage

Related Entries

Website 400 x 600

A win for collective advocacy, but the work to protect students is not over

On Monday, Voices for Children in Nebraska, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU Nebraska joined community members, parents, educators, advocates, and others who spoke up about the use of electrified gloves in Nebraska schools. Our collective voice was heard. Those who raised concerns, shared their experiences, contacted decision-makers, and demanded better for Nebraska students helped make clear that these devices have no place in our schools.

Read More
Education Rights Counsel logo in white over a dark blue background

Voices for Children, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU of Nebraska issue joint statement on use of electrified gloves in schools.

Voices for Children in Nebraska, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU of Nebraska stand together in strong opposition to the use of electrified gloves on children in schools and to School Resource Officers carrying these devices in school buildings. There will be an opportunity to share thoughts during time for public comment at the Omaha Public Schools board meeting on Monday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Families in other Omaha-area school districts should also reach out to their school boards to ask about their districts’ policies on use of force and memoranda of understanding with the Omaha Police Department.

Read More
ERC 400x600

Aug 7, 2026  —  Media Coverage

Nebraska schools force kids into seclusion rooms. We don’t know how often it’s happening.

A Lincoln Journal Star investigation reveals that Nebraska schools are repeatedly isolating students with disabilities in seclusion rooms, often with little oversight and no statewide ban, prompting advocates to call for reform.

Read More