North Platte resident Harlan Anderson announced his candidacy for the North Platte Public school board on Thursday, promising to focus on student success and community partnership.

Anderson and his wife moved to North Platte 15 years ago from Independence, Mo. Raised on a farm in Minnesota, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1980 and worked on Minuteman II operations in west central Missouri. He received military training in electrical construction.

He later joined Union Pacific as a diesel locomotive electrician, retiring in 2024. He says those experiences give him a practical, solutions-based approach to leadership.

In his announcement, Anderson said that families play an important role in education. As a Christian, he urges parents to be engaged and involved in the upbringing and education of their children. He believes parents should be informed partners in education and schools should reflect the values and priorities of the community they serve.

He said that he emphasizes strong academics with opportunities that help students discover their strengths. He supports excellence in math, science, technology, robotics, fine arts, and career-focused programs, with reading and writing as foundations that help students become critical thinkers.

“I think our public schools should provide a safe and inspiring environment to energize our youth for their future and the future of our country not to tear down, but to build up,” he said.   

He said transparency, accountability, and open communication with families and taxpayers would be central to his approach if he is elected. Anderson encourages community members to reach out, ask questions, and be part of the conversation as he begins his campaign.

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