Draft:Kirk Penner
| Submission declined on 2 June 2025 by Sophisticatedevening (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Comment: So I'm declining this because most of the sources you give are not independent (He is a member of the Nebraska Department of Education); the 3 News Now is almost entirely quotes of him; and the 1011 NOW is not primarily about him. The Nebraska TV one is good, but there needs to be multiple to prove notability. Sophisticatedevening🍷(talk) 23:00, 2 June 2025 (UTC)
Kirk Penner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Nebraska State Board of Education from the 5th District | |
| Assumed office December 23, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Patricia Timm |
| Personal details | |
| Born | York, Nebraska |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jennifer |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Nebraska Wesleyan University (BA) |
| Website | Campaign Website |
Kirk Penner is a business owner, former member of the Aurora School Board, and current member of the Nebraska State Board of Education representing District 5. He was appointed to the seat by Governor Pete Ricketts to succeed Patricia Timm who retired.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Kirk Penner was born in York, Nebraska. His family would later move to Aurora, Nebraska. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and obtained a bachelors degree in Business Administration.[2]
Business Career
[edit]Kirk Penner is the President of Penner Manufacturing. The company produces bathing systems for healthcare and residential customers.
He is also the President of Penner Patient Care that helps distribute bathing systems to long-term care facilities.[3]
Political Career
[edit]Kirk Penner sat on the Aurora School Board for 16 years from 2005 to 2021 before his appointment to the Nebraska State Board of Education.[4] He also ran against incumbent Adrian Smith in the 2018 U.S. House of Representatives primary election in Nebraska Congressional District 3. He was defeated by Adrian Smith.[5]
On December 23rd, 2021, Kirk Penner was appointed to the Nebraska State Board of Education in District 5, by Governor Pete Ricketts. He succeeded Patricia Timm upon her resignation who decided to retire.
Penner filed his candidacy in the 2022 midterm elections to seek a full term on the board.[6] He ran against Independent candidate Helen Raikes who is a retired UNL professor. Penner beat Raikes in the primary election 60.7% to 39.3%. However, both candidates got to advance since the election is nonpartisan and they were the only two who filed. Penner defeated Raikes in the general election 54.7% to 45.3%.[7]
Electoral History
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Adrian Smith (incumbent) | 50,878 | 65.7 | |
| Republican | Kirk Penner | 20,116 | 26.0 | |
| Republican | Aaron Kowalski | 4,461 | 5.8 | |
| Republican | Larry Bolinger | 1,935 | 2.5 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kirk Penner | 32,492 | 60.7 | |
| Independent | Helen Raikes | 21,007 | 39.3 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kirk Penner | 43,050 | 54.7 | |
| Independent | Helen Raikes | 35,631 | 45.3 | |
- ^ Jespersen, David. "KIRK PENNER APPOINTED TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION". Nebraska Department of Education. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Gov. Ricketts appoints Kirk Penner of Aurora to State Board of Education". Nebraska TV. NTV News. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner - District 5". Nebraska State Board of Education. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Smith wins primary in Nebraska's 3rd District". 1011 Now. Associated Press. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner files for Nebraska State Board of Education District 5 seat". 3 News Now. 31 January 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 7 April 2025.