Email Emily Garrick

Emily Garrick joined the Board of Education in January 2023. She graduated from McCook High School in 2007 and attended the University of Nebraska - Kearney, graduating with honors and a degree in K-12 Art Education.

Emily's career in education has included teaching K-12 Art at Hitchcock County Schools, Middle School Art in Cozad, working as an enrollment counselor and adjunct Graphic Design professor at Mid Plains Community College, and 7th and 8th Grade Art at Adams Middle School here in North Platte.

In 2019, Emily resigned from teaching to become self-employed, but her passion for education remains. She now works as a video producer full-time and owns several local businesses with her husband. She’s been married to her husband, Councilman Brad Garrick, since 2018 and is the stepmom to a young adult and mom to a three-year-old. Emily has been involved in several community organizations, including the Community Build Playground, Chamber Hostesses, and is a board member for Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center.

Email Jo Ann Lundgreen

Jo Ann Lundgreen joined the Board of Education in January 2015. She was born in Southern Utah and lived in New Mexico and Montana before moving to North Platte during her sophomore year of High School. Jo Ann graduated from North Platte High School in 1993 and then obtained a bachelor's degree in Communications from Southern Utah University (SUU) in 1997.

She is deeply committed to serving the NPPS community and the people of North Platte. Jo Ann is an active volunteer with the NPHS Band and Speech programs and serves on the North Platte Tennis Association board. From 2003 to 2019, she was actively involved in the Jefferson Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, where she held various roles, including three years as President. In 2013, she served on the NPPS District Shaping the Future Committee, which examined the NPPS Middle School Reconfiguration. Jo Ann also worked part-time for the Development Office at Mid-Plains Community College from April 2014 through May 2023 before resigning to focus on her family and pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree through SUU.

Jo Ann married Brent in 1994, and they have four children, three of whom have graduated from NPHS. They are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jo Ann and Brent have coached various youth sports teams in North Platte and have participated in the Scouting program over the years.

Email Cindy O'Connor

Cindy was an employee of North Platte Public Schools for 18 years in the payroll department as a payroll bookkeeper.  Cindy retired at the end of December 2022. 

She is originally a native of Youngstown, Ohio.  Cindy met her husband, Kevin, in Kearney, Nebraska, and has been happily married for 41 years.  Her husband teaches and coaches at North Platte Community college. They have one son Sean who lives and works in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Cindy is a member of St. Patrick's Church.  Cindy has enjoyed helping for many years with planting flowers in the spring in front of St. Pat's church.

Email Skip Altig

Skip has been a member of the Board since April 2015. He graduated from St. Patrick High School in North Platte in 1972. He received an Associate of Arts degree from North Platte Junior College in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and Theater from Kearney State College in 1976 and a Master of Arts degree from Kearney State College (Speech and Theater) in 1988. Skip taught speech, debate, and drama at North Platte High School for 36 years, retiring in 2013.

He has been married to his wife Susan, also a retired teacher since 1977. They have two sons, Van and Kurt, both graduates of North Platte High School. They have three grandchildren.

Skip is an active member of the Episcopal Church in North Platte. He was a very active member of the North Platte Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, National Education Association, and the Nebraska Speech Communication and Theater Association. He currently judges speech and drama productions throughout the state.

Email Angela Blaesi

Angela Blaesi joined the North Platte board of education in January of 2021. She was born and raised in North Platte. She graduated North Platte High School in 1996. She is the proud single mother of 3. She has been an involved and active parent throughout her children’s years in the North Platte Public School System.

Angela owns and operates a state-licensed in-home childcare. She currently has the only Step Up to Quality rated childcare in North Platte. She has just received her Child Development Associate Credential and is continuing her education through Mid Plains Community College.

Angela is a member of the Miss Nebraska Board of Directors and runs the Little Sister Program. She is a member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church. She has been a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School Teacher, and soccer coach throughout the years. She is involved with North Platte’s Communities for Kids, Rooted in Relationships, and hopes to help the children of North Platte continue to receive a quality education.

Email Justin Thompson

Justin Thompson joined the school board in January 2025. A lifelong resident of North Platte, he graduated from North Platte High School in 2003 and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration in 2022.

Justin has dedicated his career to public service as a Captain and Paramedic with the North Platte Fire Department, where he has served the community since 2007. His experience in emergency response has strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to the well-being of North Platte families. He believes that strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving community and is passionate about ensuring every student has access to quality education and opportunities for success.

He and his wife, Stephani, have four children, all of whom attend North Platte Public Schools. Beyond his contributions to education and youth programs, Justin also serves as a director for the Nebraska State Fire Service Instructor Board. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family and volunteering to support local youth sports.