NPS receiving less funding after state education reform

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Despite a historic overhaul of education funding, one of the largest school districts in Norfolk said they're receiving less money than before.

Historically Nebraska hasn't been one to back the public school budget when compared to the rest of the country. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Nebraska ranked 49th across the nation in state tax dollar support. The census also found the state government picked up just under 36% of the total K-12 education bill compared to the national average which was slightly above 50%.

This past legislative session aimed to change that with LB 583 creating a new way to fund public school districts. Under the new system districts now receive $1,500 per student. However, that doesn't mean every school district saw a surplus of state funding. The Norfolk Public School's board of education members said they're seeing less funding compared to last year.

"I just want to briefly address the state funding," Beth Shashikant said during a board of education meeting. "What is not really being spread is that for the larger districts, like Norfolk Public Schools, who are not able to levy enough to meet our educational budget and we rely on TEEOSA funding from the state, we are actually going to be receiving less funding this next school year than we did last year. We are not one of those districts that is presumably getting so much more in state funding that we're going to be able to lower our property tax ask."

TEEOSA funding, better known as the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Act, was the original education funding formula for districts before LB 583. NPS said that at this time they are $433,000 short in TEEOSA funding compared to what they received last year. 

"For schools who are equalized or get TEEOSA funding, that is directly offset by a decrease in our TEEOSA funding so we don't get anything extra for that," Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson said. "In order to still give schools something, the governor and the legislatures are increasing special education funding, but the amount of that funding is unknown."

Depending on how much special education gets funded, the board says that the $433,000 could be offset. However, until that time comes, districts have to work around their budgets without that funding. Thompson said navigating the budget this year was difficult under the new system but believes they will have an easier time next year.

"It was more difficult," Thompson said. "There were a lot more things for us to consider this year and a lot of uncertainty. I think that next year if there aren't any additional changes in the legislative session then we'll have a better idea of how to budget that for the following year."