Norfolk School Board faces difficult budget decision, receives public backlash
NORFOLK, Neb. -- “People are hurting in this community,” said Peggy Hoffman, Norfolk resident.
Tensions ran high at the Norfolk Public School Board meeting on Monday night.
“We're in the dark here,” said a Norfolk citizen. “We don't even know where we're at in this whole process.”
The board is in the process of selecting a new budget for the current school year. While no official plan has been laid out as of yet, some of the options are receiving public backlash.
“You're not giving us a fair chance,” said a Norfolk citizen. “You're not giving the citizens of this state a fair chance to be heard.”
The board has presented four options for the upcoming budget. The final decision will be voted on come Sept. 23.
Many citizens cited a lack of transparency from the Norfolk Public School Board. Given the recent special session was focused on lowering property taxes, Gov. Jim Pillen said schools were to blame for the increase.
“It's the reason people stand in the city council meetings and say: ‘Why are you spending so much money when we have to tighten our belts?’” said Hoffman.
Given both sides of the argument, the board will have their hands full when it comes to making a decision.
“They are struggling,” said Kay Francavilla. “Their taxes have gone up, their insurance has gone up, their payments have all gone up, they are struggling to feed themselves.”
“I am actually OK with increasing the budget, because that's just, if you want a good education system, you need to be paying teachers competitive salaries,” said a Norfolk citizen.
For more information about the actual budget, visit norfolkpublicschools.org and click under the “District” tab, then the “News” tab. There, you can view the full details of the proposed budget.