The 2019–2020 Proposed LPS Budget

Teachers and students in Lincoln Public Schools continue to excel in the classroom and school activities during the 2019-20 school year. In addition to developing a solid academic foundation in mathematics, literacy, and other basic academic skills, students will continue solving physics problems and working with calculus formulas, exploring science and world history, learning about other cultures and the global society, and developing an appreciation for the fine arts. Increased student achievement for all students through excellence in teaching and learning continues to be a clear expectation of the Lincoln community, and is the number one priority for Lincoln Public Schools.

State aid was certified on May 29, 2019, for the 2019-20 budget. Lincoln Public Schools must carefully plan for the coming years. State funding for PreK-12 education continues to be a priority topic. There is a direct correlation between state funding to public schools and reliance on local property taxes. The assessed valuation is projected to increase 6.50%.

Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) faces both challenges and opportunities in the coming year, and does so with a pledge to continue providing quality education for all students. Educators will keep a clear focus on teaching, learning, and student achievement. The Board of Education and administration will continue to focus on providing a quality education for a growing population of students with increasingly diverse needs.

Increased staffing to support student growth and growing student needs is an extremely high priority in the development of the district budget.

A growing school district must plan for additional staff and expanding facilities. The ability to house additional students is a priority. On February 11, 2014, voters approved a bond issue for a new elementary school, a new middle school, a career academy, additions and renovations at existing facilities, and security and technology improvements throughout the school district. Additional square footage has been added at Belmont, Campbell, Lefler, Meadow Lane, Norwood Park, Pershing, Randolph, West Lincoln, Humann, and Park through the bond issue.

During the 2018-19 school year, the district updated the 10-year facility and infrastructure plans. A community group, the Superintendent’s Facility Advisory Committee, is preparing to report recommendations related to the facility needs of the district.

LPS expects to continue to grow with an anticipated increase of 310 students in the 2019-20 school year. Textbooks and school supplies will continue to cost more. The cost of utilities, fuel for buses and other operational costs will continue to rise. There will likely continue to be an increase in the number of students who speak languages other than English, who have special needs, and who are living in poverty.

The LPS Proposed General Fund expenditure budget of $458,572,910 for the 2019-20 school year represents a 3.31% increase from the previous year’s budget. This budget allocates 82.9% to instruction. This is consistent with the school district’s emphasis on teaching, learning, and increasing student achievement for all students.