108S1 LB81 LPS Testimony

John Skretta
5905 O Street
Lincoln, NE 68505

District 28
Opponent
Representing:
Lincoln Public Schools

LB81 proposed by Senator Halloran would terminate TEEOSA effective July 2027. TEEOSA has been in existence with numerous significant modifications since 1990. It has enshrined in law the longstanding concept that Needs minus Resources = State Aid, and has established numerous components in statute that have helped to ensure equitable commitments of resources from the state based on key demographic factors such as poverty rate and LEP (limited English proficiency), among others.

Lincoln Public Schools, as a member of the Greater Nebraska Schools Association, asserts opposition in principle to any changes to TEEOSA that school districts have not had sufficient opportunity to model and analyze for their impact on LPS and Nebraska k-12 public schools. Unlike somewhat similar proposals, LB81 does not even include intent language for “maintaining support for the public school system in Nebraska.” We oppose LB81 as it simply and directly declares termination of TEEOSA without articulating a viable plan or concepts that would ensure sustainable and sufficient resources for Nebraska public schools and our students.

Recent LPS testimony

109B LB1207

Testimony on LB1207 to require school districts to provide mental health leave for school employees by Brad Jacobsen, Associate Superintendent of Civic Engagement

109B LB1034

Testimony on LB1034 to prohibit school staff from allowing federal immigration enforcement officers to access schools without a judicial warrant by Brad Jacobsen, Associate Superintendent of Civic Engagement

109B LB1257

Testimony on LB1257 to eliminate certain sales tax exemptions, impose sales and use taxes on certain services, change school district levy limitations, eliminate the School District Property Tax Relief Act, change provisions of the School District Property Tax Limitation Act, and provide additional foundation aid under the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act by Associate Superintendent of Business Affairs, Liz Standish

109B LB765

Testimony on LB765 to change provisions relating to elections for school district bonds and bonds issued by a joint entity that includes a Nebraska school district or educational service unit by Associate Superintendent of Business Affairs, Liz Standish

109B Agency 78

Testimony regarding the proposed cuts to Agency 78 or Community Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice by Associate Superintendent of Civic Engagement, Brad Jacobsen

109B LB1112

Testimony on LB1112 to adopt the Statewide Standardized Grading System Act by Associate Superintendent of Civic Engagement, Brad Jacobsen