Capitol Updates

Friday, November 1, 2024

DOWNLOAD THE NSEA CAPITOL UPDATE APP to receive alerts during the legislative session and stay up to date on events and education news from the Legislature. Click here for Apple or Android – or search for “NSEA Capitol Update.” 

Spread the News! NSEA members may click here to sign up and receive our Capitol Update newsletter to provide you with the latest information on education legislation and funding. You may also forward this to the personal email address of your NSEA colleagues and encourage them to sign up. 

In this issue:

• Public Hearings Begin on Interim Studies affecting education
• REPEAL LB1402: Keep Public Dollars for Public Schools
• ​November 5 General Election & Recommended Candidates

Interim Studies: Exploring OPS Student Achievement

Today at 1 p.m., NSEA members testified before the Legislature’s Education Committee during public hearings on LR439 and LR440. Introduced by Senator McKinney, these two interim studies seek information regarding student achievement and equity in Omaha Public Schools (OPS). Below is an overview of each study’s purpose and the key points discussed, offering insight into how these hearings may shape educational policy in our state. 

LR439: Interim study to explore whether the size of school districts has contributed to historical student underachievement within the Class V school district 

LR439 seeks to investigate whether the size of OPS has contributed to historical underachievement within the district. This study aims to understand if the district’s large scale impacts student performance by examining various factors such as academic trends, teacher turnover, and resource distribution. The study also assesses how OPS compares to regional and national benchmarks, especially concerning poverty, student-to-teacher ratios, and community engagement. Ultimately, LR439 seeks to determine if breaking OPS into smaller districts could benefit students or if a unified district is better positioned to serve Omaha’s diverse student population. (In 2006, a similar effort was introduced by Sen. Ernie Chambers and resulted in the formation of the Douglas/Sarpy County Learning Community). 

During the hearing, several key considerations were discussed in relation to LR439. Many testified that size alone does not necessarily determine educational outcomes; instead, factors like targeted resources and teacher support play a much larger role. Concerns were raised that splitting the district might increase administrative costs and reduce the efficiency of delivering quality education. Economies of scale within OPS allow for equitable resource distribution across its schools, a benefit that smaller districts might struggle to match. Additionally, witnesses highlighted the importance of community cohesion, warning that dividing the district could deepen inequalities between wealthier and lower-income areas. 

The NSEA appreciates Senator McKinney’s commitment to exploring all avenues to enhance student academic achievement and improve outcomes for students in this large urban school district. However, we have concerns about any proposal to divide the district, as it may not achieve the desired improvements intended. Instead, efforts should focus on strengthening resource allocation, enhancing teacher support, and implementing targeted interventions to uplift all students. A unified OPS can better serve its diverse student population by maintaining a consistent and cohesive educational approach. 

LR440: Interim study to examine how to close the educational achievement gap in the Class V school district 

LR440’s focus is on finding effective ways to close the educational achievement gap within OPS. This study addresses disparities in access to quality education by examining the district’s demographic composition, resource allocation, and teacher support systems. Emphasizing community partnerships, equitable funding, and culturally responsive teaching, LR440 seeks to identify biases and gaps within OPS policies and programs. By engaging with families and communities, the study aims to propose concrete steps to promote educational equity and improve student outcomes. 

Key points from the LR440 hearing emphasized the need for equitable resource allocation to support students in North and South Omaha, who often face greater educational barriers. Testifiers advocated for more paraprofessionals, reading interventionists, and classroom support staff, particularly in high-need schools. Expanding early childhood education and creating more family engagement opportunities were identified as essential steps toward closing the achievement gap. Additionally, the concept of a community school model was discussed, which could transform schools into neighborhood hubs that provide integrated academic and social services to support student success. 

Importance of Interim Studies and Need to Advocate for Positive Change 

An interim study, like those represented by LR439 and LR440, allows legislative committees to delve into specific issues between regular sessions, gathering insights and input from community stakeholders. These studies are instrumental in identifying solutions and formulating potential legislative measures for the future. For educators, interim studies offer a vital opportunity to contribute their firsthand perspectives on policy issues that directly impact Nebraska’s schools and classrooms. 

Having a teacher’s voice at interim studies ensures that legislation is informed by classroom realities and aligned with the needs of students. By participating in these hearings, NSEA members can advocate for positive changes in our schools, fostering policies that support student achievement and educator success. Educator involvement helps to shape meaningful policies that prioritize Nebraska students’ best interests, making your voice in these discussions invaluable. 

Below are additional interim studies that will be heard next week, each addressing crucial topics for Nebraska’s education system: 

Interim Study Topics for November 7, 2024 

LR425 (Murman) Interim study to examine the challenges faced by families with special needs students in enrolling such students as option students in other school districts under the enrollment option program 

LR320 (Conrad) Interim study to examine changes to the enrollment option program to ensure students with disabilities have an increased ability to access enrollment opportunities 

Interim Study Topics for November 8, 2024 

LR419 (Hughes) Interim study to examine school meal programs in Nebraska 

LR385 (Linehan) Interim study to examine state standardized testing required in elementary and secondary public schools and the (AQuESTT) system used to classify schools under the Quality Education Accountability Act 

LR303 (Murman) Interim study to examine the viability of adopting the Classical Learning Test as an option for meeting admissions requirements at the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska state colleges 

LR378 (Murman) Interim study to examine the viability of selling land managed by the Board of Educational Lands and Funds 

LR496 (Educ Cmmt) Interim study to examine issues relating to the State Department of Education 

How to Get Involved – If you have specialized firsthand knowledge of any of the topics being covered, there are two primary ways to contribute: 

1. Submit Written Comments Online: Written comments can be provided on each interim study’s bill page. These comments should be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing to ensure delivery to committee members. This is a convenient way to share your insights if attending in person is not possible. 

2. Testify In-Person: Personal testimony has the power to make a significant impact. If you are interested in testifying, we encourage you to contact our Government Relations team for guidance and support. To get started, email or call NSEA GR Associate Eamonn Leahy at eamonn.leahy@nsea.org or (402) 475-7611. *Please note that for two interim hearings – LR385 and LR496 – only invited testifiers, primarily representatives from the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), will be permitted to speak. However, all other hearings are open to public testimony. 

Stay Informed and Engaged – We will continue to provide updates as more details about these interim studies become available. Your advocacy is crucial in shaping the policies that impact Nebraska’s students and educators. Together, we can make sure that the realities of the classroom are reflected in the decisions made at the State Capitol. By participating in these hearings or submitting online comments, NSEA members can play an active role in shaping the future of education in Nebraska. Let’s make our voices heard! 

Keep Public Dollars for Public Schools:

Repealing LB1402 is essential to protect public education and ensure fairness in how taxpayer dollars are used. The $10 million directed to private school tuition could be reinvested in public schools, which educate 90% of Nebraska’s children. Unlike public schools, private institutions lack the same accountability and transparency to taxpayers and can selectively admit students, creating an inequitable system where public money benefit only a few. In fact, over half of Nebraska’s 93 counties don’t have a private school, making it impractical to fund two separate systems. Public funds should be dedicated to strengthening public education, which is open to every child and foundational to our state’s future. 

Public school supporters should also vote to repeal Initiative 435 to defend the democratic process in Nebraska. For the first time in state history, lawmakers have denied citizens their right to vote on an issue brought to the ballot through a successful referendum petition. This alarming disregard for voters’ voices raises serious questions about whether Nebraska’s government still represents its people. When elected officials dismiss the will of the people on an issue as crucial as public funding for private schools, they undermine the foundation of representative democracy. Voting to repeal LB1402 sends a clear message: elected leaders must respect the will of their constituents, especially on matters of education and public funding.  

For more information, visit Support Our Schools Nebraska. 

Reminder to Vote on November 5th!

As we approach the general election on November 5th, it’s critical for all NSEA members to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Electing pro-public education leaders ensures that teachers and students have the resources they need to thrive. When policymakers value public education, they support initiatives and allocate funds that impact class sizes, teacher salaries, special education, and student programs. By electing candidates who prioritize education, we help shape a future where every child has access to quality learning and teachers are given the tools necessary to succeed in their profession. 

NSEA RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES: 2024 GENERAL ELECTION – The candidates listed here have earned the recommendation of the NSEA. They completed a questionnaire and were interviewed by NSEA members – your colleagues – about their positions on education issues. They deserve your vote. 

For those who are registered to vote in Nebraska, there are several convenient ways to cast your ballot. You can vote early in person by visiting your county election office up until the day before the election. This is a great option if you want to avoid Election Day lines or if you’re concerned about your schedule. Early in-person voting began 30 days before the election on October 7. Make sure your vote counts by planning ahead and encouraging colleagues and friends to do the same. Together, let’s ensure strong support for public education in Nebraska’s future! 

*****