The Importance of Timing

by NSEA President Tim Royers

There’s something powerful about sitting in a room filled with passionate voices, each advocating for what they believe will shape the future of our state and its public education system. That was the atmosphere at my first public hearing during Nebraska’s 109th Legislature where I testified against LB135—a proposal that limits school districts and Educational Service Units (ESUs) to holding bond and levy elections only during scheduled primary and general elections. This legislation, though seemingly procedural, could have far-reaching consequences for our schools and communities.

The importance of this issue was confirmed as I spent time with Millard Education Association (MEA) members on a postcard writing campaign to get the vote out for a Millard Public Schools bond election and knowing that NSEA is currently helping at least four locals organizing for support for bond elections in their communities. LB135 chases a problem that does not exist. And here’s why:

Timing Matters
The election calendar is not well aligned with either the budget timeline under which schools operate or the academic year that has our students in our buildings. Many times, the most important projects require lead time to secure the necessary materials and labor to get it done in a way that minimally disrupts our students’ learning environment.  

Saving Money
While proponents of this bill highlighted the cost of a special election, if that special election allows for bonds to be issued with more favorable interest rates—which is often the case—it will in fact save taxpayers potentially millions of dollars with better interest rates than if they are forced to conduct the election during a time with a less favorable bond market.

What Voters Want
Special bond and levy elections create an environment where voters can closely scrutinize the proposals brought forward by school districts or ESUs. There have been times when voters have rejected bonds in these special elections, demonstrating the heightened level of accountability they provide. This process compels districts to carefully balance the scope of their projects with the need to present a fiscally responsible proposal that benefits the community.

Learning Environment
We all have participated in projects in which timetables disrupted learning.  The impact is profound.  Kids are trying to learn over major noise disruptions or a lack of access to needed technology or other missing infrastructure that is critical for student learning. Even worse, for both students and taxpayers, is when deferred projects lead to emergency situations. I’ve seen heating units completely fail in a school and require installation over winter break at more than double the cost of the planned project. Those disruptive, costly instances would only increase if this bill were to pass.

I encourage you to take time to share with your state lawmakers why LB135 chases a problem that does not exist. Sharing your personal stories is a powerful tool in helping state lawmakers grasp the importance of the policies.

A few minutes of testimony can make a difference that positively impacts thousands of students.