Nonpublic school regulations updated

Lawmakers gave final approval April 11 to a measure that loosens regulations for Nebraska private, parochial, denominational, group or home-based schools that choose not to meet accreditation requirements. Such schools commonly are referred to as “exempt.”

LB1027, introduced by Elmwood Sen. Robert Clements, simplifies the application process to attend an exempt school and aligns it with the application process for public schools. Under the bill, only one parent must apply to the state Department of Education for their child to attend an exempt school. Current law requires both parents or guardians to apply.

The bill removes the department’s authority to visit or inspect exempt schools and proctor achievement testing of exempt students. It also removes subject matter testing requirements for exempt school employees, aligning the requirements with those of public schoolteachers.

LB1027 passed on a 44-1 vote.