Non-equalized school districts would be exempt from spending limits

School districts that currently do not qualify for state equalization aid would have more spending flexibility under a bill discussed in an Education Committee hearing Feb. 13.

LB1156, introduced by Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson, would allow non-equalized schools more local control over spending decisions. Carlson said non-equalized schools are fully funded by local property taxes, which he said already are too high.

“The number of districts that are becoming non-equalized is a serious matter,” Carlson said. “We need to have more flexibility in what we spend on education.”

Nancy Fulton, Nebraska State Education Association president, testified in support of the bill, saying that asking landowners to fully fund school districts is unfair.

“Public school funding should not fall disproportionately on the backs of landowners,” Fulton said.

No one testified in opposition and the committee took no immediate action.