Structural changes proposed to local boards of education
The structure and compensation of local boards of education was the focus of a Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Jan. 18.
Under LB720, introduced by Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh, the Omaha Public Schools’ board of education would be limited to five members. The board is currently composed of 12. Under Lautenbaugh’s bill, members would be forced to vacate their position after two consecutive four-year terms. The bill also calls for a $20,000 annual salary for all board members.
Lautenbaugh said the size of the Omaha board is simply too large to function effectively.
“You get to a point of diminishing returns with larger numbers,” he said. “It’s harder for members to assert themselves when you get a larger number.”
Omaha Sen. Brenda Council introduced LB717 in response to Lautenbaugh’s bill. Her bill would require that any changes made to the Omaha board be applied to every board of education.
“It’s not our job to meddle in one district’s business, but to set statewide public policy,” she said. “If you believe those provisions represent sound public policy, it should be applied to all districts in Nebraska.”
Council, a former member of the Omaha Board of Education, testified to the board’s effectiveness during her 11-year term. She said the current structure allows representatives to hear from all areas of their districts.
John Lindsay, representing Omaha Public Schools, testified in opposition to LB720. He said the size of Omaha’s subdistricts would become much too large under the bill.
“Some subdistricts would have to be nearly twice the size of some legislative districts,” he said.
Current board member Mary Morrissey opposed both the reduction in size and annual salaries proposed in LB720.
“I don’t want to be paid for my services,” she said. “I feel like the money should be better spent in the classrooms.”
Former senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha testified in a neutral capacity. He said the problem is the quality, not quantity, of people serving on the board.
“You don’t have to change the structure,” he said. “You have to get better and more responsive people on the board.”
No one testified in support of either bill, and the committee took no immediate action on them.
