Superintendent Press Release December 12, 2025
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
I want to take a moment to share some thoughts on a proposal that will once again be brought forward in the upcoming legislative session. Governor Pillen has announced that he intends to renew his push for the state to take over the operating costs of Nebraska’s K–12 public schools. In practical terms, this would shift nearly all day-to-day school funding responsibilities from local property taxes to the state. Local taxes would remain for building projects and major facility needs, but the core operational funding we rely on—salaries, transportation, classroom resources, and instructional programs—would be handled almost entirely at the state level.
While I appreciate the governor’s commitment to finding solutions for Nebraska’s high property taxes, I believe it’s important to talk honestly about what this shift might mean for our public schools. I absolutely agree that the property tax burden is heavy on families, farmers, and businesses alike. All of us want a system that is fair and sustainable. But changing who controls the majority of our operating funding also affects who controls local decisions, how quickly we can adapt to community needs, and how stable and predictable our budgets remain over time.
One of the great strengths of Nebraska’s public schools is local control. Our communities have always had a say in what they value: staffing decisions, class sizes, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, early childhood services, and the many supports we build around students. When funding shifts almost entirely to the state, the practical effect is that authority shifts as well. Even if local boards remain in place, their ability to make decisions that directly reflect the needs and priorities of our communities may become more limited. That concerns me, because each district in Nebraska is different, and what works for Omaha or Lincoln does not always work for Cedar Bluffs, or for any of our rural and small communities.
There is also uncertainty about where the revenue would come from. The governor has mentioned broadening the sales tax base and restructuring other state revenue streams. Those decisions will be made at the state level, and it’s unclear how they would impact families, especially those already feeling the strain of inflation and higher costs of living. Property tax relief is important, but we also need to make sure we are not inadvertently placing new financial pressures on working families or small businesses through higher or expanded state taxes.
Another concern is the one-size-fits-all nature of a statewide model. Nebraska has 244 districts, all with different needs. Rural districts rely on resources and flexibility that often don’t fit neatly into a single statewide funding approach. The closer decisions are made to the classroom, the more responsive and efficient they tend to be. When decisions move farther away—to Lincoln instead of the local boardroom—our ability to tailor programs for our students can become limited. Other states that have moved away from local funding have often struggled with uneven resource distribution, funding delays, and a loss of innovation at the local level.
I want to be clear: I support meaningful, thoughtful property tax reform. But reform must ensure that schools remain strong, stable, and responsive to the communities we serve. Any overhaul must be built carefully, with full transparency, clear long-term planning, and ample public input. Nebraska students deserve a system that lifts them up—not one that unintentionally creates new challenges.
As your superintendent, I will continue to monitor the legislative discussions closely and advocate for our students, staff, and families. I encourage you to stay informed, ask questions, and participate respectfully in the public conversation. The future of our schools impacts every child, every family, and the strength of every community in our state. Your voice matters in this process more than ever.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we will work to ensure that Nebraska’s public schools remain strong, well-funded, and rooted in local values.
Have a great weekend and Holiday Break! - Wildcat Pride