Superintendent Press Release March 27, 2026
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
As superintendent of Cedar Bluffs Public School, I want to provide an update on the Nebraska Legislature as it enters the final days of the session. The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to conclude on April 10, and lawmakers are expected to submit a finalized state budget to the Governor by approximately Day 50 of the session (late March). At this point, however, the budget remains unresolved.
For the second time in a row, the Legislature failed to advance LB 1071, the state’s mainline budget bill. The delay is due to an ongoing disagreement over policy issues being included in the budget—most notably a proposed $3.5 million private school voucher “bridge” program intended to support students currently attending non-public schools following the repeal of the statewide school choice law in 2024.
The bill has not received the 33 votes required to end debate, with clear divisions among senators. Some will not support the budget if the voucher funding is included, while others will not support it if the funding is removed. In addition, the voucher proposal has become tied to an expansion of the state’s child care subsidy program, which would increase eligibility and cost more than $10 million this budget cycle. At this time, neither position has enough votes to move the budget forward.
This ongoing impasse creates real concern for public schools. Districts like Cedar Bluffs depend on timely and predictable state funding decisions to finalize staffing, programming, and budgets for the upcoming school year. Continued delays increase uncertainty and make planning more difficult—particularly for rural districts operating with limited financial flexibility.
In addition to the budget, several education-related proposals are moving forward or have recently been enacted:
· LB 1050 would make changes to early literacy requirements, including provisions related to third grade reading and potential retention. While improving literacy is a shared priority, this proposal adds new requirements without dedicated funding to support implementation.
· LB 937, a package bill from the Education Committee, includes multiple policy changes related to attendance reporting, employment requirements, and part-time enrollment. Many of these proposals were not requested by the education community and could increase administrative responsibilities for school districts.
· LB 1219 proposes an additional “hard cap” on political subdivisions, including schools. It is important to note that school districts already operate under multiple financial constraints, and additional limits could further reduce local flexibility to meet student and community needs.
· LB 653, which was recently signed into law, includes several significant changes impacting both student discipline and enrollment policies:
o It reinstates the ability for schools to suspend students in grades Pre-K through 2 in cases involving violent behavior capable of causing physical harm, in addition to existing provisions related to weapons.
o It requires schools to prioritize in-school interventions and alternative disciplinary measures, while also strengthening parent notification and communication requirements, including written explanations, available supports, and plans for addressing behavior.
o It updates procedures under the Student Discipline Act to ensure clearer communication, timelines, and documentation when discipline decisions are made.
o It also makes changes to option enrollment, requiring school districts to give priority to siblings of current option students, with important implications for how districts manage capacity, enrollment processes, and planning.
With limited time remaining in the session, not all proposals will advance. However, the most immediate and pressing issue remains the state budget. Its resolution will directly impact every public school district in Nebraska.
We will continue to monitor these developments closely and advocate for decisions that support strong public schools and ensure that all students have the opportunities they deserve.
Have a great weekend! - Wildcat Pride