Russ Inbody and Bryce Wilson of NDE will begin this session with an overview of how schools are funded, and then discuss how changes made in the 2011 Legislature, primarily through LB 235, have changed the funding streams. They will also share with you thoughts about where lawmakers may look next, if the state continues to shrink from its funding of the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Act (TEEOSA).

Once we've sorted out the potential state aid and general fund implications, Inbody will lead participants through a discussion on the formula’s budget and spending exclusions which could provide your district with some breathing room. While the Legislature has shifted more responsibility for funding schools to property taxpayers, Inbody will discuss how to handle that authority, as well as the unused budget authority, as we approach the upcoming tight budget years.

With all of that background, we will then present a panel of school business officials, who will discuss ways their districts have reacted so far, and what they are preparing for in the years to come.

An open forum for questions and answers will round out the evening's activities. There will also be plenty of time to visit informally about various aspects of school finance with the presenters.