Full 4 OPS

Nothing about this short legislative year is going to be “smooth sailing” for OPS. Big changes to the way the state funds public schools have been a long time coming.

School funding and the quality of our public schools in Nebraska are complicated issues. For years legislators have attempted to apply band aid solutions by creating state programs that divert public dollars to private schools, often in the name of giving children options when they are not thriving in a traditional public school setting.

After serving on the school board for the past three years, I understand why programs like this might seem like a good idea. I see students fall through the cracks of our traditional systems all the time. At the same time, I’ve also seen the powerful opportunities our OPS alternative school programs create for students who don’t thrive in conventional public school environments.

Having the majority of OPS alternative school programs in my district has opened my eyes to the quiet but important work our alternative school staff does every day to support diverse learners from all backgrounds. I truly believe that a more intentional and strategic investment in these programs would make our district stronger as a whole.

My main point is this: I understand why some people want to take funding away from OPS. They hear stories and feel like they’re not getting their bang for their buck. As a board member, I’m trying to be honest about what is happening in our schools, but I also want to be clear that this is not the time to give up on OPS. There is still tremendous untapped potential in our district that could lead to better outcomes for every student who walks through our doors. Strengthening our alternative school programs is just one way to do that. But it will require courage from both board members and OPS administration to make it happen.

Here’s how Nebraska funds its public schools. It involves a lot of ‘bells and whistles’ Nebraska’s school funding system has kept politicians, taxpayers and educators arguing for decades. It’s probably kept people confused for just as long. Nebraska Public Media’s Elizabeth Rembert asked some experts to explain.