The North Platte public school board continued to work its new budget Thursday, discussing three proposals that would increase property taxes by differing amounts.

The board met at Cody Elementary as a “committee of the whole,” but it was more than a work session as they cast three votes too, approving small revisions in policies and business practices.

On the income side of the budget, the preliminary property valuations as of June 16 show a increase from $3.2 billion to $3.3 billion in taxable valuations. Based on the increase, the district could request up to $31.9 million in property taxes, 5.5% more than last year, which would still be less than would trigger a joint public hearing. Taxpayers are notified of joint public hearings by a “pink postcard.”

At joint public hearings, elected officials must explain the proposed tax increase and take public comments in a hearing with city, schools and villages in the county who also increasing taxes by a certain level.

The board received three budget proposals from administrators for the property tax request — two at $31.3 million, reflecting a 2.6% increase, and a third at $32.1 million, reflecting a 5% increase. The first two would ask the same in property taxes but but allocate the funds differently among the General Fund, Special Building Fund, and Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund (QCPUF). They would slightly reduce the levy rate by 0.02816 and 0.00341 cents, respectively, and would still lead to higher overall property tax collections from North Platte property owners.

In practical terms, if any of the three proposals are approved, the total increase in property taxes in the district would be from $798,906 to $1.5 million for the schools.

Also, the board considered whether to prioritize the revenue to the district’s cash reserve, or the potential need for new staff. Supt. Todd Rhodes said additional staff isn’t necessary at this time, but that could change by August if more students enroll due to the impact of the Sustainable Beef packing plant.

Incoming Finance Director Damon McDonald urged the board to consider how they plan to reach their goal of a 25% cash reserve over the next few years.

McDonald officially takes over now for Stuart Simpson, whose retirement is effective on June 30.

Administrators will continue to work on the budget. A public hearing, solely before the school board, is scheduled on Aug. 28. The budget is typically adopted soon after that hearing.

Cody school plan

Cody Principal Haley Smiley, third grade teacher Lanelle Stumf, and Special Education teacher Hana Thomas presented a plan to the board, outlining the school’s goals and strategies for the 2025 school year.

Led by a six-member Guiding Coalition, the plan focuses on nurturing creative learners and caring citizens through collaboration, curriculum fidelity, and positive relationships.

Key goals include reducing chronic absenteeism through check-ins, class incentives, and parent communication, as well as lowering the number of “defiance” referrals to below 255 through behavior contracts, school-wide skill-building, and data reviews.

Also, efforts are underway to improve the learning support process by utilizing multiple data sources, such as the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS), Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), and behavior records, to guide more accurate and effective student referrals.

A gift for Simpson

Thursday’s meeting also marked the final appearance of Finance Director Stuart Simpson, who will retire effective June 30. Board members thanked Simpson for his service, and Lundgreen presented him with a box of tater tots and a recipe from Jefferson Elementary, his favorite school meal.

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