Special Election Overview —
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Why is the AGPS Board of Education making this request?

The Nebraska Legislature changed the rules in 2023 for how local school boards can designate needed property tax revenue.

Prior to 2023, local boards had the authority to set levies without an election as long as tax asking request/total levy did not exceed $1.05 (AGPS current total levy is .81)

In 2023, the legislature placed a more restrictive cap on boards. Tax asking authority is capped at 3% of the property revenue from the previous year. Now, if local school boards need to exceed the restrictions placed by the caps, a special election/vote must be held.

What is the short fall and how will the money be spent?  Is this just a one year thing or can we expect this to be on the ballot every year asking for more?

$1.3 million dollars.  This is only a one time ask as the additional authority is built into the district’s school funding model under the Pillen Plan.  In addition, the 3% caps would still be in place moving forward that the board of education would operate under related to setting  tax levies.

You say a this is a vote for a “one time bump” but isn’t it for removing the 3% cap not only for this year but thereafter and potentially higher in future years?

The 1.3 million becomes added to our base school funding formula to determine overall revenue.  The 3% cap is not removed.  The cap is applied to the previous year revenue which would include the additional 1.3 million if the special election is successful.    

What happens if the resolution does not pass? 

Because personnel and staffing comprise over 80% of the general fund operating budget, these costs would need to be further reduced. AGPS cannot continue to maintain current staffing levels and programs without the additional revenue.

Is this request a result of recent construction of new buildings?

No, this request from the Board is not a result of recent new building projects. This request is a result of new legislative rules regarding school funding that were effective beginning in 23/24. District building projects were completed with the designated funds prior to the 23/24 legislative changes.

Will this type of election occur every year?

No, this will not occur every year. If passed, the additional $1,300,000 becomes part of the base school revenue formula for future years as well.

Why is the district asking to exceed the 3% levy limit? How much are they asking for?

The district is requesting approval to raise $1.3 million to maintain educational quality and essential services. The specific levy amount needed to generate that total depends on property valuations—as valuations rise, the levy required actually decreases. Based on past valuations, the district estimates an 8-cent increase will be sufficient to meet the $1.3 million goal.

Why is this a mail-in election instead of in-person voting?

The district strongly advocated for an in-person election, but the Saunders County Election Officer determines the election format. While we share the disappointment about the mail-in format, we encourage everyone to make their voices heard by returning ballots promptly.

Why didn’t the district save COVID relief funds for future needs?

The ESSER (COVID relief) funds came with strict federal guidelines that limited how and when they could be used. These funds were required to be spent within specific timelines on pandemic-related needs and could not be saved or reserved for future use.

Has the district been growing?

Yes! The district has experienced consistent and substantial enrollment growth over the years, reflecting strong community confidence and continued investment in quality education.

Didn’t property taxes already go up because of the bond issue?

Actually, no. When the bond issue passed in 2020, the total levy was $0.93. In 2024–25, it’s $0.81—a decrease since the bond was approved. The district has worked hard to keep taxes stable while continuing to meet student and facility needs.

What about statewide efforts to reduce property taxes?

We fully support property tax reform and have actively engaged in that discussion. District leaders met with the Governor and several state senators to share our perspective and advocate for a fairer school funding system that balances relief for taxpayers with the needs of Nebraska schools.

How much will this proposal impact taxpayers?

For a $300,000 home, the estimated increase is about $240 per year (or $20 per month). For a $500,000 piece of farm ground, the estimated impact can be calculated using this formula:
Property value ÷ 100 × 0.89.
These estimates are based on an assumed 8% valuation increase and are explained in detail in the district’s presentation.

Could the district reduce costs through wage freezes, staff reductions, or insurance changes?

Many of these options have already been explored or implemented.

• Staff wages are governed by state regulations and comparisons to similar districts.
• Retirement eligibility has decreased as staff demographics have changed.
• The district has been closed to option enrollment for several years, serving only resident students.
• All staff groups are already on the highest deductible ($1,900) insurance plan.
  The district continues to look for responsible, sustainable ways to manage costs while maintaining the quality of education our students deserve.

How long has the district faced financial challenges?

The situation began after the new state school funding model took effect in fiscal year 2023–24, which significantly impacted revenue for districts like ours with growing enrollment and limited state aid.