A new Nebraska state law aims to improve efficiency in establishing rules, regulations, and safety standards for the state’s smallest school districts. At the start of 2025, Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher reclassified approximately 80% of the state’s 245 school districts into new, smaller classifications. The change was enacted under Legislative Bill 1329, sponsored by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, to better address the unique needs of districts with fewer than 5,000 residents.
One key provision of the law allows school boards in smaller districts to authorize select security personnel to carry firearms on school grounds, a measure introduced by State Sen. Tom Brewer. Brewer highlighted that rural districts, often far from emergency services, face greater challenges during crises such as school shootings. The reclassification also aims to reduce the regulatory burden on smaller districts, tailoring state requirements to their specific needs.
The reclassification creates Class I districts for areas with fewer than 1,500 residents and Class II for those with 1,500 to 4,999 residents. Previously, nearly all districts were classified as Class III, regardless of size, except for Lincoln Public Schools (Class IV) and Omaha Public Schools (Class V). Of the 243 Class III districts, 193 were reclassified as Class I or II. Murman emphasized that the goal is not to consolidate districts but to create policies that better reflect the size and resources of each district.
In addition to reclassification, Nebraska is implementing several education-related laws in 2025. These include modernized parental involvement policies, dress code protections, and tribal regalia protections, which explicitly allow Indigenous students to wear tribal attire in schools. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, school districts must offer computer science courses at all grade levels, with a requirement for students to complete five credit hours of these courses by graduation. A pilot program will also distribute free menstrual products in select schools beginning in the same school year.
The state has also increased financial support for schools through new “foundation aid,” providing approximately $1,500 per student, with additional changes to the equalization aid formula for the 2024-25 school year. These reforms reflect Nebraska’s efforts to modernize its education system and address the needs of schools of varying sizes and demographics.
The Legislature returns Wednesday, with lawmakers expected to introduce new legislative proposals during the session’s first 10 days.
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