Lincoln Public Schools is proposing a 7-cent levy reduction as part of its preliminary 2025–2026 budget — bringing the property tax rate to a historic low of $1.04 per $100 of valuation.
The Lincoln Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, June 24, to preview the budget as presented by Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs Liz Standish.
The proposed $558.7 million budget includes a 3.63% increase in spending over the previous year, with nearly all of that growth tied to previously approved salary and benefit increases for staff. LPS says about 89% of its budget is spent on employee compensation.
The district also expects a $10 million increase in state aid and anticipates 7% growth in property valuations.
Other proposed investments include $1.4 million toward graduation and support staff, $1.8 million for student wellbeing, $1 million for early childhood classrooms, and a $2 million one-time maintenance fund for building repairs and upgrades.
LPS enrollment is projected to reach a record 42,417 students this fall.
Board member and Finance Committee Chair Annie Mumgaard encouraged the public to weigh in. “The earlier in the process we hear from our community, the more likely it is we can address their feedback,” she said.
The community is invited to attend any of the following:
Tuesday, June 24
- 6:00 p.m. – In-person regular Board of Education meeting with an opportunity to speak during public comment.
Wednesday, June 25
- 7:00 a.m. – Online input form opens for the public to submit comments or questions (link can be found on website: lps.org/budget). The Q&A form will close on July 11.
- 12:00 p.m. – Virtual public forum (link can be found on website: lps.org/budget)
- 6:00 p.m. – In-person public forum at Steve Joel District Leadership Center, Boardroom. The session will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Thursday, June 26
- 6:00 p.m. – Virtual public forum (link can be found on website: lps.org/budget)
Schedule a presentation
Community groups and organizations interested in receiving a preliminary proposed budget presentation may request one by contacting Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs Liz Standish at 402-436-1636.
Information about the budget development process can be found on the website at lps.org/budget.