Lincoln Public Schools review latest bond issue recommendations

Lincoln Public Schools are proposing a new bond issue for 2020. Their first work session began Tuesday afternoon.

LPS received the recommendations from their community group keeping one thing in mind, the tax payers.

“Every time we take a look at our budget or potential bond, we’re always going to be very sensitive to the effect on taxpayers, it’s just something we take very seriously,” Lincoln School Board Member, Don Mayhew said.

The community group came back with a detailed $460 million worth of facility needs across the district. The draft they were shown Tuesday was nearly $290 million. Keeping it at that number will not raise taxes because the bond issue would replace past debt that’s been paid off.

A few board members said as the city grows, cutting back right now is a concern.

“I’m a little bit troubled, I want to know that we are meeting our needs on infrastructure so that we can go forward for the next seven years with some confidence that our infrastructure needs are being addressed,” Lincoln School Board Member, Barbara Baier said.

The latest recommendations include two new high schools, one in northwest and one in southeast Lincoln. Also, a new elementary school in northeast Lincoln. The vision includes a new football, track and baseball complex as well as renovations and replacing outdated infrastructure.

The bond issue is just a draft at this time. LPS will meet again and discuss any potential changes on November 12th.