LPS revealing its proposed budget Tuesday after approving $490 million last year

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln Public Schools is giving the public its first look at this upcoming school year’s proposed preliminary budget on Tuesday.

This comes after the district saw an increase of nearly 6% last year, raising the budget to more than $490 million.

Officials told us it was focused on bumping up teacher salaries amid a nationwide educator shortage.

Right now it’s unclear how many teachers LPS needs to replace this summer.

The previous budget also added funds for essential purchases including technology and curriculum, while reversing cuts made during the pandemic.

At the time, officials said it was a very modest hike considering inflation.

The U.S. inflation rate is currently around 4%.  This time last year it was hovering just over 8.5%.

This latest proposed preliminary budget will be revealed during a special board of education work session that begins at 4:30 p.m.

Here’s how you can livestream it.  Four public forums are planned as well, beginning Wednesday.  All of those details are available here.