LPS gets one step closer to approving bond issue

Tuesday nights work session put LPS one step closer to approval but still a few questions on where that money is going to go first.

“I think it’s important thing to go and take care of the property and the facilities that we have currently before we go and take on second tier project,” school board member Barbara Baier said.

Tuesday evening was the 5th work session to outline the bond issue and identify the immediate needs that Lincoln public schools face.

The current budget is expected to be almost $290 million.

$16 million of that going to infrastructure needs at outdated facilities.

Creating a time-line of when those needs will be met and reducing the original bond issue of $460 million was at the top of the boards to–do list.

“Things that’s been a priority for the board is finding a way to take care of our districts most urgent needs without increasing the property tax levee rate,” board member Don Mayhew said.

Along with improvements, LPS is looking to build two new high schools.

One in northwest and one in southeast Lincoln.

Along with, a new elementary school in northeast Lincoln.

The board expects to hear a final reading at their next work session on November 26th and will hopefully vote on this bond issue in early December.