The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) requests the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) Board of Education work to lower the property tax levy in the next budget year.
LIBA recognizes that LPS is not currently in their budget process, however, LPS is in process of negotiating with the Lincoln Education Association (LEA) for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Personnel costs are one of the main drivers of the LPS budget. Therefore, if the LPS Board intends to lower the property tax levy it must begin with personnel costs.
Lincoln is home to a great school system and the community is tremendously supportive of our schools. In 2014 we approved a $153 million bond issue. Currently, LPS is building a new Career Academy with significant backing of many Lincoln businesses. After receiving so much continued support from Lincoln, it is time for LPS to show its support and appreciation of the Lincoln community by lowering the tax levy.
Using LPS research, here is how teacher pay compared with similar districts in the 2013-14 school year.
According to LPS research, starting base pay for LPS teachers in 2014-2015 is $4,300 above Omaha Public Schoolsi and $4,000 above Millard’sii. That is just base pay, this gap widens as salary is increased due to years of service and annual raises. Further, LPS gives teachers twice the amount of planning time as similar Nebraska school districtsiii, shorter instructional days than comparable districtsiv, class cover pay that is $12 an hour above that paid in Omahav, and unlimited accumulation of leavevi.
This is not to say that LPS should pay teachers less, we are saying that since we are now at the TOP regarding pay and some benefits, that it is time to prioritize a tax cut for Lincoln. Fortunately, LPS can lower its levy by $.01 without triggering a loss in state aid money.
We can be proud that the district compensates teachers very well, is building new facilities, remodeling and implementing technology. It is time to recognize the “community” behind this momentum. Now is the time to give-back to the community by planning to lower the tax levy and keeping taxpayer dollars in the taxpayer’s pocket.
2014-2015 Settlements for Neighboring and Omaha Metro School Districts; Compiled by LPS Human Resources ii 2014-2015 Settlements for Neighboring and Omaha Metro School Districts; Compiled by LPS Human Resources iii 2014-2015 Settlements for Neighboring and Omaha Metro School Districts; Compiled by LPS Human Resources iv 2013-2014 Comparability Information; Compiled by LPS Human Resources v 2014-2015 Settlements for Neighboring and Omaha Metro School Districts; Compiled by LPS Human Resources vi 2013-2014 CIR Leaves and Other Conditions; Compiled by LPS Human Resources
by Coby Mach, President & CEO
Lincoln Independent Business Association
402-466-3419
LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.
LIBA New Members
Bryson’s Airboat Tours
When you think of airboat tours, do you think of the Everglades or a swamp tour? Well, think again! Bryson’s Airboat Tours will take you for the ride of your life on the beautiful Platte River. Whether it’s a team-building event, family reunion or a sunset boat ride, we have you covered. Contact us today and we will find the package that works best for you. For more information about Bryson’s Airboat Tours visit our website at www.brysonsairboattours.com or call us at (402) 968-8534.
dkSolutions
Whether you are just getting started (or wanting to get started) with online marketing (email and social media), dkSolutions speciaizes in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate this sometimes tricky and often overwhelming area. Owner, Diane Siefkes, is a certified HootSuite professional and Constant Contact service provider. For more information about dkSolutions, please contact Diane at (402) 525-6027, by email at diane@dksolutionsne.com, or visit www.dkSolutionsne.com.
Greta’s Gourmet
Greta’s Gourmet is an incredible place where food=love. You can smell it the second you walk in the door, and taste it in every bite. Your “Meat”ing place for gourmet food in Lincoln, Greta’s Gourmet offers a wide selection of hand-crafted foods that are perfect for any occasion. Greta’s Gourmet is a full-service caterer, providing Chef-created meals for parties and offices for 2-500 people. Their full-service butcher shop and sausage kitchen feature Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, poultry, pork and 27 varieties of sausages and jerky every day. They make EVERYTHING from scratch, and the quality is unmatched in Lincoln. For more information about Greta’s Gourmet Catering, please contact Kyle at (402) 420-6328, via email at catering@gretasgourmetfood.com, or visit www.gretasgourmetfood.com.
The Nine’s
The Nine’s is a new women’s and men’s boutique open in Fallbrook, located at 575 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 106, in the heart of Fallbrook’s Town Center. The boutique carries a variety of unique clothing, shoes and accessories. The Nine’s hours are Monday-Saturday from 10-6, with the exception of Thursday when hours are extended until 8 pm for special Wine Nights where customers can shop later while enjoying a glass of wine, and Sunday from 12-5. The Nine’s offers a casual, relaxed shopping environment with plenty of convenient parking and will only carry a limited amount of each exclusive item, so stop out and DRESS TO THE NINE’S!! For more information about The Nine’s, find The Nine’s – Fallbrook on Facebook and Instagram or contact owner Kathy Hagge at (402) 904-5257.