At their January meeting, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution of support for the Lincoln Public Schools February bond issue. The vote will be the first large-scale vote to take place in Lincoln by mail-in ballot. Look for your ballot in the mail in next few weeks, you must return them to the election commissioner no later than 5 p.m. on February 11th.
In its resolution of support, the Chamber Board recognizes the value LPS represents in the community and their excellent work in developing a focused, high-quality workforce for local businesses. The Chamber Board also recognizes the district is growing. The growth is mostly due to Lincoln’s sustained economic performance during the recession and job creation by private sector employers. It is a pleasure to welcome new neighbors and their children in the school district who have come to Lincoln through local businesses growing their workforce. To be successful in the business world, a company must keep up with the latest in technology and security. It is no different when it comes to our local school district. The Chamber Board recognizes the fact that the district needs the passage of the bond to keep up in facilities, technology, and security. An investment in the district’s infrastructure now will provide a large return on that investment in the future.
One other final piece that further cemented the Board’s support of the bond issue is the related development of a career academy program in conjunction with Southeast Community College. Career academies will allow LPS students to get a head-start on their chosen career field. It will lead to more participation and buy-in from students and it will lead to a better educated and more prepared workforce for Lincoln. The career academies are an essential component for the business community.
Financially, the bond will not increase the district’s tax levy. In general, most school districts use two types of funding, operating funds and capital funds. The operating funds pay for the day-to-day expenses of running schools. Capital funds pay for new schools, major renovations, or additions to older schools. Because the revenue needed to cover the payments on a $153M bond cost comes from a previous bond that will be paid-off in 2014, your property taxes will not increase if the bond is approved. However, should it fail, a portion of the school district’s levy would lapse and any future expansions of school facilities would come with a tax increase.
I encourage you to join the Lincoln Chamber in supporting the bond and I ask that you reach-out to your employees, friends, and family and ask them to do the same.
by Wendy Birdshall, President
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
402-436-2350
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success. We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln. For more information, please contact our Membership Director, Kristin Holmes, kholmes@lcoc.com.