This bill amends sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska concerning learning communities, specifically enhancing their financial capabilities through new levy provisions. It allows learning communities to impose a maximum levy of one-half cent per one hundred dollars of taxable property for the leasing or purchasing of elementary learning center facilities, as well as for remodeling these facilities and funding capital projects for focus schools or programs. Additionally, a maximum levy of one and one-half cents is permitted for early childhood education programs, elementary learning center employees, and contracts for services, with a stipulation that no more than ten percent of this levy may be allocated for administrative staff.

The bill also grants the learning community coordinating council expanded authority to manage educational resources and facilities, including the ability to levy funds for the aforementioned purposes. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the intended use of facilities funded through these levies, stipulating that if a school district diverts the use of a facility within ten years of receiving funding, it must repay the funds with interest, although the council may waive this repayment under certain conditions. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational opportunities and address barriers to student achievement within Nebraska's learning communities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 77-3442, 79-2104, 79-2111