This bill proposes significant changes to the salary structure for certified teachers in Nebraska and aims to establish a new public education funding system. Starting with the 2027-28 school year, the bill mandates a minimum base salary of fifty thousand dollars for full-time certificated teachers, applicable regardless of their experience or educational qualifications. Additionally, the bill outlines a mechanism for biennial adjustments to this minimum salary based on changes in the state's General Fund receipts, ensuring that the salary does not decrease from the previous year. School districts are permitted to pay above this minimum and create salary schedules that reward experience and performance.

Furthermore, the bill expresses the Legislature's intent to transition to a block grant funding system for public education, which will provide foundation aid and salary support to school districts beginning July 1, 2027. The amount of funding each district receives will be determined by a formula that considers factors such as student enrollment and the established minimum teacher salary. The State Board of Education is tasked with implementing the necessary rules and regulations to enforce these changes. The bill also includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of the remaining provisions if any part is found unconstitutional, and it repeals the original section of the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-1001