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Bennington Public Schools keeps levy at $1.358 while tax request rises to cover rapid enrollment and bond construction
Summary
Bennington Public Schools proposed a property tax request of $42,036,377 and said the levy will remain at $1.358 per $100 of assessed valuation as the district manages rapid enrollment growth and moves forward on bond‑funded construction.
Aaron Plaza, superintendent of Bennington Public Schools, presented the district’s proposed property tax request and budget constraints to the joint hearing, emphasizing rapid student growth and a recently approved bond.
Plaza said the district’s property tax request will be $42,036,377 and that the proposed levy will remain at $1.358 per $100 of assessed value. He said Bennington is one of the fastest‑growing districts in the state and expects about 4,427 students this year with a projection above 5,000 in coming years; full buildout could reach 12,000–15,000 students. Plaza described the district’s three statutory caps (general fund and special building cap of $1.05, a cash reserve cap of 25%, and a revenue growth limit tied to state formulas) and explained how state equalization aid falls as local valuations rise.
Plaza attributed a large increase in the district’s special building fund to bond proceeds and new construction: after voters approved a bond last March, the special building fund rose from roughly $12 million to about $56 million to begin building a new high school. He said the district’s NDE (Nebraska Department of Education) general fund budget increase is shown at 3.84% (worst‑case NDE figures), while overall operating increases reflect capital activity tied to the bond.
Plaza invited residents to consult the district website for full budget details and provided contact information.
