Budget and audit committee reports forecast $850 million general fund, small levy uptick and federal funding uncertainty

The Omaha Public Schools Budget and Audit Committee reported new projections and a timeline for the 2025–26 budget.

Chair Magnuson said current‑year receipts were projected roughly 2% above budget largely because an increased school-lands apportionment doubled payouts this year and special‑education reimbursement was slightly higher than expected. Expenditures are projected to be about 0.25% under budget.

The committee reviewed a preliminary $850,000,000 general fund budget for 2025–26, a 4.6% increase from the current $812,000,000 budget. Proposed increases include roughly $23,000,000 for salaries and benefits, $10,000,000 for contingencies and approximately $3,200,000 for transportation. Magnuson said the district will hold public hearings on the budget on Sept. 8 and take the levy and budget vote at the Sept. 22 board meeting.

The committee noted the preliminary combined levy was estimated at 95.9 cents (a 2.8% increase by their earlier phrasing) but district staff clarified the correct framing is a 2.6‑cent increase in the levy rate (not a 2.6 percentage‑point increase); that cents‑change would generate roughly $8–9 million in additional revenue. The district also flagged a larger uncertainty: the U.S. Department of Education has delayed billions in state education funding, and the district is monitoring Nebraska Department of Education updates.

Chair Magnuson said the five‑year outlook shows challenges beginning in 2027–28 tied to the district’s exit from the school lunch program and additional general fund costs for curriculum and technology beginning in 2026–27. The committee will meet again on July 25.