Norfolk Public Schools board addresses $3 million aid shortfall, approves insurance renewal and grant-backed bus purchase
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Summary
Board members heard a finance update from Eric Wilson about a projected $3 million loss in equalization aid and plans to trim expenses; the board unanimously renewed district insurance with ALCAP and voted to accept a Nebraska clean diesel rebate to buy a new route bus.
The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education discussed budget pressures and approved three finance items at its meeting. Eric Wilson, director of finance and facilities, told the board the district is losing $3,000,000 in equalization aid and is planning expense reductions for the 2025–26 school year.
Wilson said the district is pursuing a 0-based budgeting approach and expects a reduction in expenses of about 1.21–1.24 percent for 2025–26 as it works through staffing and program changes enacted since the prior November. He said the district is still awaiting property valuation numbers that will inform levy decisions and that the board expects to preview the budget on Aug. 25, hold budget and tax hearings on Sept. 8 and adopt a budget on Sept. 22.
The board unanimously renewed the district’s property, liability, boiler and machinery, and errors-and-omissions insurance with ALCAP for the 2025–26 policy year. Wilson told the board the district will receive an owner dividend credit of $3,459 and that the premium for 2025–26 will be $533,278. The motion to renew insurance was made by Steve McNally and seconded by Cindy (board member); the motion carried, 6–0.
The board also accepted a Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate and authorized the purchase of a replacement route bus. Wilson said the district was awarded $33,000 from the rebate program to replace an older diesel bus with a 2026 fuel-efficient, gas-powered 65-passenger bus. The total purchase price is $137,292; after the $33,000 rebate the district’s net cost would be $104,292, to be paid from the depreciation fund. Wilson described program requirements for removing the old bus from service. The motion to accept the rebate and purchase the bus was made by Tom Stanton and seconded by Patty (board member); the motion carried, 6–0.
On routine business, the board approved the consent agenda, with an abstention noted for a single claim by the secretary; the consent agenda motion (mover: Patty; seconder: Tom Stanton) carried, 6–0. Wilson reviewed the claims listed for board approval, including totals by fund: general fund $249,687.96; nutrition fund $11,328.70; depreciation fund $439,871.43; and others detailed on the claims list.
Board members and staff emphasized next steps for the budget process and public opportunities to review documents. Wilson said most federal funds previously on hold will be released and that the district anticipates some reductions in those funds compared with prior years but can now plan with the released guidance.
The board’s finance and facilities committee also reported recent discussions about depreciation funds, bus grants, an alley cap renewal and a Union Pacific lease that were reviewed at committee level and brought to the board for awareness and action.
The meeting closed after other regular reports and scheduling future meetings.
