State Board of Education Highlights - Fall 2025
Anyone wishing to view past monthly SBOE business meetings may do so at https://www.education. ne.gov/stateboard/. On the left side of the page click on Video Archives.
Nebraska Education Profile The 2024-25 Nebraska Education Profile data is now available on NDE's website. This is a one-stop location for Nebraska education data. District snapshots include the following information: - number of students and teachers - number of English Language Learners - % on free or reduced price lunches - % of students identified as gifted learners - % of students receiving special education services - graduation and college-going rates - cost per pupil - percentage of students proficient in English LanguageArts, Math, Science and the ACT Each district is given a classification of Excellent, Great, Good, or Needs Support to Improve.
How to view data on the Nebraska Education Profile:
Go to: http://nep.education.ne.gov Step 1: Scroll down to DISTRICT AND SCHOOL DATA Step 2: Click the down arrow in the SELECT A DISTRICT box and type the district name in the search bar.
Step 3: To view specific school data, once a district has been selected, click the down arrow in the SELECT A SCHOOL box and type the school name in the search bar.
Chronic Absenteeism Reduction According to an October news release from the Nebraska Department of Education, there is data showing significant progress across the state in reducing chronic absenteeism. The NDE reports that of Nebraska’s 93 counties, 66 of them (70%) have shown declines in this area during the past four years. As Dr. Maher noted, this is the result of “strong partnerships and a lot of hard work among parents, school leaders, teachers, and community members”. Counties demonstrating double digit reductions since 2021 include: Box Butte County - 37% to 18% Cheyenne County - 29% to 9% Clay County - 26% to 13% Dakota County - 26% to 12% Frontier County - 26% to 12% Grant County - 23% to 10% Keith County - 33% to 22% A goal of the State Board of Education is to reduce the chronic absenteeism rate (22%) in half over the next five years. By working together this is attainable!
Miscalculation in the State Aid Formula Three school districts were overpaid this year due to a calculation error in TEEOSA, the state aid formula. The districts receiving more than they should have are the Omaha Public Schools - $30.5 million, Grand Island Public School - $3 million, and Southern School District in Wymore - $482,000. The error was within the “poverty allowance” for schools and districts participating in the Community Eligibility Provision ( CEP) of the National School Lunch Program whereby all students are provided “free” breakfast and lunch. To note, districts that rely on equalization aid from the state received less than they should have. Dr. Maher has assured SBOE members that NDE will continue to search for additional checks to reduce the likelihood of a reoccurrence. There are currently 5 check points of the data involving both NDE and school districts. The error was detected by the state auditor's office.
Congratulations!
I want to acknowledge some individuals who have recently been recognized for outstanding service to Nebraska students.
Sarah Hardin - a high school science teacher from Mullen Public Schools named the 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year Brian Caspar - a Grand Island Public Schools educator named Nebraska Elementary PE Teacher of the Year James Hulstein - a teacher from Bancroft Rosalie Public Schools named the 2025 Nebraska History Teacher of the Year Mitchell Roush - a Grand Island Public Schools employee named the 2026 Nebraska School Communicator of the Year A congratulations to a SBOE District 6 school, Park Elementary in Kearney, for being selected as a 2025 Blue Ribbon School. This recognition is given to schools that excel in academic performance or make significant gains in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. Seven Nebraska schools were named as National Blue Ribbon Schools.
Upcoming SBOE Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the State Board of Education will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Lincoln. The NDE office building is located at 500
S. 84th Street. Committee meetings will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8.
For NE Kids, Sherry Jones Email address: [email protected]
