Change is in the Air!

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (December, 2015)

I can’t believe that I am writing about the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) again. However, this time it is good news! The United States Congress passed– through a bipartisan effort with an overwhelming majority in the House and the Senate– the reauthorization of ESEA which has been titled Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). On December 10th, President Obama signed it into law!

Granted, this bipartisan effort should have occurred in 2007, but better late than never. Nebraska schools are finally rid of the previous version of ESEA which was titled No Child Left Behind. For 15 years, states and local school districts were saddled with federal education law that left many schools and states behind! While ESSA may not be perfect, it is a good step for Nebraska schools and school districts. It puts the responsibility and accountability for education back in the hands of states and local school districts and, most importantly, local educators, who are better prepared to know how to improve schools and opportunities for all students.

Key priorities in ESSA that benefit Nebraska include: states remain in control of standards and assessments; states are given flexibility for developing and implementing state accountability systems; and, the lowest-performing schools still receive focused attention and support. The accountability stars finally may be aligned for Nebraska. The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act coincides with Nebraska’s roll out of our new accountability system, Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT).

At the December 4th State Board of Education meeting, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) released the accountability classifications of Nebraska schools and school districts. Under the new system, all public schools and districts are classified as Excellent, Great, Good or Needs Improvement. To find out the classification of any school or district in Nebraska or to learn more about AQuESTT, go to: www. AQuESTT.com . In addition, the State Board approved the Commissioner of Education’s recommendation for the identification of three priority schools. The priority schools were identified from a list of schools classified as Needs Improvement, those schools most in need of support to improve. NDE staff did an amazing job analyzing schools finding patterns among schools. They found that schools needing improvement fall into four primary types of schools. These are: schools with mixed poverty levels in small communities widely dispersed statewide; schools in small to mid-size communities with changing demographics; Native American schools; and, urban/metro schools with poverty levels higher than the state’s average. The three priority schools identified were Santee Middle School, Loup County Elementary School and Druid Hill Elementary School in Omaha. During the next few weeks, NDE will work with these three schools to assess their specific needs, develop action plans in partnership with the schools and identify support and intervention teams to work with the priority schools. These teams will help identify specific strategies to address student achievement needs and assist in the development of school specific plans focused on improving student achievement.

As I reflect on accountability and the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act, I am excited to be a part of education in Nebraska. I know that our local school boards, administrators and teachers will work with students, parents and communities to continue to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Every Student Every Day!! Our new accountability system may not be perfect, but was developed with input from across Nebraska, and it will be improved with continuing input from across the state. It is an honor and a privilege to live in Nebraska and to serve Nebraskans. Nebraska may be nice, but we are also still “the good life,” and we know what is good for education in our state. St

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

Maintaining Local Control

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Nebraska has 529 cities and villages, 245 K-12 school districts, 93 counties, 23 natural resource districts, 17 educational service units, and six community colleges.  These are just some of the hundreds of local governments responsible for levying property taxes in Nebraska.  Property tax revenues fund local government, not state government.  The state, however, is responsible for setting the rules for how property taxes are levied.  This means the state can put measures in place to encourage local governments to control spending over the long term.  When taxpayers are demanding structural property tax relief, it is incumbent upon us as state leaders to take action.

 

 

Slowing the growth of local government spending is the focus of the property tax relief plan I proposed with Senator Kate Sullivan, Chairwoman of the Education Committee, and Senator Mike Gloor, Chairman of the Revenue Committee.  Last week, I detailed LB958 in the Revenue Committee, a bill aimed at encouraging fiscal restraint and accountability by political subdivisions like cities, counties, and natural resource districts.

 

This week I want to focus on LB959 in the Education Committee.  Like the companion bill in the Revenue Committee, LB959 sets benchmarks for measured growth in spending for school districts, community colleges, and educational service units.  This is accomplished through four major reforms.

 

First, a change in the budgeting process to simplify school district budget growth to 2.5 percent plus expected student growth.  It also moves predictable annual retirement expenses into the budget base.  Right now, schools are able to grow their budgets above this limit without taxpayer approval.  In the event of sudden or unforeseen circumstances, schools can still increase their budget with a vote of the people.

 

Second, LB959 limits the percentage schools can put into their reserves annually and limits the unused budget authority a district may carry forward.  To maintain flexibility, school districts are still allowed to put money away for rainy days and to carry forward a limited amount of budget authority.

 

Third, it makes a revision to a provision in the state school funding formula called needs stabilization.  Previously, the average school district needs in the formula could grow by 12 percent, and fast growing districts had no limits.  With LB959, each district’s target funding level is limited to five percent plus student growth in the formula.  Additionally, if a school district is shrinking, it allows the target funding level to decrease by up to two percent each year.  This means needs stabilization can increase or decrease within a range of 98 to 105 percent plus student growth.

 

Finally, the bill removes exceptions which previously allowed school districts and community colleges to unilaterally approve capital projects.  If LB959 is enacted, schools and community colleges will need to seek voter approval for qualified capital construction projects.

 

The taxpayers of Nebraska have made incredible financial commitments to our children and our schools.  Over the past 15 years, Nebraska’s student enrollment has grown about .33 percent annually for a total of five percent, while education spending in our state has grown at a compounding rate of 6.39 percent annually or 138 percent during the same timeframe.  LB959 does not remove any tools to maintain or grow this commitment, it simply limits the growth of spending annually, and provides for voter approval on additional spending. This proposal delivers structural property tax relief and still provides adequate resources to Nebraska schools to educate our students to be the leaders of tomorrow.

 

Some argue that not enough of Nebraska’s state budget is spent on education.  Forty-six percent of our current general fund budget is dedicated to K-12 and higher education.  Additionally, Nebraska ranks 21st in Elementary-Secondary Revenue (federal, state, and local sources) per pupil and 18th in Elementary-Secondary Spending per pupil overall.

 

Nebraskans, rural and urban, are demanding property tax relief, and I’ve prioritized it for this year.  I need you to help me get it done by contacting your state senator and voicing your support.  Lobbyists are paid by special interests to spend taxpayer money, and they are already trying to oppose property tax relief.  Please visit www.NebraskaLegislature.gov for information on who your senator is and how to contact them.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

Kats’ Korner: Snowstorm for the Books!

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


It was a snowstorm for the books!

People have been comparing it to the storm of 1975. Some say this one was worse, others say differently.

I was only 12. All I remember is piles of snow and endless fun! I lived in Tekamah then. There were over 30 kids in about a five-block radius. Each and every one of us had our sleds out! We went to the top of the hill and sled down the alley. If we were lucky, we could jump the street and go down the next alley. If not, the sled ended up in the street or ditch. We didn’t care. We were having fun.

Those were the days!

I am not twelve anymore. This storm caused me to worry.

My husband works at Craig Cattle and cattle have to be fed, so he has to get to work.

He rode with a couple other guys. They met up with another employee driving a pay loader. He cleared the road so they could get to work.

I was so happy when he got home each day!

I prayed so much during the storm, not just for his safety, but for everyone to be safe and warm at home.

I had other worries as well.

I am on the city council and in charge of the street department.

I knew this was going to be a challenging storm for the city crew.

We initiated a snow emergency Monday in anticipation of the storm. We wanted people to be aware of the impending storm and to keep vehicles off the snow emergency routes. This is so important! Access to the hospital, nursing home, etc. is essential.

The wind was such a problem on Tuesday. No matter how much they tried, the snow kept blowing the roads shut again.

They worked very hard Wednesday, with more than just the snow being a challenge. Trucks were having problems as well. The snow was very heavy and wet, causing trucks to have minor breakdowns. Fortunately, they could be fixed, but it took time, which kept them off the roads while being repaired. The blower also threw a bearing, taking over half of a day to be repaired.

It was a very stressful several days for them.

It was hard on the community as well. We don’t see weather like that everyday.

I hope everyone realizes how hard the city crew worked to clean the streets and make travel safe for all. Until I was on the council, I didn’t realize how difficult this can be, and how hard they work. They are a dedicated group and we are lucky to have them.

I commend all of the city crew and the police department for their efforts in keeping the people of Oakland safe.

If you see any of them around, let them know they are appreciated.

The Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2016 will be one not soon forgotten.

Thought for the Day: Be thankful for each day, a roof over your head, a warm house and food on the table. And a caring community to call home.

Have a great week! Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

 

 

Filed under Opinion Tagged with , , , ,

Oakland City Council to Meet Monday

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


katcountryhub's avatarKat Country Hub

The Oakland City Council will have a regular monthly meeting on Mon., Feb. 15th at 5:30 p.m. at the Rosen Room in Oakland Ne. An agenda is on file at the Oakland City Office. Everyone is welcome to attend.

View original post

Filed under Uncategorized

Oakland Fire and Rescue Chili Soup Fundraiser Saturday

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


katcountryhub's avatarKat Country Hub

Reminder of our chili/soup fundraiser on Saturday, February 13th at the Oakland Fire Hall from 5:00-8:00 pm. All free will donations will help pay for continuing education/training and equipment for the Oakland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Hope to see you there!

View original post

Filed under Uncategorized

Ryan Groene, 38, of Gothenburg NE

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


Ryan Groene passed away February 10, 2016, at his home in Gothenburg, NE following a courageous battle with cancer.   There will be a fellowship and refreshments gathering with the family receiving visitors on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Gothenburg High School from 3 – 5 pm.  Celebration of Life Service will be held at Gothenburg High School, Sunday February 14, 2016 at 6 pm.    At Ryan’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for his children’s education.   Arrangements by Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Ryan was born May 11, 1977 in Fremont, NE, son of Robin and Cathy (Vakiner) Groene.  He grew up in Howells, NE. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at Wayne State College, Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of NE – Omaha.  Ryan taught science and coached at Fort Calhoun Community School from 2001 to 2008.  He was the Junior High Principal and Curriculum Director at Gothenburg Public Schools from 2008 to 2016.  Ryan was a member of the NSEA, NCSA, and active in the NSAA as a State Track official for 15 years,  He was also a Gothenburg youth softball coach and attended the Crossing Fellowship.

Ryan married Ashley Mues on August 5, 2000 at Arapahoe, NE; to this union two children were born, Lunden and Beck. Ryan enjoyed spending time with his family; weekend getaways, time in the mountains and evening drives.  He liked everything football, especially the Huskers, Buffaloes and Denver Broncos. He enjoyed attending sporting events, hiking in the Rocky Mountains and boating on the lake.

Surviving are wife, Ashley Groene of Gothenburg, NE; daughter, Lunden Groene; son, Beck Groene; parents Robin & Cathy Groene of Howells, NE; three sisters, Brenda (Dave) Hegemann of Howells, NE; Lisa (Tom) Holoubek of Clarkson, NE; Tara Groene of Estes Park, CO; parents-in-law, Noel  Mues and Charlavee McCoy; brother-in-law, Brandon (Cherl) Mues of Fremont, NE; nieces & nephews, along with a host of extended family and friends.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elmer & Lila Groene, Clifford & Alice Vakiner; and mother-in-law, Vicki Mues.

Ryan Groene

Ryan Groene

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with , ,

Marilyn L. (Lutjen) Wheaton, 80, of Lyons NE

February 13, 2016 1 Comment


Marilyn L. (Lutjen) Wheaton, 80 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Nye Legacy in Fremont, Nebraska.

Marilyn Louise Wheaton was born to Herman and Anna (Malinowski) Lutjen on August 11, 1935 in Tilden, Nebraska. She passed away February 10, 2016 at Nye Legacy in Fremont, NE, with her family by her side.

Marilyn was baptized in Tilden, confirmed in Bancroft, NE and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lyons, NE.

At the age of eight her family moved to Bancroft. She attended Paine Country School and graduated from Bancroft High School in 1952. She received her teaching certificate from Wayne State Teachers College in 1952, and taught at Moore School in rural Lyons from 1952-1953.

On July 26, 1953, she was united in marriage to John Wheaton in South Sioux City, NE. To this union six children were born.

Marilyn and John traveled briefly while John worked road construction before settling in Lyons in 1960. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, she enjoyed gardening and canning, sewing, crosswords, Nebraska Football, music, reading, game shows and her grandchildren.

In 1981 Marilyn and John purchased the Hiway Café. She owned and operated the business until she retired in 2012.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; brothers, Elmer and Kenneth; sisters, Marjorie and Luella; son-in-law, Michael Jameson; and her sisters and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her children, Randall (Lori) Wheaton of Fremont, NE, Brenda Wheaton of Lyons, Carlin Wheaton of Fremont, JoDee Jameson of Lyons, Lori Wheaton of Lyons, Charles (Amy) Wheaton of Lyons; grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Jones, Dylan Wheaton and fiancé Annie, Clayton Wheaton and Friend Danielle, Loran Wheaton, Bryce Wheaton, Kayli Wheaton, Corbin Wheaton; great grandchildren, Braxton, Kennedi, Kacie, Cassius; sisters, Delores (Marlin) Doht, Judith (Ron) Zakaras; sisters-in-law, Janet Lutjen, Betty Hermelbracht, Bette Herbert and Marie Breuer.

Visitation will be held Sun., Feb. 14th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons NE with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Service is Mon., Feb. 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons NE. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church.

Marilyn Wheaton

Marilyn Wheaton

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with , ,

Edith Mae (Day) Appleton, 91, of Tekamah NE

February 12, 2016 Leave a comment


Edith Mae (Day) Appleton, age 91 of Tekamah passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at her home in Tekamah.   Funeral Service will be held  Friday, February 12, 2016, 11 am, at the First Presbyterian Church in Tekamah with Rev. Duncan Nichol officiating.   Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 pm with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 pm at Pelan Funeral Services Tekamah. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.   Burial will be in  Lyons Cemetery, Lyons, Nebraska.   Memorials to the family for designation at a later time.

Edith was born March 16, 1924 to George and Mable (Rose) Day in rural Walthill, Nebraska. Edith was baptized June 14, 1981 by Rev. Millett. She attended a rural country school through the eighth grade, and then attended the Walthill Public School through her freshman year.

On October 24, 1940 she married David Appleton. They lived most of their lives in the Walthill and Winnebago area, and later in the Tekamah area, where Dave worked for Hundal Farms for many years. Dave passed away May 21, 1990. Edith was a member of the VFW and Tekamah Saddle Club for many years. Edith had many friends and she loved to dance; she loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dave; brothers Roy Day, Raymond Day; sisters, Margaret Johnson, Marie Brietbarth.

She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Maryott of South Sioux City, NE, Geraldine (Lloyd) Stansberry of Walthill, NE; many nieces and nephews; a special thank you to Betty Deemer and family for all the loving care and kindness.

Edith Appleton

Edith Appleton

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with , ,

Verlyn L. Fredrickson, 79, of Lyons NE

February 12, 2016 Leave a comment


Verlyn L. Fredrickson, 79 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Fremont Health Medical Center in Fremont, Nebraska.

Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials suggested to the family for designation at a later time.

Pelan Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with , ,

Virginia “Ginny” Mae Dorn, 85, of Tekamah NE

February 12, 2016 Leave a comment


Virginia “Ginny” Mae Dorn was born on June 10, 1930 to Lewis and Violet (Moore) Dorn, on a farm northeast of Craig, Nebraska. She passed away February 10, 2016 at the Oakland Heights Nursing Home in Oakland, Nebraska at the age of 85.

When she was a young child, she moved with her family to Tekamah, Nebraska. She started to attend the United Methodist Church at the age of 4.

Virginia graduated from Tekamah high school in 1947. She continued her education at Dana College, receiving her teaching certificate, and taught country school east of Tekamah.

On March 29, 1950, she was united in marriage to Raymond Howard Simpson at the Methodist Church in Tekamah. They began their lives together on a farm northwest of Tekamah in the Silver Creek Township. In 1958 they moved to a farm near Bertha, Nebraska.

Virginia was active in her rural community. She was a 20-year leader of the Farmer’s Daughters 4-H Club. She was an elder and Sunday school teacher for Divide Center Presbyterian Church; and was active in her Silver Creek Extension Club for 57 years. Virginia donated time and energy to the Burt County Museum in Tekamah and was also active in planning her Tekamah High School class reunions. Ray and Virginia enjoyed their grandchildren’s many sporting events and were 40 year College World Series visitors. She loved her flowers and gardening. The Tekamah Garden Club enjoyed many visits to her beautiful gardens. Virginia enjoyed planning and hosting many family reunions. One of her greatest joys was helping care for her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She enjoyed music, which included the clarinet in the high school band, and loved to play the piano. She also enjoyed sewing for her family, making everything from wedding dresses to quilts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Margaret (Ray) Hansen, Jean (Lowell) Thompson, Elaine (Lloyd) Warren, infant baby sister; brothers, Bud (Amy) Dorn, Bill Dorn, George (Rene) Dorn, John (JoAnn) Dorn; son-in-law, Terry Backer.

Survivors include her husband Raymond Simpson of rural Tekamah; children, Susan (David) LeGrand of Nebraska City, NE, Ann Simpson of Oakland, NE, Peggy (Jack) Hobbie of Nebraska City, Phil (June) Simpson of rural Tekamah; sister, Violet (J.D) Little of Marshfield, MO; sister-in-law, Wanda (Bill) Dorn of California; 13 Grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be held Sat., Feb. 13th at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Tekamah. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church.

Burial is in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with , ,

← Older posts

Newer posts →