May 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

• Step 1: Identify Low Income Students
  • The state calculates low income students using federal income tax data for children in households at or below poverty thresholds, adjusted to the district’s student population.
• Step 2: Identify Free Lunch Students
  • Districts report free lunch eligible students using fall data, including adjustments for Community Eligibility Provision participation.
• Step 3: Select the Higher Count
  • The formula uses the greater of: low income students OR free lunch students
  • This becomes the district’s initial poverty count.
• Step 4: Apply Growth Adjustment
  • If the current poverty count exceeds the three year average, the increase is added to recognize recent growth in student need.
• Step 5: Calculate Poverty Percentage
  • The adjusted poverty count is divided by total formula students to determine the district’s poverty percentage.
• Step 6: Apply Tiered Weights
  • The poverty percentage is applied across tiered ranges, with increasing weights assigned as poverty concentration rises.
• Step 7: Apply District Cap
  • The calculated poverty allowance is limited by a district-specific maximum to control overall impact.
• Step 8: Add to Formula Needs
  • The final poverty allowance is added to the district’s total formula needs, which may influence state aid depending on the full TEEOSA calculation.
• Summary
  • Poverty funding is determined by selecting the highest poverty measure, adjusting for recent growth, applying a weighted tier system based on concentration, and incorporating the result into overall formula need.

• The mandatory sit out time was reduced from 180 days to 120 days for a valid retirement separation.
• During the 120-day separation period no work of any kind is allowed with a public school employer. You can work 0 days in any capacity during the 120 separation period, including voluntary work.
• You may not have a Pre-arranged return-to-work agreement.

• MPS has signed an MOU with UNMC for the creating of a nursing pathway. 
• Key partners with establishing this opportunity for our students include: UNMC, Community Hospital, and Mid Plains Community College
• The next steps will involve marketing the program to students and enrolling those that are interested in earning that BSN. 

• The Governor appointed Nebraska School Financing Review Commission met in April to present information collected from extensive research conducted during Phase I of its work. During the meeting, two critically important presentations were delivered.
• The first presentation was given by the Needs Committee, a group focused on evaluating the “needs” portion of the TEEOSA state aid formula. During this presentation, committee members explained the major components of the formula, including a detailed review of how poverty allocations are determined through tiered percentage ranges applied to district poverty concentrations. The committee also described the historical rationale behind key elements of the formula and how those components were originally designed to address varying student needs across districts.
• This committee has been focused on identifying ways the formula can be refined to improve both effectiveness and economic efficiency, particularly in how student need is measured and funded.
• The Spending Committee followed the Needs Committee. This committee focused on examining property tax collections, state funding support for schools, and overall spending practices across Nebraska school districts. Their analysis found that Nebraska has taken measurable steps to reduce reliance on property taxes by increasing the state’s share of school funding from approximately 38% in 2019–2020 to about 53% in 2024–2025, while the local share has decreased from about 56% to 38%.
• The committee also concluded that school spending across Nebraska has generally remained aligned with inflationary trends, suggesting that increases in expenditures are largely driven by rising costs rather than excessive growth in spending.

• The Draft 2026-2027 Student handbooks have been attached in PDF form. Please review these handbooks prior to the June board meeting. If you find any issues with the books as you do your review, please reach out to the building principals responsible for the handbook. 
• Please note, updates to the handbooks are highlighted in yellow. 

5.3. Monthly Business Manager Board of Education Report

April 2026 for May 2026 Board Meeting

Monthly Lunch #’s =   15,000 meals served

Financial #’s = After 66% of fiscal year = General Fund YTD Revenue is 70% YTD Expense is 67%

All Funds YTD Revenue is 69%, YTD Expenses is 67%

Facilities - Updates

• Work in the junior high gym is continuing.

  • Removal of old bleachers is complete

  • Basketball goal and support repair is in progress

  • Gym floor sanding and repaint/seal is in progress

Projects In Progress

• Junior High HVAC Front End:

  • Installation of the new Honeywell front-end system for air handlers is complete.

  • Need new coils valves for each classroom to complete the system

Upcoming Projects & Infrastructure

• Elementary School: Scheduled 1st grade classroom update for May.

• Roofing Projects:

  • Junior High: 

  • Central: New gutter system 

• Senior High Steps: Replacement of steps by Science rooms 

• JH “Mid Building” drinking fountains.  

Summer Improvements

• Junior High Gym : Discussion of bleachers (bid approved previously), floor (Jim Pratt), wall mats (ordered), and painting (primetime Painting).

• Central Gym : Wall mats (ordered) and painting (Primetime Painting).

• Senior High Main Hallway: Renovations including drywall, ceiling grid/tile, carpet/base, lighting , and paint/Tape/Mud.

Current Financial Projects

• None.

Federal/state Reports filed in April:

• Non-Public Federal Programs with Boundaries
• Title I Non-Public Consultation
• SEBT Summer Data