June 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 10:00 AM.

Staff:  David M Ludwig, Deb Hericks

Discussion:  Executive Director shared the most updated document as of June 11, 2018.  Six non-equalized ESUs.  LB 431 Erdmans cash reserve bill, bill did not go anywhere.  As we look at revenue shortfalls.  ESUs have been using cash reserves to make budget.  We need to keep in mind as we ask for "new money".  Do not revamp formula just so we pick a new set of winners/losers.  Look at new money or additional funds.  Learning Community dollars comes out of ESU 3 funds (they get 10% of ESU 3 portion of core services).  The Board reviewed their individuals evaluations.  Formula for Core Services:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hLXGoRDaXnxtcZ_aA34RuakLfA4wV7JKPMAkEGbsl0Y/edit?usp=sharing.  Senator Groene article, "Examining the Effectiveness of Education Funding":  http://www.nptelegraph.com/opinion/editorials/examining-the-effectiveness-of-education-funding/article_2dfc4934-6f6d-11e8-ad34-23df9616e93c.html.  No dialogs happening with Senators.  Discussions on budgeting for next year.  Discussions about changing the formula.  Formula seems to be working because valuation is increasing.  We need to find new funds.  We need to understand the formula before we discuss changing the formula.  Link to estimates on valuations:  http://www.revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/news_rel/Real_Property_Value_Percentage_Change_5-4-2018.pdf.  The Business Managers are currently working to align the new budget codes so we can align more closely to each other.  Hopefully this will help in the future define our stories.  Can we create a standard unified statements so that we are all talking the same?  We need to tread lightly on how we voice opinions in the future so that we don't cause Senators to look at other cuts (cash reserves, etc.)  Some of this work will happen under the 5 bold steps, value proposition, Creating our elevator speech.  Redoing Core Services might cause other issues at this time but need to continue to discuss and possibly work with NDe to align closer to the work of NDE.  Revising Rule 84 could be different definition from us than it would be for NDE.  Core Services doesn't really tell our story of what we currently do/support.  Look into ESU 3 and 6 foundations process they use and educate the rest of the ESUs.  Can schools district levee on the behalf of ESUs?  If they do this, needs to stay in contracted services category.  Joint Public Service Agency, (has to be within the levee authority) needs to be between 2 public entities and then you could bring outside stakeholders.  Concerns with the turnover of NDE.  Executive Director is working to get a meeting set with our Executive Committee and NDE Leaderhip Team.  NDE is in a stae of flux with the reorganization and the turnover.  There is a session at Admin Days on the restructure.  Discussion about the Redesign Process and the session with NDE.  Can we count on NDE for support, funding, etc.?  There have bee focus groups across the state regarding concenrs with NDE (using outside contact to help process VS using our ESU staff that closely work with the schools.  Keeps eyes and ear open if there are discussions happening at NDE/Legislature so that we can be proactive.  Suggest to come up with ideas before the discussions happen at any other level.  Share articles that Senators write.  

Discussion:  Meeting adjourned at 11:05 AM.