Education Committee
January 27, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Dave Murman | Bills Heard: 6 | Full Transcript (PDF)
Gubernatorial Appointment: Connie Edmond - State College System Board of Trustees
Introduced by: Sen. Gubernatorial Appointment | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Connie Edmond nominated to State Colleges Board of Trustees. The Peru State College alumna and tax professional brings 35+ years of financial expertise and deep commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students. Why it matters: With over 40% of state college students Pell-eligible, Edmond's focus on affordability, retention, and strategic planning aligns with the system's mission to provide accessible education. Her financial background is crucial as the system addresses deferred maintenance and fiscal sustainability. What they're saying: Chancellor Paul Turman praised her engagement and hard questions about metrics and student support. Sen. Hughes highlighted her data-driven approach and encouraged leveraging existing tracking systems. What's next: No vote was taken during the hearing; the committee indicated it would forward her nomination to the floor.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Conrad, Sen. Hughes, Sen. Meyer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Gubernatorial Appointment: Robert B. Engles - State College System Board of Trustees (Reappointment)
Introduced by: Sen. Gubernatorial Appointment | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Robert Engles reappointed as State Colleges Board Chair after 14 years of service. The Auburn real estate broker emphasized the system's efficient operations and success retaining graduates in Nebraska. Why it matters: State colleges serve 42% Pell-eligible students and many first-generation learners. Engles' continued leadership ensures focus on affordability and accessibility during a period of declining state support for higher education. What they're saying: Engles noted the system educates students for ~$14,000/year and many graduates stay in Nebraska, particularly in rural regions. Sen. Conrad raised concerns about state funding trends and their impact on recruitment and retention. Engles suggested a recruiting center in south Omaha could help reach underserved populations. What's next: No vote was taken during the hearing; the committee indicated it would forward his reappointment to the floor.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Juarez, Sen. Lonowski, Sen. Conrad
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB378: Foreign Accountability and College Transparency in Sourcing (FACTS) Act
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Andersen | Testimony: 3 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB378 would require Nebraska colleges to report quarterly on foreign funding above $50. The bill aims to increase transparency about foreign government influence in higher education, citing concerns about China's documented use of U.S. universities for espionage and intellectual property theft. Why it matters: The Legislature funds higher education to the tune of $800M+ annually and has a duty to oversee these institutions. Federal reporting requirements are often ignored, with some estimates suggesting 200+ universities withheld $13 billion in foreign contributions. What they're saying: Proponents argue transparency is essential without restricting legitimate partnerships. State Shield's John Murante noted the bill doesn't prevent universities from accepting foreign funds. Opponents, including the University of Nebraska System, worry about duplicative federal-state reporting, an extremely low $50 threshold capturing minor transactions, and substantial administrative burden. Sen. Conrad raised concerns about compliance with Nebraska's Exon case and whether existing public records law already provides needed transparency. By the numbers: Federal law requires reporting at $250,000 threshold biannually; LB378 proposes $50 threshold quarterly. What's next: No vote was taken. Committee members indicated openness to working with Sen. Andersen on amendments addressing threshold, frequency, and scope concerns.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Meyer, Sen. Lonowski Skeptical: Sen. Conrad
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB282: Teacher School Supply Reimbursement
Introduced by: Sen. Jason Prokop | Testimony: 6 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB282 would reimburse teachers up to $300 annually for classroom supplies. Teachers across Nebraska spend an average of $860 per year out of pocket on materials, and the bill aims to acknowledge this financial burden and support retention. Why it matters: Teacher shortage is acute in Nebraska. Reimbursement improves morale and job satisfaction, signaling state support for educators. It's particularly important for special education teachers who purchase specialized materials and for schools in districts with limited funding. What they're saying: Teachers testified they spend $1,000+ annually on pencils, markers, tissues, decorations, and even clothing and toiletries for students in need. Mindy Diller (NSEA) noted she spends close to $1,000/year for 300 students. Kyle McGowan (school administrators) praised recognition of teacher efforts. Sen. Juarez asked whether reimbursement should coordinate with existing district stipends to avoid duplication. By the numbers: 33 online proponents, 2 opponents, 1 neutral. What's next: No vote was taken. Committee indicated openness to the bill; Sen. Prokop did not provide closing remarks.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Sanders, Sen. Hughes, Sen. Lonowski, Sen. Meyer, Sen. Juarez, Sen. Conrad
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB352: Student Discipline Data Reporting and Transparency
Introduced by: Sen. Beau Ballard | Testimony: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB352 would enforce LB154 (2021) by requiring NDE to collect and publicly report student discipline data. The 2021 law passed 46-0 but has not been implemented. LB352 clarifies requirements and adds $40,000 one-time funding for searchable database. Why it matters: Without data, the Legislature cannot make informed policy decisions. Federal data has gaps and is outdated. Searchable state data would reveal disparate impact on students of color and students with disabilities, and help identify whether discipline practices are effective or feeding school-to-prison pipeline. What they're saying: Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda (Education Rights Counsel) testified that Omaha Public Schools reports zero seclusions despite the practice occurring. She described seclusion as involuntary separation in spaces sometimes made of plywood or storage closets. Katie Nungesser (Voices for Children) cited 2017-2018 data showing 251 school-based arrests and 1,593 law enforcement referrals, with 26-29% involving students with disabilities. Sen. Juarez expressed alarm at testimony and asked how committee will act on concerning information. By the numbers: 2017-2018: 251 school-based arrests (29% students with disabilities), 1,593 law enforcement referrals (26% students with disabilities). What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Ballard indicated willingness to work with school administrators and boards to clarify language.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Conrad, Sen. Lonowski, Sen. Meyer, Sen. Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB300: Superintendent Compensation Cap
Introduced by: Sen. Dave Murman | Testimony: 0 proponents, 4 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB300 would cap superintendent pay at five times a first-year teacher's salary. Sen. Murman argues some Nebraska superintendents are overcompensated compared to national peers and that limiting administrative pay would direct more funds to classrooms. Why it matters: Teacher shortage is acute in Nebraska. If administrative costs can be controlled, more education dollars could go to classroom teachers and recruitment/retention efforts. However, local school boards argue they need flexibility to attract qualified leaders. What they're saying: Murman cited examples: LPS superintendent made $333,720 for 42,000 students vs. Chicago superintendent made $360,000 for 325,000 students. Opponents argue the cap violates local control and could hinder recruitment. Jeremy Shuey (NASB) noted rural districts use financial compensation to compete with urban amenities. Dr. Shabonna Holman (OPS) cited New Jersey's failed attempt at similar cap. Tim Royers (NSEA) argued the bill doesn't meaningfully improve teacher pay—redirected superintendent compensation would amount to only $2.70/month per teacher. By the numbers: 8 online proponents, 6 opponents, 1 neutral. Bill passed committee 6-2 or 6-1-1 last year (exact vote unclear). What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Murman indicated willingness to work with committee on implementation details.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Lonowski, Sen. Conrad Skeptical: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Meyer Opposed: Sen. Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The Education Committee held a full day of hearings on January 27, 2025. The session began with two gubernatorial appointments to the State College System Board of Trustees (Connie Edmond and Robert Engles), followed by four bills: LB378 (foreign funding transparency), LB282 (teacher supply reimbursement), LB352 (student discipline data), and LB300 (superintendent compensation cap). A 10-minute break was taken between LB282 and LB352. Committee Chair Murman introduced himself and the committee members (Sens. Sanders, Conrad, Hughes, Meyer, Lonowski, and Juarez) at the beginning of the hearing. Staff included research analyst Jack Spray and clerk Diane Johnson. Pages were Ruby Kinzie (UNL junior, political science), Jessica Vihstadt (UNL sophomore, political science and criminal justice), and Sydney Cochran (UNL freshman, business administration and U.S. history).
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.