Board borrows about $4.4 million for buildings without a public vote

What happened

In September 2025 the board approved up to $2 million in limited tax obligation bonds for building safety, accessibility and mold work. In December 2025 it created a district leasing corporation to borrow up to $3 million more through a lease purchase. Both passed 5-1, with Dennis Derner voting no. The 2026-27 budget shows $1.97 million received from the 10-year capital fund and $2.455 million from the 7-year lease.

Why it matters to families

Repayments of about $245,000 and $414,000 a year will come from property taxes for the next 7 to 10 years in a district of about 130 students. Nebraska lets boards use these tools without an election, so voters did not approve the borrowing.

The evidence

September 8, 2025 minutes: resolution "authorizing the issuance by the District if its Limited Tax Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, in a principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000" (Derner - nay). December 8, 2025 minutes: lease purchase financings "in an aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $3,000,000" ("Motion carried 5-1"). September 14, 2026 budget hearing agenda: "Lease Purchase (7 years) - $2,455,000 received ... Annual payment averages $414,000 / QCPUF (10 years) - $1,974,563 received / Annual payment averages $245,000."

The source