Education
Student debt relief scams on the rise. Here’s what borrowers need to know
Complaints about student debt relief scams are increasing as the date approaches for borrowers to restart payment on their student loans after more than a three-year pause. Consumer protection advocates say that the Biden administration’s student debt relief efforts, the subsequent halting of those policies by the courts, and the restart of student loan payments […]
Memorial Stadium renovation plans revealed: replace South Stadium and reduce capacity to mid-70,000 while enhancing fan experience
LINCOLN — Memorial Stadium, often described as the state’s “third-largest city” during football games, is headed for a $450-million modernization designed to enhance the fan experience. Planned improvements include chair-back seating replacing benches in the South, East and West Stadiums, enhanced restroom and concession areas, and improved access to upper portions of the structure, first […]
NU regent dismisses rumor that he is interested in top job at University of Nebraska
LINCOLN — The current chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Monday dismissed rumors that he was interested in applying to become NU’s next president. Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln said he won’t be a candidate, but will be heading up a search advisory committee that will provide input on qualities needed […]
Aurora Middle School math teacher is 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
AURORA, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Education announced Wednesday that an Aurora Middle School math teacher is the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. Scott Phillips, now in his 14th year of teaching in Aurora, has taught seventh grade math, pre-algebra and a math intervention program. He also coaches basketball, is an adjunct instructor at […]
UNL obtains collection of papers of Beatrice-born poet, writer, artist and musician
LINCOLN — During his life, Beatrice-born Weldon Kees ran with the hip crowd of writers, artists and musicians in New York City and San Fransisco. His own Beat-era poetry, writings and paintings won acclaim before he disappeared, amid a battle with depression, into the fog at the Golden Gate Bridge in July 1955. It was […]
SCC will not host NEGOP fundraiser amid push for trans bathroom, sports restrictions
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comments from the NEGOP. LINCOLN — A NEGOP fundraiser and roundtable discussion originally scheduled at Southeast Community College this week will instead be hosted Thursday at the NEGOP headquarters. A spokesperson for SCC confirmed Tuesday the event will not be held at any SCC location but has […]
Four Nebraska schools earn national praise for high learning standards
LINCOLN — The U.S. Department of Education is honoring four Nebraska schools as “National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023” based on exemplary high learning standards. The Nebraska Department of Education announced the recognition Tuesday for schools in Dodge, Gretna, Omaha and Pender. These schools are among the state’s highest performing, as measured by state assessments or […]
Pillen pushes school boards to slow spending to ease property taxes
LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen doubled down last week on his effort to curb higher spending by local school districts after the state invested in a tax shift meant to ease property tax bills. Pillen sent a letter Wednesday to every school board member in the state, the Governor’s Office confirmed. He repeated his […]
‘It ended up being racist’: Teacher describes resignation from Crete Public Schools
CRETE, Neb. — A letter written by Alexander Hamilton in 1779 urging Congress to allow slaves to become soldiers led this spring to the resignation of Crete High School’s only Native American instructor and discussions of racism. Nikki Menard, who taught honors English, led the Hamilton-focused lesson Jan. 16 by walking her junior class through how […]
Lincoln school superintendent acknowledges an allegation he made against former employer was false
LINCOLN — Lincoln’s new superintendent filed a lawsuit against his former employer that made an allegation that has since proven false, he acknowledged in a court filing last week. Paul Gausman, whom Lincoln Public Schools hired from Iowa’s Sioux City Community Schools in 2022, sued the Iowa district this January, alleging violations of open meetings […]
‘Our kids are in their hands’: Legislature dissects OPS schools’ special education vacancies
LINCOLN — About one week before school started this fall, Omaha Public Schools informed Kelsey Escobar her child would need to change schools to continue his individualized special education. She could choose among a dozen different sites. Escobar said her son transferred into one of those sites, but the afternoon school bus that was arranged to […]
Pillen urges school superintendents to pass along new state funds as tax relief
LINCOLN — A tug of war is underway between local school officials and Gov. Jim Pillen on how the $300 million a year in extra funds for K-12 schools should be used. In an unusual move, Pillen jumped on a Zoom call Sept. 1 with Nebraska school superintendents to urge them to utilize 97% of […]