Revival of Parental Rights Bill and School Funding Proposal
Proposed Changes in School Funding and Curriculum Policies
Republican state Sen. Dave Murman, chairman of the Legislature’s Education Committee, has reintroduced a parental rights bill aimed at giving parents more control over their children’s education. The bill, which failed to pass last year, would make it easier for parents to object to curriculum and remove controversial books from school libraries. At the same time, another proposal would change school funding to include private school tuition while prohibiting the state from interfering in private schools’ curriculum.
Nationwide Effort to Root Out Controversial Content
These bills are part of a broader nationwide effort by Republicans to root out controversial material such as Critical Race Theory and sexually explicit content from schools and libraries. Additionally, the focus is on dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
School Funding Bill with Education Savings Accounts
A $5 Billion Education Funding Measure
Republican Sen. Steve Erdman has proposed a school funding bill that would create a $5 billion education funding measure. The aim is to shift costs from local property taxes to the state’s general fund. Under this bill, each student in the state would have an education savings account. These funds could be used to support a student’s education at their local public school or to cover the cost of private school tuition or homeschooling.
Controversy Surrounding Private School Curriculum
Critics have raised concerns about a section of the bill that strictly forbids the state from altering the curriculum or beliefs of a private school. This provision has sparked debates over the level of oversight that should be maintained to ensure quality education.
Efforts to Integrate Religious Education and Public Schools
School Credit for Religious Classes
GOP State Sen. Loren Lippincott’s bill proposes to give school credit to public school students who attend religious classes outside of school hours. The aim is to help students develop a stronger sense of morality and reduce behavioral issues in schools. The credit program would be open to all religions, with the condition that it aligns with school policy and does not promote practices inconsistent with it.
Opposing Bills and Teacher Certification
Other bills presented before the committee on Monday did not intertwine religion with education. GOP Sen. Kathleen Kauth proposed a bill to make it easier for teachers certified in other states to teach in Nebraska. This proposal comes as the state faces a teacher shortage. Critics argue that the bill is too lenient, but it has received bipartisan support and was testified in favor of by Republican Gov. Jim Pillen.
These bills highlight the ongoing efforts of Republican senators in Nebraska to shape the state’s education system.