OPS proposes 8.2-cent levy increase after aid shortfall

Why OPS says it needs more revenue

Omaha Public Schools has presented a 2026-2027 budget that would raise its property-tax levy by 8.2 cents and draw nearly from district reserves. The district says it will receive less in state aid for the upcoming year.

Chief Financial Officer Shane Rhian tied that reduction to two funding problems. OPS learned in November that the Nebraska Department of Education had incorrectly calculated how much state money the district was supposed to receive.

When the state corrected the calculation, Rhian said, the district faced a shortfall compared with the previous year. He also said OPS is receiving approximately less in state funding this year.

What happens next

OPS says the levy increase would help offset the lost state funding, while the reserve withdrawal would cover nearly of the budget gap. The proposal would increase the district’s property-tax levy, prompting concern from residents about a higher property-tax burden on homeowners.

Doug Kagan of Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom said an owner of a house would pay more than in property taxes.

The Omaha Public Schools board is scheduled to vote on the budget Sept. 21. That vote will decide whether the levy increase and reserve withdrawal are adopted as part of the 2026-2027 budget.