Dear Norris School District 160 Community, 

The Norris Board of Education is committed to transparency, open communication, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Community members are encouraged to share feedback, ideas, and potential solutions with Board members and district administration throughout the year, not solely during regularly scheduled Board meetings. 

In accordance with the purpose of public school board meetings in Nebraska, Board meetings serve as official business meetings where Board members receive information, discuss district matters, deliberate on agenda items, and take action on issues affecting the school district. The Board values community input and remains committed to fostering productive conversations that support the success of our students, staff, and community. 

Following the unsuccessful bond election on May 12, 2026, the Norris Board of Education has begun discussing potential funding strategies to address the district’s identified critical facility and infrastructure needs through a phased and fiscally responsible approach. During the June Board of Education meeting, Board members reviewed several options that could help the district address both immediate and long-term needs. These discussions included the possibility of adjusting the district’s property tax levy to offset approximately $1.2 million in reduced state aid while establishing a sustainable replacement schedule for aging facilities and infrastructure. 

Priority projects discussed by the Board included replacing HVAC systems at the high school and elementary school, replacing roofs at both buildings, renovating high school restrooms to improve accessibility and exceed ADA requirements, and expanding parking capacity near the high school to enhance safety and accommodate campus needs. No final decisions have been made, and the Board will continue to evaluate funding options, project priorities, and community feedback as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and effective learning environments for students and staff.  

There has been significant discussion on social media regarding the district’s plans to budget for and address identified facility and infrastructure needs. To help provide accurate information and clarity, the district has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for the Norris community. The information below is intended to be informational and to support a transparent understanding of the Board of Education’s ongoing discussions and planning efforts. Community members are encouraged to reach out with additional questions, comments, or ideas.

Sincerely,

​Dr. Derrick Joel, Norris Superintendent

On behalf of the Norris School District 160 Board of Education

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for the  Norris Community

The questions below reflect topics raised through previous community engagement opportunities and recent public comments made during Board of Education meetings. The Norris Board of Education recognizes that many of these issues are complex and may not have simple answers. The information provided below is intended to offer additional context, clarify common questions, and help community members better understand the district’s decisions and planning processes. 

For further information or to schedule a meeting, please contact Dr. Derrick Joel, Superintendent, at derrick.joel@nsdtitans.org. The district values community engagement and welcomes opportunities for constructive dialogue. 

What does the additional 6% growth authority mean for local taxpayers?  

• As the Norris School District prepares its upcoming budget and closes out the current fiscal year, the Board of Education approved an additional 6% growth authority allowed under Nebraska law. This authority serves as a financial safeguard for the district and does not automatically result in increased taxes. 
• For the past two years, the Board approved the same authority but did not use it. At the June 2026 Board Meeting, the Board approved the authority so the district maintains flexibility in future years as school funding continues to change. 
• The additional 6% growth authority would provide Norris with access to up to $1.7 million in additional revenue authority if needed in future years. Approval simply preserves this option; it does not require the district to utilize it. 
• The primary reason for approving the additional authority is to preserve flexibility in an uncertain funding environment. 
  • State funding remains uncertain. Norris is currently projected to lose approximately $1,200,000 in state aid due to changes in Nebraska's school funding formula.
  • Unused authority can be lost over time. By approving the additional authority, the district protects its ability to access future growth if needed.
  • Major facility and equipment needs continue to grow. Future expenses may include building repairs, HVAC replacement, transportation needs, safety improvements, and other capital investments.
  • Long-term planning is difficult. School funding and legislative decisions can change significantly within a few years, making it important to preserve every available financial tool.
• Approving the additional 6% growth authority is a proactive financial planning measure that protects Norris's future options without committing the district to higher taxes or additional spending today. 

Why can’t Norris School District fund critical needs projects by making cuts?

• This is a fair question and one that the Norris Board of Education and administration evaluate every year during the budget process. The reality is that more than 80% of the district's General Fund budget is dedicated to personnel costs, including teachers, paraeducators, administrators, transportation staff, custodians, and other support staff who directly serve students every day. Education is a people-centered service, and staffing is the primary resource required to provide instruction, safety, transportation, activities, and student support. 
• Norris School District has historically operated efficiently and maintains one of the lower per-student expenditures among Nebraska school districts. Current spending is approximately $13,352 per student, compared to the Nebraska state average of approximately $15,899 per student. This reflects the district's long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. 
• While the district continuously reviews expenditures and seeks efficiencies, many of the costs outside of staffing are essential operating expenses that continue to increase due to inflation and market conditions. These include: 
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Utilities and energy costs
  • Transportation fuel and vehicle maintenance
  • Educational technology and cybersecurity requirements
  • Property and liability insurance
  • Special education services and compliance requirements
  • Building maintenance, repairs, and safety systems
  • Contracted services and instructional materials
• Because personnel costs make up such a significant portion of the budget, substantial budget reductions would ultimately require reductions in staffing levels, programs, services, or opportunities provided to students. Those decisions would directly impact class sizes, student support services, transportation, facility improvements and other programs valued by our community. 
• The district's goal is to balance fiscal responsibility while maintaining the high-quality educational experience that Norris families expect. As enrollment, inflationary pressures, and operational costs continue to evolve, the Board of Education and administration remain committed to identifying efficiencies while protecting the core educational services that support student success. 
• Norris will continue to evaluate all expenditures, prioritize needs over wants, and make decisions that are in the best interest of both students and taxpayers. 

Is Norris School District decreasing in student enrollment? 

• During the 2023-24 school year, Norris School District partnered with RSP & Associates to conduct a comprehensive enrollment analysis to better understand current and future student enrollment trends (click here to review the report). Key findings include:
  • Lancaster County has experienced a decline in live births, which could result in smaller kindergarten classes in the future. Maintaining current enrollment levels will depend, in part, on the percentage of Lancaster County families who choose Norris School District for their children's education. RSP recommends continued monitoring of birth rates and enrollment patterns to better understand long-term demographic trends.
  • The district is currently graduating larger senior classes than the number of students entering kindergarten each year. This creates a natural enrollment decline as more students leave the district than enter.
  • Open enrollment trends remain an important factor in the district's overall enrollment outlook. Changes to state open enrollment policies could impact future enrollment patterns. It is important to note that the RSP study focused on resident (in-district) students and did not include students attending Norris through the option enrollment process.
• As a result of these enrollment trends, Norris School District has proactively adjusted staffing levels. With fewer students entering the elementary grades, the district has reduced the number of classroom sections in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade from nine sections to eight sections. This adjustment was accomplished through attrition by not replacing certified staff positions when vacancies occurred, allowing the district to align staffing with enrollment while maintaining educational programming and fiscal responsibility. 
• In summary, Norris School District is not experiencing a significant loss of students. Rather, the district is transitioning from historically larger graduating classes to smaller incoming classes, reflecting broader demographic trends across Lancaster County. 
• As enrollment patterns shift, the district continues to align staffing and resources responsibly while maintaining high-quality educational opportunities for students.The district's most pressing facility needs are not driven by enrollment growth, but by the need to replace aging infrastructure and equipment. These critical needs include maintaining safe and secure learning environments, replacing outdated mechanical systems, and ensuring facilities remain climate-controlled, functional, and conducive to student learning for years to come.  

Why did Norris see an increase in the number of staff during the 2022-2023 school year? 

• At the June Board of Education meeting, a stakeholder shared information that appeared to show a significant increase in Norris School District staffing during the 2023–2024 school year. However, this increase is largely the result of a change in state reporting requirements rather than a substantial increase in district employees. 
• Beginning with the 2022–2023 school year, the district was required to include substitute teachers and community coaches/sponsors in the staff data reported to the State of Nebraska. Prior to this change, these individuals were not included in the reported staffing totals. 
• As a result, the reported staff numbers increased, but the district did not experience a corresponding significant increase in full-time staffing. The change primarily reflects updated state reporting requirements rather than growth in the district's workforce. 

Why did the Norris Board of Education approve the construction of the Titan Activity Complex (addition of four tennis courts and a baseball field)?

• The Norris Board of Education approved the construction of the Titan Activity Complex to make a long-term investment in student safety, student well-being, and the overall educational experience. For many years, the district has discussed bringing baseball and tennis facilities onto the Norris campus. With the district in a strong financial position and able to finance the project through a seven-year lease purchase without increasing local taxes, the Board determined it was the right time to move forward. 
• Previously, approximately 100 Norris student-athletes traveled off campus for baseball and tennis practices and competitions. This travel required students to spend additional time on the road, reduced available instructional time, and created transportation and safety concerns. By relocating these activities to campus, students spend less time traveling and more time learning, practicing, and participating in school life. 
• The Titan Activity Complex supports several important goals. First and foremost, it enhances student safety by eliminating routine travel to off-site practice and competition locations. Second, it allows coaches and student-athletes to maximize practice opportunities while reducing time away from the classroom or early morning travel demands. Third, it enriches the overall student experience by creating true home venues where students, families, and community members can gather to support Norris activities. 
• The benefits of these facilities extend beyond athletics. The tennis courts and baseball field can also be utilized for physical education classes and other school activities, expanding educational opportunities for all students. In addition, the district intends for the facilities to be available for appropriate community use, further strengthening connections between the school and the communities it serves.
• The district funded the primary construction costs of the project, while additional community support helped provide amenities such as a future crow’s nest and concession stand, restrooms, and tennis windscreens. Together, these improvements create a safe, functional, and welcoming environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, families, and visitors.  
• Ultimately, the Titan Activity Complex represents an investment in students, not only by improving athletic facilities but also by prioritizing safety, preserving instructional time, enhancing school pride, and creating opportunities that will benefit the Norris community for years to come. 

How many opportunities were there for Norris stakeholders to engage with the school district over the past school year?

• Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, the Norris Board of Education and administration were committed to maintaining an open, transparent, and collaborative decision-making process by providing numerous opportunities for stakeholder engagement and public input. 
• To support informed discussions regarding the district’s finances and future facility needs, Norris hosted two public budget workshops where community members could learn about the budgeting process and understand the district’s financial priorities. The Board also conducted multiple public workshops during the selection process for both the architect and the Construction Manager at Risk, ensuring that key decisions regarding potential facility projects were made in an open forum. 
• As planning for the proposed bond issue progressed, the district intentionally sought community feedback through a variety of engagement opportunities. Three Community Steering Committee meetings brought together stakeholders to review information, discuss priorities, and provide recommendations. In addition, Norris hosted a public open house dedicated to the bond proposal and conducted four community town hall meetings, giving residents multiple opportunities to ask questions, express concerns, and receive information directly from district leadership. 
• Beyond in-person events, the district prioritized ongoing communication through digital platforms. The Norris website was regularly updated with relevant documents, presentations, and project information, while a dedicated bond information webpage allowed stakeholders to access resources and submit questions directly to the district for timely responses. 
• The district’s commitment to engagement extended beyond facilities and finance. In May, Norris convened its annual Strategic Overview Committee, bringing together stakeholders to review district progress, evaluate student success initiatives, and assess performance toward district and building-level goals. 
• Collectively, these meetings, workshops, committees, open forums, and online resources demonstrate the district’s sustained effort to provide meaningful opportunities for stakeholder participation. By offering multiple avenues for feedback and maintaining transparent communication throughout the year, the Norris Board of Education ensured that community voices could inform important decisions affecting the future of the district. 

How would a community stakeholder schedule a meeting with the Board President and Superintendent? 

• The Norris Board of Education and district leadership are committed to maintaining open communication and fostering meaningful dialogue with our community. Board President Jim Devine and Superintendent Dr. Derrick Joel invite community members, either individually or in small groups, to schedule a one-on-one conversation to discuss any questions, ideas, or concerns related to the Norris School District. 
• These meetings will not follow a formal agenda. Instead, they are intended to provide an open question-and-answer format where stakeholders can share their perspectives, ask questions, and engage in productive conversation with district leadership. 
• We value the voices of our community and encourage anyone interested to take advantage of this opportunity to connect directly with us. Through honest dialogue and transparency, we can continue working together to support the success of our students, staff, and schools. 
• CLICK HERE to view the open time slots available with a 45 minute window. Days available are Monday July 20th, Tuesday July 21, Thursday July 23, Tuesday August 4th and Thursday August 6th. Depending upon the response rate, more times may become available. 
• You can always reach out directly to President Devine, jim.devine@nsdtitans.org, or Dr. Joel, derrick.joel@nsdtitans.org.