Stephanie Effken

    Some schools have gained, some have lost, but one thing is for sure, there will be changes for the 2008-09 school year.
     On Feb. 1, the Nebraska Department of Education released its annual state aid to schools report. At that time, local superintendents said the possibility of a major state budget shortfall could cause the numbers to change before the legislative sessions were out.
     And they were right.
     The final numbers have been set and look similar to those released in February.
     Seward Public Schools will lose $318,046, making their state aid $1,615,811 for the 2008-09 school year.
     "I don't know if it will change [the budget] much," Seward Public School Superintendent Greg Barnes said.
     In February, Barnes said the state aid cut was expected since enrollment went down and the valuation went up.
     The cut will, however, leave little money to allocate into the special buildings fund, he said, which would go toward the parking lot, track, roof, sidewalks, etc.
     "There are always things that need to be done," Barnes said.
     Seward is not the only school district losing out.
     For the 2007-08 school year, Centennial received only $161 in state aid. And after being on the losing end since the 2004-05 school year, Centennial will receive nothing for this coming school year.
     Things for Milford and Malcolm, however, are in the black, as each will see an increase in state aid this year.
     Milford will receive a $298,055 increase for next year giving the district $2,225,518.
     "It will help cover added expenses," Milford Superintendent Kevin Wingard said.
     "Fuel prices have had an extraordinary effect on activity buses, field trip buses, and bus route mileage."
     Also, Wingard said, the lunch prices and supplies have gone up due to fuel expenses.
     Malcolm, after losing money the past two school years, will receive a $393,120 increase, making its state aid $1,546,836 for the 2008-09 school year.
     In February, Malcolm Superintendent Gene Neddenriep said the increase won't affect Malcolm's budget because the district's enrollment increased 21 students from last year.
     With the new state aid formula, local superintendents are hoping to see more state aid in the coming years.
     Wingard said he hopes Milford will receive allowances based on the small class sizes. Student numbers are stable, if not increasing, and pupil expenditures are low, he said, hopefully allowing for some consistency in future state aids.
     "I hope the new formula will stop the ups and downs and offer more consistency," Barnes said.