Voter Decisions on Nebraska School Bonds in 2025: A Mixed Outcome
In 2025, Nebraska experienced a notable trend in school bond elections, with more than half of the 28 proposals receiving voter approval, as reported by the Nebraska Secretary of State.
Tri County Public Schools underwent two bond elections within the year. Initially, in May, the proposal was rejected when 500 voters opposed it compared to 464 in favor. However, a subsequent attempt in December succeeded narrowly, garnering 491 votes for and 463 against.
The bond, valued at nearly $27 million, focuses on essential upgrades, including safety enhancements at school entrances, expansions for career and technical education, new preschool and music classrooms, ADA compliance updates, and a new gymnasium.
Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus, who is guiding the district for the first time, emphasized the extensive efforts made by district leaders to communicate the bond’s details through social media, open houses, and public meetings. “It was a rewarding experience,” he stated. “It reinforced the notion that the people in the community supported the efforts that the board had put into this, and that the changes that were made between the spring and the fall were seen as worthwhile changes, and that we had communicated our expectations and our reasons for the bond effectively.”
In contrast, three rural school districts faced setbacks in August when all their bond measures failed in special elections. McCook Public Schools’ $42 million proposal, aimed at addressing structural issues and safety improvements, was among those rejected (source).
Post-election, McCook Superintendent Grant Norgaard acknowledged the need for repairs despite the bond’s failure, stating, “All buildings have a limited lifespan, so at some point, something’s going to need to be done.” He emphasized ongoing investments in maintaining existing facilities to provide optimal learning environments.
School bonds with a focus on safety upgrades were a common theme in 2025. Districts like Pierce County School District, Millard Public Schools, and Logan View Public Schools also sought voter approval for similar improvements.
Nicole Hardwick, who analyzed school bond elections in her doctoral research, noted fluctuations in bond approval rates over the years. From 2018 to 2022, approval chances were higher, with 90% succeeding in 2019. However, by 2023, only about 30% of bonds passed out of 23 proposals.
The Secretary of State’s office continues to monitor bonds voted on during special elections, while Hardwick maintains her research through school board minutes, media reports, and county websites. She collaborates with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators to track these elections.
Reflecting on the Tri County elections, Rottinghaus shared his insights from previous roles and mentioned legislative factors influencing bond outcomes. He highlighted restrictions on special election timing in even-numbered years (source), suggesting potential impacts on market dynamics and pricing.
Rottinghaus also pointed out the challenges rural schools face in bond approvals due to an unstable agricultural economy. He praised Tri County Public Schools Board members, who are closely linked to agriculture, for their support. “It was really just kind of a visionary attempt by them to see that this is something that is good for our communities, good for our kids, good for our school systems – [despite] of if they or their own kids would benefit from it,” he expressed, noting the inspirational nature of their commitment.
