The Douglas County Board of Education is considering opting out of the new statewide homestead exemption. Leaders in Douglas County and across the state have voiced concerns that the new floating exemption limits funds available to local schools, presenting significant financial challenges for school systems.
Leaders believe that the cut in revenue to local schools not only jeopardizes funding for students and teachers, but it also takes away community control of local schools by shifting decision-making from local elected officials to the state.
School boards already have the authority to lower taxes by adjusting the millage rate, which the Douglas County Board of Education has done over the past nine consecutive years, saving taxpayers $18.8 million over that time period.
Additionally, Douglas County homeowners age 62 and older are currently exempt from paying school taxes and would continue to be exempt if the Board of Education votes to opt out of the new statewide homestead exemption.
Based on the district’s calculations, the Douglas County School System would have lost an estimated $23.6 million in cumulative revenue over the past six years if the statewide homestead exemption had been in place, with a projected $3.8 million in lost revenue for 2024 alone.
Superintendent Trent North and the Board of Education believe that having public discussions about opting out are necessary to maintain the standard of educational excellence and long-term fiscal viability.
Before making a final decision to opt out, the Douglas County Board of Education is soliciting community input. Three public hearings will take place at the DCSS Central Office located at 11490 Veterans Memorial Highway. The first hearing will take place on January 13, 2025, at 5:30 pm. The second hearing will take place on January 21, 2025 at 6:00 pm. A final hearing will be held on January 22, 2025 at 5:00 pm.