Papillion-La Vista Board of Education Standing Positions on the Learning Community
At the June 14^th meeting of the Board of Education the Papillion-La Vista Board of Education adopted 12 standing positions on the Learning Community (LC).  These positions will be reflected in the operation of the PLSD and the PLSD interaction with other school districts, agencies and entities.  The positions will assist in shaping legislative strategies.

1. Local boards of education are accountable to their community for making decisions regarding the educational program and are in the best position to make decisions on curriculum, management and funding.
2. There is inherent value in cooperative and collaborative approaches to identify and implement best instructional strategies and formats that meet the needs of all learners. The Papillion-La Vista Schools will share our knowledge and skill bases with other districts and will pursue joint educational programming that efficiently and effectively provide increased and improved learning for students and staff.  Rationale: Inter-local and Cooperative agreements have worked between and among districts to effectively meet this goal.
3. The Papillion-La Vista Schools supports legislation that replaces the current governance structure of the Learning Community with locally elected school boards and superintendents working together. Rationale: Locally elected school boards are in the best position to make decisions on tax levies, elementary learning centers, diversity plans, focus schools, and open enrollment.
4. The Papillion-La Vista Schools supports the independence of established Class III school districts.
5. The authority to levy for the general fund should remain with locally elected school boards. Rationale: Locally elected boards are in the position to make decisions on levies and taxes.
6. ESU Local Initiative Funds should be restored to previous levels rather than be diverted for Learning Community Governance expenses. Rationale: School districts should not have to reduce programs and staff to support the governance of the Learning Community Coordinating Council.
7. Locally elected school boards should have the ultimate authority to approve diversity and poverty plans. Rationale: Locally elected boards are more responsive to local needs.
8. State aid decisions should not be reconsidered after the February 1^st certification date. Rationale: School districts need time in order to make proper plans for funding school systems. The rules for state aid should not change after districts have established their budgets and levies.
9. State funding should be sufficient to keep teacher’s salaries regionally competitive.
10. State and local taxpayers share the responsibility for the Pre-K through 12^th grade educational program. The funding should reflect an equitable distribution for state revenue.
11. Federal and state governments should never impose un-funded mandates.
12. Financial decisions on lids and levies are best made at a local level where elected officials are most accountable to the community.