Neligh-Oakdale Invites Public To Four Open House Events

The public is invited to four open house events at Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools to tour the facility and ask questions about the upcoming bond.

The open houses will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 7; Monday, October 13; Wednesday, October 22; and Monday, October 27.

Estimated Bond Cost Breakdown
Fire Marshal Order/ Plan of Correction - East Ward
Fire Marshal Order/Plan of Correction - West Ward

According to superintendent Kimberly Lingenfelter, the open houses will give stakeholders an opportunity to see the areas ordered to be corrected by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office and to ask questions.

"These are open house events not public forums," Lingenfelter said. "There will be board members available to answer questions and have conversations with the public. It will not have a structured question and answer time, like our previous public forums. Hopefully, those who did not attend past meetings will feel more comfortable asking their questions in this format."

Lingenfelter said the dates of open houses will be publicly posted throughout Neligh and Oakdale, along with information on what the bond entails. 

"We have a breakdown of the estimated costs by project and what is included, from drywall to paint. That data was shared on the school website and was provided to our local media in August," Lingenfelter said. "We encourage everyone to look at the details and bring their questions to these events for accurate answers."

Lingenfelter added, "And if district stakeholders do not have access to that information, they are always welcome to stop at the school to view it here."

Lingenfelter said at least one board member will be at every event with some dates possibly having all six board members present. 

"Our board members put in a lot of time with this volunteer position, and there may be conflicts in their schedules to attend every open house. However, we are still publicly posting the open houses," she said. "There will definitely be people present to answer questions and clarify information."

On August 26, the Board of Education voted to put a $6.995 million bond on the Nov. 4 ballot. At 15 years, the bond would cost 11.5 cents per $100 in assessed valuation. For example, a home valued at $100,000 would result in $115 per year for the bond or $9.59 per month. For a $50,000 home it would be $57.50 per year or $4.79 per month. 

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