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Newswatch seven's Alexander Stone is live with details. Julie Rob, We told you about that surplus and funds back in November. The amount in reserves actually exceeded what's allowed per policy. At the time, board members pointed out the many needs across the district and wondered why so much money was sitting unused. The Omaha Public School Board approves a plan to spend $37 million as the district sees a surplus in its rainy day fund. These investments are needed and will make a difference. The largest line items include $8.4 million for security upgrades and 6.5 million for technology and classrooms. Additional dollars will go to other classroom materials, purchase of new school buses and building maintenance. That's really important that everyone understood what the investments are four and how they will move the district forward. The surplus situation has raised questions. According to O. P s state statutes, that's allowable reserves at 20% of the prior years, general fund expenses. In the last fiscal year, O. P s reserves were at more than 27%. In November, the district reported it was around $40 million more than permitted by policy. District policy also says if reserve levels go over that limit two years in a row, funds must be utilized. The district only exceeded the limit once, but decided to go ahead with spending now one to aligned in the strategic plan that was just recently approved by this board so that we can get a running head start if you will, on those key initiatives and be able to start before the next fiscal year. The second is really a resource constraint. We're gonna have a very busy year next year with strategic plan planning for new schools that are opening in three years. Amid the surplus, Ben Perlman called for the board to be mindful as it looks at the property tax levy moving forward. When we are finding ourselves with tens of millions of extra dollars and our levee increases 11 thousands of 1% I think it should, um, create a little pause and again, that proposal passed unanimously tonight. The district says it can begin using those funds immediately. Guys, back to you. Hey,

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The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education approved a plan Thursday to spend $37 million, as the district sees a surplus in its reserve fund. "These investments are needed and will make a difference," said superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan at the meeting. The largest line items include $8.4 million for security upgrades and $6.5 million for technology in classrooms. Additional money will go to other classroom materials, purchase of new school buses and building maintenance. "It's really important that everyone understood what the investments are for and how they will move the district forward," Logan said. The amount of money in OPS reserves has raised questions recently. According to OPS, state statute sets allowable reserves at 20% of the prior year's general fund expenses. In the last fiscal year, OPS reserves were at more than 27% of that amount. The district reported it was around $40 million more than permitted by policy. District policy also said if reserve levels go over the limit two years in a row, funds must be utilized. The district only exceeded the limit once, but decided to go ahead with spending now. "One, to align with the strategic plan that was just approved by this board, so that we can get a running head start, if you will on those key initiatives and be able to start before the next fiscal year." said Scott Roberts, OPS chief financial officer, "The second is really a resource constraint. We're going to have a very busy year next year with strategic plan, planning for new schools that are opening in three years." The Board of Education unanimously approved the spending amendment. The district said the money can be used immediately.