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LB 567

Authorize school policies relating to community engagement

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Quick

Nebraska LB 567 would require the state to adopt a model policy for school-community engagement, including integrated student supports and extended learning time.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 567

Summary of Nebraska LB 567 (2025)

Bill number: LB 567
Title: Authorize school policies relating to community engagement
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Prime sponsor: Senator Dan Quick
Committee: Education
Status: Quick AM128 filed (as of February 27, 2025)

Overview and purpose

LB 567 would require the Nebraska State Board of Education to develop and adopt a model policy for school districts to strengthen engagement among schools, students, families, and surrounding communities. The intent is to increase awareness and adoption of community-engagement strategies, promote school-family partnerships, expand learning and support opportunities, and enhance the coordination of services that contribute to academic success.

What the bill would do

  • Mandate a model policy on community engagement:
    • The policy must address integrated student supports to promote student well-being by coordinating services for students and families aimed at reducing barriers to educational and life success (academic and nonacademic).
    • The policy must include extended learning time and opportunities beyond the traditional school day, including before/after school, summers, and other breaks, to augment learning opportunities.
    • The policy must promote collaborative leadership practices that involve diverse stakeholders (parents, students, teachers, principals, and community partners) in shared decision-making toward a common school vision or outcome.
    • The policy must define authentic family engagement as a broad set of interactions among parents, students, educators, and community members that exercise varying degrees of influence within schools.
  • District adoption authority:
    • School districts may adopt a policy relating to engagement if it is developed by the State Board of Education and consistent with the model policy.
    • District policies adopted under this framework would align with the model policy’s components.

Note: The introducer’s statement of intent mentions that the framework policy “may prescribe the role of a coordinator to help coordinate services,” but the text of the bill’s main section (as introduced) emphasizes the four elements above and does not expressly mandate a coordinator role within the statutory language.

Who is affected

  • State level: State Board of Education (SBOE) tasked with developing and adopting the model policy.
  • Local level: School districts may adopt policies consistent with the SBOE model policy.
  • Stakeholders: Students and their families, teachers, school leaders (principals, administrators), and community partners who participate in governance and service coordination.
  • Impacts: Potential expansion of student supports, extended learning opportunities, and formalized family–school–community engagement practices; possible amplification of partnerships with community organizations and resources.

Implementation timeline and procedural notes

  • Deadline for SBOE to develop and adopt the model policy: On or before December 1, 2025.
  • After SBOE adoption: Districts may adopt policies consistent with the model policy.
  • Legislative timeline:
    • Introduced and referred to the Education Committee (January 22, 2025).
    • Notice of hearing published (January 28, 2025) for a February 4, 2025 hearing.
    • AM128 amendment filed by Senator Quick (February 27, 2025) (current status note; details depend on amendment content).

Potential implications and considerations

  • Policy adoption could standardize community-engagement approaches across Nebraska districts while allowing local tailoring.
  • Emphasis on integrated supports and extended learning time may require coordination with social services, community partners, and school scheduling.
  • The “authentic family engagement” framework suggests shifting more power-sharing and inclusive decision-making with families.
  • Financial and logistical considerations (implementation costs, staffing, and partnerships) are not specified in the summary text and would be relevant for local planning.

This summary presents the substantive elements of LB 567 as introduced and the associated procedural context up to the latest noted actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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