C O MMIS S IO NE R'S REP ORT “Things as simple as facemasks are sometimes not so simple,” said the commissioner. “You may have students who have experienced trauma, and a facemask isn’t going to be acceptable. It’s a percentages game, of getting the majority of folks managing the situation as safely as possible, and then troubleshooting otherwise. Schools are really good at that. They always have been.” When he does take a moment to step back and reflect from a broader lens, the efforts put forth by Nebraska’s schools do fill Blomstedt with pride. “The depth of thought at a school level, where it’s clear that their leadership in a community is critical, has been incredible,” he said. “Our schools have organized partnerships within the community to address broader community needs. What our schools have done as far as food security, and beyond curriculum and content, the social/emotional side of schools contact with families has been amazing.” Dr. Blomstedt praised the work done by ESUs throughout the state in making the transition to remote learning a possibility. Service Units were among the first contacts Blomstedt made when the pandemic materialized, part of an effort to create
a network that would make it possible to listen and engage with all of the schools in the state. “They’ve done a yeoman’s work to keep and maintain regular conversation points,” Blomstedt said. “It’s not always easy on them. We put them right in the middle of it, but I very much appreciate what they’ve done to help organize the school district voices around major themes. It’s been truly remarkable work on their front.” Each summer, we ask Blomstedt to peer into his crystal ball, to place his finger on a few topics or issues that he sees as pertinent to the upcoming school year. This summer’s crystal ball was a touch clouded, but the commissioner hopes that, by the fall, we’ve figured out the best way to manage circumstances at the most local decision point possible in order to keep people safe. “School will look different in the fall, and we’re going to have to be prepared to be flexible,” Blomstedt said. “It’s really about people, first. We’re trying to make sure that our communities, our families and our children are, number one, safe and cared for, and, two, that education in and of itself is a critical part of the recovery.” ■
Is Your District Offering an Early Retirement Package to Your Employees? You and your retirees can save on taxes with our Special Pay and HRA plans. Special Pay Deferral Plan • No Cost. We do not charge the district to implement or administer the plan. • No FICA Tax. The district and employee each permanently save 7.65%. • Tax-Deferred. The retiree can defer state and federal income taxes. • Interest. Account balances accrue interest tax-deferred. • No Penalties. Funds can be accessed at any time (taxable, but without penalty).
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) • No Cost. We do not charge the district to implement or administer the plan. • No FICA Tax. The district and employee each permanently save 7.65%. • Tax-Free. Funds are used for Medical Insurance premiums or qualified medical expenses and are not subject to income tax. • Interest. Account balances accrue interest, tax-free.
For more information, contact: Steve Ott
Regional Vice President
800.627.3660 sott@NISBenefits.com
www.NISBenefits.com
SUMMER 2020 NCSA TODAY
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