If you are a registered voter living in Tri County School District, you should have by now received a ballot by mail for the proposed Tri County bond project. Please be sure to return your completed ballot to your county clerk's office. Ballots must be received no later than December 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Mailed ballots arriving later than December 9th will not be counted. All registered voters are strongly encouraged to vote and make their voice heard. If you have not received your ballot, you can contact your resident county clerk's office. For more information about the proposed project, please visit the school website bond page: https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
We are proud to share that Tri County Public Schools has once again earned an EXCELLENT rating through Nebraska’s AQuESTT accountability system—the highest classification a district can receive.
🔹 What is AQuESTT?
AQuESTT (Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow) is Nebraska’s statewide system that evaluates schools on academic performance and supports the whole child. It blends statewide testing data with indicators like attendance, growth, graduation, and readiness to provide a clear picture of how schools are serving students.
🔹 Academic Highlights for Tri County:
Our students continue to perform well above both the state and our peer districts in multiple subjects:
• ELA Proficiency: 69% (State: 59%, Peers: 63%)
• Math Proficiency: 77% (State: 58%, Peers: 65%)
• Science Proficiency: 88% (State: 80%, Peers: 87%)
• ACT Scores (11th Grade): 76% in ELA & Science, 68% in Math — significantly higher than state averages
Beyond academics, Tri County also maintains:
• 96% attendance (State: 93%)
• 97% four-year graduation rate (State: 88%, Peers: 94%)
• 92% college-going rate (State: 76%)
These results reflect the commitment of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the strong support of our families and community.
We are proud of this accomplishment—and proud to continue the Trojan tradition of excellence. 💙💛
To see the full report click on the link below.
TC AQUESTT Rating
FAQ Friday
Q: Are football field improvements included in this bond?
A: No. Community feedback after the first bond proposal showed lower support for football field upgrades compared to other priorities. Based on that input, the Board removed this component from the current project.
The Board does plan to address basic erosion and maintenance needs in the future using other available funds. Staff impacted by those future site improvements will have opportunities to provide input as planning moves forward.
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
School will resume on Monday, December 1st.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday!
You can check whether your ballot was accepted by visiting https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/VoterView.
Enter your name, county, and date of birth to see your ballot status.
📬 Only 2 Weeks Left to Return Your Ballot!
Don’t wait—make sure your voice is heard. Ballots must be returned by Dec. 9th at 5 PM.
✅ Tip: The safest and fastest way is to use your local ballot drop box.
Learn more about the proposed bond project at: https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
As always, if you still have questions, please don't hesitate reaching out to Superintendent Rottinghaus or any of the board members.
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
4:30 - B Team Game (2 Quarters)
5:15 - A Team Game
WHY THIS BOND MATTERS
The proposed bond strengthens student learning, safety, and long-term facility needs across the district.
🔹 Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Additions will more than double CTE space, including new Precision Ag, Automotive, and Wood Shops, a maker space and entrepreneurial workshop, a new Art classroom, and a fully restored Family and Consumer Science program.
🔹 Safety and Learning Environment
Main visitor entrances will be redesigned for face-to-face check-in with office staff. Elementary classrooms will gain permanent soundproof walls and doors to reduce noise and improve focus.
🔹 Program Growth and Facilities
Two new preschool classrooms expand early learning. A new primary competition gym, along with updates to entrances, locker rooms, the weight room, and the commons, improves access and usability.
🔹 Auditorium, Music, and Site Updates
The existing auditorium will be remodeled with new seating and a better layout. Music classrooms will be refreshed, and site upgrades will add parking, ADA walkways, and improved connectivity.
Ballots have been mailed. Please return yours as soon as possible. All ballots are due December 9th.
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
Curious how bond financing options take advantage of cost-savings to benefit taxpayers? Check out this information.
As always, if you still have questions, please don't hesitate reaching out to Superintendent Rottinghaus or any of the board members.
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
As you get ready to fill out your bond ballot, do have questions about the district's published budget? We've got answers! As always, if you still have questions, please don't hesitate reaching out to Superintendent Rottinghaus or any of the board members.
Today we celebrate and thank our incredible substitute teachers at Tri County Schools. Your flexibility, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever needed make a huge difference for our students and staff. We appreciate you!
Q: How will the project be financed?
A: The proposed project uses two financing mechanisms designed to limit long-term costs while keeping the tax impact as low as possible.
First, $9,000,000 will be funded through lease purchase financing. This portion is structured as a seven-year commitment and will be paid using the 13-cent Special Building Fund levy that is already in place. Thanks to the Nebraska Property Tax Credit, the actual tax asking on this portion is reduced by 30%.
Second, the remaining $17,995,000 will be funded through general obligation bonds paid over 20 years. Based on current valuation and the district’s budget, this portion of the project is estimated to result in an 8.65-cent increase to the levy for the life of the bonds.
By selecting a 20-year bond term—rather than the 25-year term proposed in May—the district reduces total interest costs by approximately $2.6 million over the life of the financing.
This approach balances affordability, responsible long-term planning, and the needs of the project.
🔗 https://www.tricountyschools.org/page/bond-info
Enjoy the three-day weekend, Trojans!
