Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced his picks Thursday for the School Financing Review Commission, a group created by the recently passed LB303. The commission will review how state aid is given to school districts, which Pillen hopes will reduce property taxes.

“If we are to get a grip on the state’s property tax crisis, we must be willing to address the ever-growing burden that falls on property tax as a result of footing the bill for our schools,” Pillen said in a statement.

The Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) holds the formula for how Nebraska’s tax dollars are distributed to schools. The commission will be able to make recommendations to the state legislature on adjustments to TEEOSA.

Pillen’s appointees include three non-voting state senators, superintendents, school board members and finance professionals. One position, which is reserved for a teacher at a public school, has yet to be filled.

“I appreciate the commitment of these dedicated public servants who, like me, want to ensure the quality of our state’s education, but recognize the need to balance that investment with smart tax policy, making us more competitive with our neighboring states so we can grow Nebraska,” Pillen said.

Brian Maher, Nebraska’s Commissioner of Education, will chair the 18-member committee. The governor’s other appointees are listed below.

Property Tax Administrator (or designee):

Sarah Scott, state property tax administrator

Governor’s Representative:

Grant Latimer, policy advisor to Pillen

Representatives Appointed by the Legislature (three, nonvoting):

Sen. Dave Murman, Sen. Eliot Bostar, Sen. Jana Hughes

Postsecondary Education Representative with Expertise in School Finance:

Paul Turman, chancellor of the State College System

Superintendents or School Board Members from Class I, II, III Districts (four):

Class I: Ann Foster, superintendent, Brady Public Schools

Class II: Jason Dolliver, superintendent, Pender Public Schools

Class III: Aaron Plas, superintendent, Bennington Public Schools

Additional: Keith Runge, president, Columbus Lakeview School Board

Class IV District Member (one) and Class V District Member (one):

Class IV: Liz Standish, associate superintendent for business affairs, Lincoln Public Schools

Class V: Shavonna Holman, school board member, Omaha Public Schools

At-Large Members (five):

Former Sen. Lou Ann Linehan

State Treasurer Tom Briese

Former Sen. Fred Meyer

John Schwartz, superintendent, Millard Public Schools

A certified public school teacher (This position has not yet been appointed)