New Nebraska bill proposes reimbursement for teachers paying out of pocket for school supplies

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – ShoShann Smith and Diane Moore have invested years educating Omaha’s children.

“I would show up for free. I am so passionate about teaching,” Smith said.

Often what isn’t free, getting the supplies they need to teach.

“Yearly, I would spend at least $2,000, $3,000 out of pocket,” said Moore.

“You have so many educators that work second jobs just because what we get paid doesn’t cover the things that they wanted to do.”

As private school teachers, both women get stipends for their supplies. It is something they didn’t get when they taught public school.

They told First Alert 6 they were given basics like paper, pencils and items for the curriculum – but any extras, they bought themselves.

They believe it takes a level of creativity in decorating their rooms and going the extra mile to keep students engaged.

“Valentine’s Day I would go get helium balloons and decorate the classroom because, of course, I want my children to know that I love them. And when you love someone you go all out for them,” Smith said.

They also give to children who come to school without their basic needs.

A bill introduced in the Nebraska legislature by Senator Jason Prokop wants teachers to be reimbursed up to $300 for what they spend on supplies.

LB282 proposes teachers working at an accredited K-12 public, private, denominational or parochial school may apply. The reimbursement would come from the State Department of Education for items they say qualify. Teachers would need to show a receipt to get their money back.

“It would be so appreciative just to have this bill passed. To have a starting point,” said Moore.

Education leaders in state also believe it will be a good first step.

“At the end of the day we want to take care of our kids when we need to. So if we can take this step and help cover those costs, I think that will be a good show of faith that the state acknowledges that this is a reality for our teachers,” said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Educators Association.

First Alert 6 is working to learn how the reimbursement would be funded.

Copyright 2025 WOWT. All rights reserved.