NORFOLK, Neb.-- With the city approving annexation earlier this month, the Norfolk Public School district is now looking to incorporate the new areas of the city to be a part of their school district.

At the meeting Monday night, the NPS board of education stated their intent to expand their district to match the new city limits. This comes after the city of Norfolk approved annexation plans on October 4.

State Statute 79-473 requires a representative from Norfolk Public Schools to meet with representatives from other school districts within 30 days of the annexation. This is to help determine which district will serve the annexed land.

According to Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, NPS would be meeting with Madison Public Schools and Battle Creek Public Schools to negotiate who will represent the new areas of Norfolk. 

"Sandy Wolfe and I will meet with superintendents and board presidents of the Battle Creek and Madison Public Schools on October 14, to begin this process," Dr. Jami Jo Thompson explained. "It is our belief that all land within the Norfolk city limits should be served by Norfolk Public Schools. Thus, it is our intent to pursue the transfer of these parcels to Norfolk Public Schools through an Annexation Agreement."

If an agreement cannot be reached with the school districts, then the annexed land is transferred to the public school located within the city that annexed the land, which is NPS. Thompson also said residents in these areas who have been enrolled in a school district for more than two years will still be able to attend that district, and will not be required to change schools.