Beatrice School Board approves framework toward building new prekindergarten to fifth grade school
Creation of the Southeast Nebraska Education Agency, has been approve by the school board
By News Channel Nebraska
BEATRICE – The Beatrice School Board has approved creation of an interlocal agency with Educational Service Unit Number 5, that would make bond payments on a new prekindergarten to fifth grade building, paid through the school district leasing the structure.
The vote of the school board was unanimous, Monday night. The district is seeking to replace four buildings constructed in the mid-1950s with a single, more modern and secure building. The exact size and scope of the project are yet to be determined.
The Board of Directors for ESU Number Five was scheduled to also vote on the creation of what’s called the Southeast Nebraska Education Agency, Monday night. It would consist of three school district members and two ESU members, overseeing bond payments on the elementary school project.
The agency would hold their first meeting, on November 15th.
Members of the agency appointed from District 15 include Superintendent Jason Alexander, School Board Chairman Jon Zimmerman and Board Member Lisa Pieper.
The method being used to go forward with the new school would not raise property taxes like a more traditional bond issue backed by property taxes. It would be funded within the district’s current tax levy using the district’s building fund and savings realized from not having to operate four separate, inefficient buildings.
The school board Monday night also approved a traffic study surrounding the property where the school would be built. JEO Consultants would do the study, at a cost of $9,200.