BEATRICE – Work is progressing on preparations for a new Beatrice Public Schools prekindergarten through 5th grade building.
Superintendent Jason Alexander says that includes ESU Number Five working with the architect on internal internet systems and wide-area network facilities.
"This is important because what it does, essentially is through the federal category-two E-rate funds, we're able to submit this RFP and then we get reimbursed $218,000 on the back side for the cost of that cabling going in."


Alexander says a lot of progress is being made on the architectural side of the project. Four companies were interviewed last week for the construction manager selection on the project.


"A financial meeting has been scheduled for the financial proposal to be discussed the week of March 14th, so this is our first attempt at locking in a bank to help us with the funding proposal."


Beatrice Public Schools and ESU Number 5 formed an interlocal agency to fund the new school project, using financing backed by the school district’s building fund.  During a report to the Beatrice School Board at a committee session Thursday night…..Alexander says the district has 13 retirements or staff members leaving the district at the end of this year. So far, 5 of those positions have been filled.


District 15 learned this week how much state aid BPS will receive this coming year. Alexander said the district will see less state support.
"A decrease of $574,532. There are two key factors....one is valuations, which went up 4.15%. You guys know the song-and-dance...when property valuations go up, state aid goes down....and our property taxpayers bear the burden of it."


This legislative session, several education groups supported two bills that would provide more state support for education, allowing districts to reduce their tax levies. But the plan that came out of the Education Committee was pulled by its sponsor, after it became clear there was not enough support to pass it, this session.