Beatrice Public Schools marks "new era", dedicating elementary school

BEATRICE – A new era in public education in Beatrice is starting Thursday, with the first full day of kindergarten through fifth grade at a new school in the east part of the city. Prekindergarten classes get underway Monday.

A public open house and dedication event was held Wednesday night in the new gym of the facility, where Superintendent Jason Alexander says the project was the result of a team effort and community support.

"Today, we're celebrating a new beginning. A new era of education, for our kids. Along with the latest technology, this building has resources that were sorely lacking or altogether absent in our older buildings...including an innovation center, an art room, a music room, a gymnasium and most importantly, a kitchen and a cafeteria, to serve fresh, hearty healthy meals to our students, every day...that many of them so desperately need."

The new facility replaces four separate elementary buildings constructed in the 1950s….and was the result of a joint financing public agency effort between the school district, E-S-U Number 5 and a local bank.

"Two weeks ago, we opened up the buildling for staff, to come prepare their classrooms and the expressions on their faces were priceless. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, we opened up the building for sneak peak nights for different grade levels, and again, rave reviews and the smiles on the kids faces, were unbelievable. The expression of students and parents were just beautiful to see and so much excitement. The school board should be proud, knowing that their vision of keeping kids first, has happened."

Doris Martin of the Beatrice Educational Foundation and Beatrice School Board says that since opening for public tours, interest in donating to the school has grown.  "You just can't imagine the the number of people who've walked up to it and said, Hi, I'm here....brought a checkbook...and they have been more than willing to help in both large and small ways."   A fundraising drive has surpassed the $900,000 mark. 

The new facility was designed by BCDM Architects and the main contractor was Hausmann Construction. A ribbon-cutting was held outside the south main entrance of the school. While classes get in full swing Thursday, street improvements continue on Lincoln Street at the north edge of the property and at 33rd and Lincoln.