BEATRICE – The Beatrice Board of Education is losing over 25 years of experience at the start of the new year.
District 15 Board members Lisa Pieper and Janet Byars attended their final regular school board meeting on Monday night.


Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jackie Nielsen said Pieper has served for 16 years on the Beatrice School Board. She was credited for leadership in developing a strategic plan for the district, being a part of that consistently.


"Through each strategic plan the focus to provide an environment for all of our learners...through classroom facilities that are state-of-the-art...and conducive to our current educational experiences...has always been on the forefront of her mind. Along with other board members, she pushed for the high school outdoor classroom and athletic complex. She continued to be focused on promoting an environment for elementary students that provided opportunities for our youngest learners to reach their full potential....and we are grateful for those endeavors."


Janet Byars has been a Beatrice School Board member for 12 years…most recently heading the negotiations committee of the district that works with faculty and staff issues and compensation. Nielsen says her attention to detail has been invaluable to the district.


"Keeping an eye on the financial end is extremely important to Janet, but keeping an eye out, for the children and the students we serve is far more important to her. She evaluates every decision looking at all angles, to ensure that it's fiscally responsible for the district and will meet the needs of all students involved. Janet has chaired the negotiations committee for the past seven years. Her leadership and diligence in this arena has resulted in successful negotiation seasons and budget-minded responsibility."


Nielsen said Byars is a tireless worker for solving problems within the district, and has helped write several grants for the district.  Board President Eric Trusty said Pieper and Byars’ dedication and knowledge has been very helpful to the board and definitely will be missed.


For 15 years, Beatrice Police Officer Zach Lauenstein has roamed the halls of Beatrice High School as a school resource officer, helping provide a secure environment for students and staffs and promoting healthy relationships along the way.
Monday night, he was honored at the District 15 employee of the month. Lauenstein is returning to the road patrol division of Beatrice Police, while Officer Brittany Ruh has now become the BHS School Resource Officer.

BHS Principal Phil Voigt and Resource Officer Zach Lauenstein
BHS Principal Phil Voigt and Resource Officer Zach Lauenstein  

High School Principal Philip Voigt said Lauenstein is like an employee of the decade.
"He does not jump to conclusions or judgment, but demonstrates wisdom and knowledge. Students are quick to go to Officer Lauenstein it they have a problem, a concern or a question., They know they can depend and rely on him for assurance. It;s not only the students he cares about but also the entire staff at our school. He is committed to the safety of all of our staff and students, while advocating for a secure environment. He is the epitome of what you would want in a a trusted leader and friend."


Voigt said Lauenstein is a genuine and true hero and has been an inspiration and source of strength to the school and Beatrice community.  "Officer Lauenstein was the driving force behind the opening of the mini-marts at BHS and BMS....and has been instrumental in the success of providing students and families with food....who need it."


Lauenstein has been accompanied at school by Toro, a yellow Labrador who serves as a police canine officer…and is a student and staff favorite. Lauenstein continues to serve on a law enforcement school safety and security team and helps with threat assessment in the district.