BEATRICE – After years of renting space to provide services to special education students between ages 18 and 21, Beatrice Public Schools has now acquired a home, for the program.  The Beatrice School Board approved the purchase of a residence and property next to Beatrice High School at 2707 East Scott, for $240,000.


Special Education Coordinator for BPS, Beth Cordry-Hooksta says it will become the new home of the districts’ Choice 18-21 program.


"Once kids get through their first four years of high school they've done all their academics, we need to look at more of a transition plan, transition services. Planning for their life after high school and helping with that."


Beatrice Public Schools has been renting building space along East Court Street for the program, led by Roberta Lineweber, who has been with the program since its inception. The program serves about five to ten students each year.


Cordry-Hookstra says the district considered purchasing the house about ten years ago, but it was purchased by another party. Its location has benefits for the school system. "We would be able to have them participate in more independent living, more life skills activities in the house, because of the location. They just have to go across the parking lot. That's one of the things for which we are really excited, with the location. We feel like we can do more for our students."


The district’s cost to rent space since 2020 has totaled about $44,000.  "This program is a long-term program. We're always going to have a need for an 18-21 program...so, we look at ten years out, twenty years out...it makes sense that if we can purchase, we would do that instead of paying, you know, $950 a month in rent and other various expenses that come with that."


Special education students ages 18 to 21 receive help with independent living, employment, personal management and social activities.


"Roberta does a wonderful job with her students....she has a very high expectations, she's very consistent. Her students go on into supportive employement or living situations. They all have wonderful skills that they worked hard to accomplish and be as independent, as possible."  The board approved the purchase, which board members called a great opportunity to further the program.