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Beatrice Board approves 2025–26 calendar; administrators warn state-aid drop of about $944,300
Summary
The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education approved the 2025–26 school calendar after a first reading and discussion. District administrators noted the calendar keeps student days from Aug. 12 to May 15 and highlighted an anticipated $944,300 reduction in state aid under current models tied to rising property valuations.
The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s 2025–26 school calendar during its February meeting and was told the district faces an estimated $944,300 reduction in state aid under the current formula.
Superintendent-level staff presented the calendar and timeline to the board. “The school year for students will begin on August 12, and it will end on May 15,” Doctor Nielsen said as the calendar was described. The proposal includes 186 staff days, a mix of professional learning days and monthly early dismissals, and a dedicated kindergarten roundup on May 6 when kindergarten will not be in session.
The calendar was developed after committee review and consultation with school staff and administration. Doctor Nielsen said the district front-loaded professional development, restored a full staff return on Aug. 5 for new- and returning-staff orientation, and adjusted middle- and high-school start and end times. The presentation noted first-semester instruction at 85.5 days and second semester at 86.5 days.
In the administrators’ report, Mr. Alexander said district finance projections based on the state funding model show a significant reduction tied to rising local property valuations. “Next year, we will see a reduction under the current model of about $944,300 due to that,” he said, referencing recent valuation increases and the loss of the two-year new school adjustment.
Board members moved from discussion to action. A motion to approve the 2025–26 calendar passed; the board cast its votes after discussion and the president declared the motion passed.
The approval sets the next step for calendar publication and parent notification ahead of registration and planning for the coming school year. The board will return to regular business at its March meeting; the calendar will be included in district communications to families and staff.
