Votes at a glance: Beatrice Public Schools board approves curriculum adoption, devices, vehicles, staff pay increases and other items

At its meeting, the Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education approved a series of motions on curriculum, equipment, personnel compensation and other operational items. The actions below list each motion as read in the public record, the outcome and the principal details provided by staff.

Votes at a glance

1) Consent agenda — approved Motion: Approve the consent agenda including minutes (03/10/2025), accounts for payment, budget receipts and expenditures for March 2025, Committee of the Whole minutes (03/24/2025), approval of option students, resignations (listed), and contract approvals for a set of 2025–26 hires. Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Note: Consent agenda included multiple personnel actions and routine fiscal approvals.

2) Adoption of Amplify Science curriculum for grades 6–8 — approved Motion: "I move that the Board of Education of District 15 approve the adoption of the Amplify Science curriculum for 3 years for a price of $33,075." (agenda item 8.1) Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Details provided: Administration said last-year results showed roughly 75% of students meeting standards; district chose a three-year adoption because Amplify will reevaluate resources.

3) First Student contract and addendum — approved (see separate article on transportation) Motion: Approve First Student contract and addendum (agenda item 8.3). Outcome: Approved (motion passed).

4) Pay-to-ride bus transportation fees for 2025–26 — approved (see separate article on transportation) Motion: Approve the pay-to-ride fee schedule for 2025–26 (agenda item 8.3/8.6). Outcome: Approved (motion passed).

5) Purchase of two 8-passenger vehicles — approved Motions: (a) Authorize purchase of an 8-passenger vehicle for up to $60,000 (motion passed). (b) Authorize purchase of an 8-passenger van for up to $45,000 (motion passed). Details: Board noted federal rule changes prohibit use of some 10‑passenger vans; staff said several district vans must be replaced (three already replaced; about 10 remaining to replace over time).

6) Purchase of property at 2707 Scott Street — approved Motion: "I move that the Board of Education of District 15 approve the purchase of property located at 2707 Scott Street for $240,000." (agenda item 8.6) Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Details: Intended for the district’s Choice 18–21 transition program; seller will leave refrigerator, stove and dishwasher; staff cited ~$44,000 in rent paid since Oct 2020 for current program locations.

7) Chromebook purchase for incoming freshmen — approved Motion: Approve quote of $65,125.32 from Sterling for new Chromebooks. Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Details: Chromebooks will be issued to incoming freshmen and rotated through the district; students may buy assigned devices at minimal cost upon graduation.

8) Classified staff salary schedule and wages — approved Motion: Approve classified staff salary schedule and an approximate 5.37% total package increase for classified staff wages for 2025–26. Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Details: Move intended to reach a $15/hour minimum; step increases remain at multi‑year service milestones.

9) Other contracted staff wages and benefits — approved Motion: Approve an approximate 2.84% salary increase for other contracted staff for 2025–26. Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Notes: Applies to supervisory/quasi-supervisory non-administrative roles (examples given: maintenance director, food service supervisor).

10) Administrator salaries and benefits — approved Motion: Approve an approximate 1.38% total package increase for administrator salaries and benefits for 2025–26. Outcome: Approved (motion passed). Notes: Process aligns administrator compensation with certified staff midpoint ranges.

Procedure and context

Several motions were moved and seconded by board members; where the transcript recorded seconders those names are noted in the minutes. For most motions the transcript records the board’s unanimous “motion passes” outcome but does not read a roll-call tally for each individual board member. Where substantive debate occurred (notably transportation and the 18–21 property purchase) staff provided financial and programmatic details for the board’s consideration.

Items not included in this listing

The meeting also included routine reports (student update, committee reports), recognitions (employee of the month, business friend of the month), a presentation from the Nebraska Association of School Boards representative about legislative activity and a strategic planning update. No executive‑session actions were recorded in the public transcript.