Beatrice board approves $30,100 Character Strong counseling curriculum, 5–1

The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education voted 5–1 on May 11 to purchase the Character Strong counseling curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade at a cost of $30,100, using remaining Strong Community Connections grant funds rather than the general fund.

Board members and staff said the program provides a year-to-year, Tier 1 social-emotional curriculum intended to reach more than 1,200 students across the district’s K–8 grades. Dr. Nielsen, who presented the item, told the board Character Strong blends social-emotional learning with character development and is designed to be low-prep so teachers can reinforce lessons during homeroom and advisory periods.

"This blends social-emotional learning with belonging and relationships," Dr. Nielsen said, adding that the program is intended as a foundational Tier 1 resource and that the district will rely on existing special-education and behavior supports for more intensive Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. She told the board the $30,100 purchase funds a seven-year license for the Tier 1 materials and that grant money will cover that purchase; the grant expires Sept. 30.

A board member asked whether the district will later face recurring costs if Tier 2 or Tier 3 materials are needed. "Is there an ongoing cost with this because we didn't purchase the other two tiers?" the member said. Dr. Nielsen responded that counselors plan to use current resources and that the district does not foresee an immediate additional purchase for Tier 2/3, though the district could re-evaluate later if needed.

The motion passed 5–1. The record shows the board used grant funding to limit the immediate budget impact; the board did not approve Tier 2 or Tier 3 purchases at this meeting.

The board will implement the Tier 1 materials in the coming school year and monitor counselor recommendations for any future needs.