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Beatrice trustees approve routine contracts, transportation addendum and preview a $460,000 state aid shortfall
Summary
At the July 13 meeting the board reaffirmed a slate of policies, approved multiple contracts (Nebraska Mental Health Center, ESU 5, school psychologists), approved a 1st Student transportation addendum priced at $764,608/year (10-month basis), approved a van purchase, and received a preliminary budget preview noting a $460,000 reduction in state aid and increased taxing authority.
The Beatrice Board of Education on July 13 handled a broad slate of routine business: trustees reaffirmed policies, approved contracts and handbooks, and heard a preliminary budget preview that flagged significant near-term financial questions.
Key board actions included passing the consent agenda, reaffirming student-fees and anti-bullying policies, and approving contracts that continue or extend services for 2026–27. The board approved a continuing contract with Nebraska Mental Health Center to provide mental-health services (described as 40 hours/week of mental health services and 20 hours/week of psychologist time) and approved a special education contract with ESU 5 (speech, physical therapy and hearing services). Trustees also approved multiple school psychologist contracts and the classified/certificated/substitute staff handbooks (vote recorded as 5-0 with 1 abstention).
Transportation was a focus: the board approved an addendum with 1st Student to provide roughly 12 routes priced at $76,406 per month (about $764,608 on a 10-month contract). Administration reminded trustees that state statute requires transportation for students living roughly 3–4 miles from school and that in-town routes are a discretionary service funded by taxpayers. The board also approved purchase of a 10-passenger Ford Transit van.
Administration’s preliminary budget preview (Jason Alexander) said the district faces a projected drop in state aid of roughly $460,000 while taxing authority increased by roughly $422,000, creating a budget gap to be addressed after county assessor valuations are finalized Aug. 20. The board was told budget authority rose from $34 million to $36 million for next year but that exact spending plans will await final valuation and growth figures.
One contract for special education services with NCECBBI was tabled after a trustee raised concerns that the provided contract had a significantly higher cost than expected; the board voted to table that item until the next meeting.
Routine business also included approving repairs at the middle school (repair option selected at $13,873 versus full unit replacement), authorizing sale of orchestra equipment to free space, reaffirming a lease with Southeast Nebraska Education Agency, and approving a staff training resolution required annually.
Several motions were passed without roll-call tallies recorded; where a tally was recorded, the student handbook vote was 6-0 and staff handbooks passed 5-0 with 1 abstention. The board adjourned; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10 at 6 p.m.
