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Centura Board adopts K–12 science curriculum, approves door replacements and special-education contracting authority
Summary
At its May 11 meeting in Cairo, the Centura Public Schools Board unanimously approved a Savvas K–12 science curriculum, authorized replacement of two exterior doors for $14,535, approved a certified teacher contract and gave the superintendent authority to enter special-education service contracts.
The Centura Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Monday, May 11, 2026, in Cairo to adopt a new K–12 science curriculum from Savvas Learning Company, approve a $14,535 door-replacement project and authorize Superintendent Dr. Kaela Heneger to enter into contracts for required special-education services.
The board convened at 6:00 p.m. in the Centura High School boardroom. After opening formalities and a roll call confirming six members present, the board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda that included prior minutes and fund claims. The General Fund claims totaled $651,113.34 (payables $88,761.13; payroll $562,352.21), Building Fund claims totaled $1,021.35 and Depreciation Fund claims totaled $799.92.
Votes at a glance: The agenda passed on a motion by Mark Johnson and a second by Todd Nitsch (6–0). A consent-agenda motion by Chelsea Schweitzer, seconded by Teresa Grabowski, passed unanimously and covered the listed fund claims and previous minutes. The board approved the 2026–2027 certified teacher contract for Gary Alexander on a motion by Teresa Grabowski and a second by Mark Johnson (6–0). The board adopted the Savvas K–12 science curriculum on a motion by Brooke Schmitt, seconded by Chelsea Schweitzer (6–0). The board approved replacing two exit doors (numbers 17 and 21) using State Glass for $14,535 after a recommendation from the Facilities, Finance and Transportation Committee; motion by Teresa Grabowski, second by Brooke Schmitt (6–0). Finally, the board unanimously authorized Superintendent Dr. Kaela Heneger to execute contracts necessary to provide legally required special-education services (motion by Brooke Schmitt; second by Mark Johnson).
Superintendent’s report and safety review: Dr. Kaela Heneger said an ALICAP safety walkthrough identified concerns including front-entry security and the integrity of several exit doors; she reported the district will conduct monthly playground inspections while school is in session and that ALICAP will provide required staff training at no additional charge. The board’s facility decision to replace two doors was described as not overlapping with any renovation work planned under a potential bond.
Curriculum and instruction notes: Tim Dvorak, the high school social-studies teacher, presented how the district’s social-studies program aligns with Americanism and civic-responsibility expectations and highlighted Constitution Day activities and student preparation for the U.S. citizenship exam. Elementary Principal Janet Brown reported staff completion of LETRS professional development and noted that students with Individual Reading Intervention Plans declined from 43 at the start of the year to 12 by year’s end. Secondary Principal Melissa Beberniss reported that 30 students received diplomas at the May 9 graduation and that spring assessments (MAP, NSCAS, PreACT/ACT) had been reviewed.
Next steps and planning: Dr. Heneger will check on July 16 as a possible date for a NASB-facilitated onsite summer board retreat. The district’s summer reading program will run on Tuesdays beginning in June, and the school will move to a summer staff schedule (Monday–Thursday) beginning May 18. The board adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
The meeting referenced the Nebraska Open Meetings Act and followed Centura Public Schools Policy No. 2009 for public-comment procedures; no members of the public signed in to speak.
