Beatrice board approves teacher contract, hires school-based therapist and awards security bid

The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 8 approved multiple personnel and procurement actions that shape district operations for the coming school year.

Teacher contract: The board approved the 2024–25 negotiated agreement with the Beatrice Education Association (BEA). Negotiators reported a $1,000 increase on the base salary. The transcript lists a beginning teacher base salary of $38,475; reported mid-level and maximum teacher salaries and total compensation ranges vary by insurance package (transcript passages list ranges for mid-level and maximum salaries and total packages). The district reported a total package increase of 3.94% and a health-insurance increase of 1.99%. Extra-duty pay was renegotiated (occurs every three years), and bereavement provisions were clarified; several other topics will be addressed through policy changes rather than contract language. The board approved the agreement by roll-call vote.

School-based mental health therapist: The board approved a contract with Carlina Grove to serve as a school-based mental health therapist for the 2024–25 PK–5 building. Dr. Jackie Nielsen said the position will be funded through the Stronger Community Connections grant from the state and that the grant covers salary and benefits for two years. The motion to approve the contract passed on a recorded vote.

Facilities and security procurement: The board approved awarding the door access control contract for the new pre-K–5 elementary building to Diode, the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount not to exceed $35,000. Jason Alexander explained the district chose to manage door access and surveillance procurement to ensure compatibility with existing systems at the high school and district office. The board noted it will apply for an upcoming Department of Education security/surveillance grant that could defray some costs.

Other administrative approvals: The board designated Perry Law Firm and KSB School Law as district legal counsel; named several banks (Pinnacle Bank; Security First Bank; First National Bank of Omaha, Beatrice branch; First State Bank Nebraska, Beatrice branch; and BMO) as depository banks (one abstention recorded); and designated the Beatrice Daily Sun as the official newspaper of record. The board also approved designating Jason Alexander as the district’s federal grant representative and financial representative.

Financial note: In the treasurer's report, Jason Alexander reported December general fund bills of $341,274; December payroll of $1,748,295; and total December expenses of $2,089,570. The transcript lists revenue for the month as $1,939,600,670; that figure is recorded here as stated in the transcript but flagged for verification due to its magnitude.

The board closed by scheduling next meetings and adjourning following routine motions.