Beatrice board hears plan for accessible preschool playground, seeks March approval
February 23, 2024 | Beatrice Public Schools, School Districts, Nebraska
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The Board of Education of District 15 reviewed plans for a new, fully accessible preschool playground at the district’s new site and a proposed funding package to cover the roughly $182,000 cost.
Mr. Alexander (Speaker 4) told the board the district examined two options: moving current preschool equipment (estimated in the presentation at $150,000) or purchasing and installing new, ADA‑compliant equipment (estimated at $182,000). He said moving existing structures would void warranties and could compromise structural integrity. "It would be the first national demonstration site in the state of Nebraska," Mr. Alexander added of the proposed accessible design, which includes poured‑in‑place rubber surfacing to allow wheelchair access.
Funding and timeline: Mr. Alexander outlined potential funding sources: approximately $68,000 previously secured toward K–5 equipment, an estimated $50,000 that could be accessed from IDEA/IDEA-related special education funds, PTO commitments totaling $40,000, and roughly $50,000 available from preschool building budgets. He said Blue Valley Community Action Head Start emailed a commitment; the transcript records an amount as "between $15,200,000," which appears inconsistent with other figures and likely reflects a transcription error. After credited contributions, Mr. Alexander said the district would face a remaining gap of about $20,000–$27,000 that could come from depreciation funds.
Board members discussed grant possibilities and public access. Speaker 3 urged pursuing additional ADA and community grants; Mr. Alexander said the district has time to apply and cited a separate $5,000 grant application due March 15 as a potential reduction to the balance. The presenter said the preschool playground currently is community‑accessible in summer months and expected to remain so.
What happens next: Mr. Alexander requested approval in March so the district can enter the manufacturing process; the board did not vote at this meeting.
Ending: The board advanced the item for a March vote and moved on to a required budget amendment discussion.
Mr. Alexander (Speaker 4) told the board the district examined two options: moving current preschool equipment (estimated in the presentation at $150,000) or purchasing and installing new, ADA‑compliant equipment (estimated at $182,000). He said moving existing structures would void warranties and could compromise structural integrity. "It would be the first national demonstration site in the state of Nebraska," Mr. Alexander added of the proposed accessible design, which includes poured‑in‑place rubber surfacing to allow wheelchair access.
Funding and timeline: Mr. Alexander outlined potential funding sources: approximately $68,000 previously secured toward K–5 equipment, an estimated $50,000 that could be accessed from IDEA/IDEA-related special education funds, PTO commitments totaling $40,000, and roughly $50,000 available from preschool building budgets. He said Blue Valley Community Action Head Start emailed a commitment; the transcript records an amount as "between $15,200,000," which appears inconsistent with other figures and likely reflects a transcription error. After credited contributions, Mr. Alexander said the district would face a remaining gap of about $20,000–$27,000 that could come from depreciation funds.
Board members discussed grant possibilities and public access. Speaker 3 urged pursuing additional ADA and community grants; Mr. Alexander said the district has time to apply and cited a separate $5,000 grant application due March 15 as a potential reduction to the balance. The presenter said the preschool playground currently is community‑accessible in summer months and expected to remain so.
What happens next: Mr. Alexander requested approval in March so the district can enter the manufacturing process; the board did not vote at this meeting.
Ending: The board advanced the item for a March vote and moved on to a required budget amendment discussion.
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