Beatrice Public Schools reports steady progress on new PK–5 building; board tour planned Feb. 26

District staff gave the Beatrice Public Schools board a construction update on the new PK–5 elementary building, reporting steady progress and near-term dates for review and celebration. Staff said work crews have largely completed drywall and first coats of paint in classrooms and preschool spaces, and that roughly 75% of mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough‑in is finished, inching the project toward installation of the electrical panel. Level 2 cabinets are being installed and Level 1 cabinets are due to arrive Feb. 15, staff said. Renderings of every room will be produced after furniture vendor School Specialty completes cross-references and design work; staff said those renderings will be presented to the board when available. Staff also said the district will schedule a board tour for Feb. 26 and may invite members of the ESU board to join. A cornerstone ceremony is planned for July 27 at 1 p.m.; district staff said local and state Masons are expected to attend and the public will be invited for limited viewing of the cornerstone inside the commons area.