By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington Public Schools Board of Education convened for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 16, addressing a packed agenda that included personnel hires, infrastructure projects for the new high school, and policy shifts aimed at student success. Led by Board President Allyson Slobotski, the meeting drew community members, including students, and featured discussions on educational equity, budget priorities, and long-term planning.
The session opened with a public forum where local residents voiced support for the district while urging improvements to the High Ability Learner (HAL) program. The couple, parents of three students in the district, highlighted resource disparities compared to neighboring schools. They called for more dedicated staff to challenge high-achieving learners, saying, “We have some incredible young minds in our district that no doubt will go on to do amazing things.”
The board swiftly approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the January 12 meeting, February bills totaling over $500,000 for vendors like Access Systems Leasing and OPPD, and personnel actions. New hires included speech-language pathologist Amy Mattern and several teachers, while resignations featured high school math teacher Connie Burgers and elementary principal Danielle Robb.
Administrative reports showcased district highlights. Elementary Principal Danielle Robb (Bennington Elementary) celebrated the 100th day of school and introduced the “Watch Dogs” program, which has recruited 25 dads as volunteers following a kickoff event with 119 attendees. Middle School Principal Renee Rucker (Bennington South) reported on a performance by the Macalester College African Music Ensemble and the rescheduled Frosty Fest event. High School Principal Greg Lamberty was absent due to eighth-grade registration activities.
Student Services Director Dan Bombeck provided updates on the English Language Learners (ELL) program, noting 63 active students speaking 34 languages, with testing underway. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Director Jimmy Feeney presented impressive MAP growth data, showing all grade levels exceeding national projections, and discussed ongoing curriculum adoptions. Operations Director Matt Blomenkamp reported 10 open teaching positions, job fair efforts, and visible progress on the second high school construction, with steel frameworks now rising.
Superintendent Aaron Plas recapped a successful $43.8 million bond sale for the high school at a 4.25% interest rate, aligning with campaign promises. He also discussed updates to Nebraska’s AQuEST accountability system, emphasizing postsecondary readiness, and highlighted Bennington’s 89% AP exam passage rate, outperforming the state average of 70%.
A spotlight report featured high school department leads discussing their roles in fostering collaboration, common assessments, and budget planning across core subjects.
Lobbyist Julia Plucker provided a legislative update, noting a short 60-day session focused on budget shortfalls and bills like LB 653, which could limit suspensions for young students and expand option enrollment to siblings.
Under unfinished business, the board unanimously approved the 2027-28 school calendar, which includes President’s Day off and provisions for snow days, potentially incorporating remote learning.
New business items dominated the agenda, with several approvals:
– Curriculum and Personnel Proposals: The board greenlit three special education teachers and a full-time mechanic, costing an estimated $104,725 after state reimbursements and offsets. These address growing needs in special education (80% state-reimbursed) and bus maintenance.
– Omaha Public Works Sanitary Sewer Project: A bid from Thompson Construction for $654,858.85 was awarded for sewer infrastructure tied to the second high school, coming in under the $657,000 budget.
– Second High School Bid Contracts: Thirty-six bids totaling $14.68 million were approved, $330,000 under estimates, covering scopes like painting and signage. Three scopes remain unbid, but the project is on track at $87.5 million committed.
– 2026-27 Negotiated Agreement: A 4.04% total package increase for teachers was ratified, including a $250 base salary bump, full step movements, and adjustments for health insurance (up 7.25%) and extra-duty pay to align with competitive districts.
A major discussion centered on adopting a new 10-point grading scale starting in 2026-27, replacing the current seven-point system. Presented by Directors Shannon Thoendel and James Feeney, the change aims to level the playing field for college admissions and scholarships, where GPA thresholds like 3.0 are key. Analysis of the 2025 graduating class showed 45 students would see GPA boosts to 3.5 or higher, and 34 would reach 3.0 for automatic college entry. Most metro districts, including Gretna and Millard, have already transitioned. Surveys show 47.1% support the switch while 35.3% remain undecided on the matter. The board addressed concerns about rigor and retroactivity, opting not to recalculate past grades for data integrity but noting transcripts will clarify the scale change. “We want to maintain high standards while giving our kids an equal shot,” Feeney said. After discussion, the board unanimously approved to adopt the new grading scale.
The board entered executive session at 7:26 p.m. to discuss support staff and administrative compensation, reconvening to approve a 4.01% package increase.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m., with the next session scheduled for March 9 at 6 p.m. For full minutes and agendas, visit the Bennington Public Schools website.
