By Stacy Hawn, Bennington Public Schools
Updates & Reports Presented to the Board of Education
Throughout the meeting, building and district administrators presented reports and updates to the Board of Education. Click here to view the agenda with each presentation attached.
Reports included:
- Overview for elementary, middle school and high school
- Student Services
- Operations
- Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
- Spotlight on the Middle School & High School Activities and Athletics
Dr. Plas Provided a Monthly Update to the Board
During each regular board meeting, Dr. Plas provides an update to the Board on various topics. You can view the full report online as an attachment to the meeting agenda. Click here to view the agenda.
This month’s report included an update on:
- Welcoming new administrators to BPS
Student Handbooks Approved
The Board of Education approved the changes to the 2026-2027 student handbooks. All handbooks will be updated on school websites by June 30th.
Revisions to Board Policies Discussed
The Board of Education discussed and considered to revise policies.This was a first reading only, no action was taken. The proposed revisions are mandated by approved bills from the most recent legislative session. The Policy Committee recommended changes to policies. The proposed revisions below will be voted on at the next regular Board of Education meeting.
- Policy 1007.00 Education Agency Relations
- Policy 804.02 Data or Records Retention
- Policy 605.07 Part-time Enrollment
- Policy 502.06 Transfers Out
- Policy 502.02 Nonresident Students Option Enrollment/Policy 502.02R1 Regulatory Document
- Policy 503.01 Compulsory Attendance
- Policy 505.03 Suspension and Expulsion
- Policy 611.07 Graduation Requirements
- Policy 203.01 Organizational Meeting
- Policy 204.07 Meeting Notice
Superintendent Contract Approved
The Board of Education approved a three-year contract for the Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Plas.
Dr. Plas Presented Demographic Study Report
Dr. Plas presented the District’s demographic study completed by RSP & Associates. The study provided a comprehensive analysis of current enrollment, historical growth trends, housing development, and projected student enrollment across Bennington Public Schools. As one of the fastest-growing districts in Nebraska, this information will play a key role in long-term planning and decision-making. This report will serve as a baseline for the district’s Strategic Plan growth goal and help guide future discussions regarding facility capacity, staffing, transportation, technology, budgeting, and other infrastructure needs as the district continues to grow.
High School #2 Update
BPS is excited to officially announce the mascot and colors for the second high school!
Following the successful 2025 bond election for our second high school, a Core Team made up of administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and community members began the important work of helping establish the school’s identity.
After months of research, discussion, feedback, and collaboration, the Bennington Public Schools Board of Education has approved the mascot and colors for High School #2:
- Mascot: Coyotes
- Colors: Navy Blue, Silver, and Yellow
Watch the video below to see how this exciting next chapter for Bennington Public Schools was shared with the community.
The Coyotes mascot was selected because of its unique relationship with the Badger. In nature, coyotes and badgers share one of the most remarkable cooperative partnerships in the animal kingdom, each using its own strengths to achieve a common goal. This rare bond represents teamwork, collaboration, and shared success.
The color palette creates a distinct identity for the new high school while maintaining a connection to Bennington’s long-standing tradition. Bennington High School will continue as the Badgers in Royal Blue, White, and Black, while High School #2 will begin a new chapter as the Coyotes in Navy Blue, Silver, and Yellow.
Different Mascots. Different Colors.
One Bennington Community!
