By Marisa Dawson

Bennington Public Schools is experiencing rapid growth that will elevate its high school athletics and activities to the state’s largest classification for the next two years. While some non-athletic activities have already been competing at the Class A level, most sports will make the full transition beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

The move is driven entirely by enrollment numbers, according to district officials. The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) determines classifications based on enrollment data submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education. A combined Grades 9–11 enrollment of 850 or higher moves a school to Class A in most sports, while football uses a threshold of 425 or more boys in Grades 9–11. Classifications for most activities are reviewed annually, though football follows two-year cycles for scheduling purposes.

The Bennington Public Schools District explained the temporary nature of the change: “Bennington will remain in Class A for the next two school years as part of the NSAA’s classification cycle. Based on current enrollment projections, when the new high school opens in the 2028–29 school year, enrollment will be split between two high schools, and both are anticipated to be in Class B.”

The district has seen significant enrollment growth in recent years, rising from around 1,500 students a decade ago to over 4,400 today, fueled by suburban expansion northwest of Omaha. A $112 million bond approved by voters will fund the second high school, set to open in 2028-29 with an initial capacity of 1,000 students.

For students and families, the most immediate changes will be more Class A opponents on schedules and different district competition matchups. Bennington will remain in the Eastern Midlands Conference (EMC) for the next two years, so many conference opponents will stay the same. However, football schedules will feature Class A teams assigned by the NSAA, and boys’ and girls’ basketball will be coordinated through a Class A scheduling consortium. In other sports, the district plans to schedule as many Class A opponents as possible.

Travel distances may actually decrease overall. “Most Class A schools are located east of Kearney,” the district noted, which could mean more manageable trips for many contests.

Competing against larger schools brings both hurdles and benefits. The district highlighted that the transition “provides an opportunity to demonstrate that Bennington student-athletes can compete at a high level against larger schools.” One noted challenge is scheduling availability, as not all Class A schools may have open dates.

Coaches and staff have prepared for years by consistently scheduling strong competition. The district does not anticipate changes to participation numbers, roster sizes, or program offerings. “We believe that participation numbers and roster sizes will remain the same. There [are] no plans to make changes to program offerings,” they said.

Many non-athletic activities, such as speech, music, and one-act competitions, have already operated under Class A classification due to differing NSAA criteria. Qualification standards and judging structures vary by activity.

District leaders emphasize continuity amid growth. They stated that the district has processes to adjust staffing, including adding coaches and sponsors as needed. Maintaining school culture remains a priority in the district’s new Strategic Plan, with a focus on relationships, involvement, and community. The message to students is clear: “While the classification is changing, the district’s expectations, values, and commitment to student success remain the same.” Leadership opportunities in student council and clubs will continue to be encouraged.

Bennington’s situation mirrors other rapidly growing Nebraska districts. Gretna High School experienced a similar temporary move to Class A before opening Gretna East, which split enrollment and returned them to Class B. Elkhorn High School had a short stint in Class A before Elkhorn South opened. In both cases, schools adapted to tougher competition, saw heightened visibility, and welcomed the return to Class B with familiar rivalries.

District leaders have considered such experiences. “Competing in Class A provides students with the opportunity to face strong competition, build resilience, and elevate performance. These experiences can strengthen programs and benefit students even after returning to Class B,” they noted.

Some concerns have been raised about facility space and scheduling, but the district is addressing them through proactive planning and facility evaluations. Planning committees are already meeting regularly to prepare for the new high school transition, covering academics, activities, operations, and student experience.

No changes are expected in school funding or accountability measures, which are handled separately from NSAA classifications.

As Bennington enters this new chapter, the focus remains on student success. The temporary move to Class A represents a milestone in the district’s growth story, one that positions its athletes and programs to compete at the highest level before the next phase of expansion brings them back to Class B alongside the Coyotes at their new sister school.