Bennington Public Schools

[Coyote]

'Non-stop change and growth' Growing pains for Gretna & Bennington schools



By the end of the decade, Bennington is projected to be the size of Westside Community Schools. Gretna will add a new high school in 2023. This ballooning student population has its financial challenges, as the more buildings you construct, the less efficient you become.

[ProgKingHughesker]

Not that it'll necessarily change anything about the school district, but how long do we expect Bennington to remain an independent city?

[Louie]

Not that it'll necessarily change anything about the school district, but how long do we expect Bennington to remain an independent city?

My guess would be about 2 years before they hit 10k population.

[Coyote]

Bennington to gather community feedback for potential second high school

The Bennington Public Schools will soon start seeking community input for a bond issue that will go before voters this fall. Though the full scope of the bond remains undecided and will ultimately be determined by the community input, according to the district, the main project will be a second high school to accommodate a growing student population. If the bond is approved by voters, the district could start construction by spring 2023. YMuch like the scope of the bond, many details about the high school are up in the air, such as the location, size and cost. Stacy Hawn, spokeswoman for Bennington, said the price for just the building could range from $102 million to $112 million, but community members will be presented with several options that could be added to the project.

[Coyote]

Bennington school district's plan for new high school concerns parents




KETV NewsWatch 7

Bennington parents push back on district plan to build new high school near former landfill

[Coyote]

Bennington school board approves property purchases for two future schools in bond issue



Bennington Public Schools has purchased property for two potential schools that could be included in a bond issue election in November.

[Mjs5050ss]

Really confused by the locations Bennington is choosing.

New Elementary school at 156th and Rainwood? That is where Heritage Elementary already is.

The 2nd High School location at 132nd and Rainwood also doesn't click for me. There is nothing there. its the 156th/168th area that is blowing up. Why not put the 2nd High School around there. The bond also wants money to purchase land for a 3rd High School. Look at that area at 132nd at that time, and see if it is filling in.

[djc311]

Really confused by the locations Bennington is choosing.

New Elementary school at 156th and Rainwood? That is where Heritage Elementary already is.

The 2nd High School location at 132nd and Rainwood also doesn't click for me. There is nothing there. its the 156th/168th area that is blowing up. Why not put the 2nd High School around there. The bond also wants money to purchase land for a 3rd High School. Look at that area at 132nd at that time, and see if it is filling in.

Are Bennington Public Schools being managed by old OPS management? then the logic would add up!

[Coyote]

Bennington school board approves property purchases for 2 future schools

Bennington Public Schools has purchased property for two potential schools that could be included in a bond issue in November. The school board approved the purchase of land for a future elementary school at 156th Street and Rainwood Road, south of Bennington, during its July 11 meeting. The property cost about $1.7 million, which came from a 2020 bond issue that set aside about $8 million for land purchases. On Monday, board members approved a purchase of 78 acres of farmland at 132nd Street and Rainwood Road, southeast of Bennington, for a potential second high school. It will cost about $2.2 million and will also be paid for via the 2020 bond issue. The district hasn't purchased it yet, but is in agreement with the owner for an upcoming closing date, said Stacy Hawn, district spokeswoman. Both schools could be part of a planned bond issue that will go before voters in November. The district is still gathering community feedback on the bond by distributing surveys and hosting information sessions.

Bennington parent Matt John attended a community session Tuesday and said he and some other parents were concerned about the district's purchase of the property for the second high school. The land, which is used for crops, sits just north of a Douglas County landfill that was closed in 1989. The district hired Environmental Professionals Inc. to conduct an environmental survey of the land. The Omaha-area company conducted a "windshield and walking survey" on the property, where personnel either drove next to the land or walked through the property to make observations, according to the survey. The company concluded that the closed landfill poses minimal risk to the property. After the landfill was closed, a 3-foot clay closure cap was installed in 1990. In 1995, a landfill gas collection and control system was installed to control off-site gas migration and diffuse any odors. According to the survey, it's still being monitored by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

[Coyote]

Bennington rescinds plan to purchase high school property next to landfill

Following waves of public backlash, the Bennington school board has scrapped its plan to buy a property near a landfill for a potential second high school. Board members voted unanimously Monday evening to rescind the agreement between the district and the property owner to purchase 78 acres of farmland at 132nd Street and Rainwood Road, southeast of Bennington. The school board had previously approved the purchase on July 18 and moved forward with asking for community feedback about what the district's second high school should look like. Terry Haack, Bennington's superintendent, said the school board's decision allowed for the execution of the contract, but the purchase hadn't been made by the time the district asked for community input.

[Mjs5050ss]

Bennington rescinds plan to purchase high school property next to landfill

Following waves of public backlash, the Bennington school board has scrapped its plan to buy a property near a landfill for a potential second high school. Board members voted unanimously Monday evening to rescind the agreement between the district and the property owner to purchase 78 acres of farmland at 132nd Street and Rainwood Road, southeast of Bennington. The school board had previously approved the purchase on July 18 and moved forward with asking for community feedback about what the district's second high school should look like. Terry Haack, Bennington's superintendent, said the school board's decision allowed for the execution of the contract, but the purchase hadn't been made by the time the district asked for community input.

My thoughts about the location have little to do with the landfill. I feel like it has been capped properly, and OPS clearly doesn't see it as an issue with Davis Middle School there. I just didn't understand the location due to the fact nothing is out there. When choosing these sites do school districts use a "if we build it they will come" attitude? I feel like the western part of the district is filling in faster than the eastern part. The area of 180th and Rainwood/Military seems like it would be a better fit with current growth.

[Coyote]

Community shares concerns with proposed Bennington school bond

Bennington Public Schools are growing fast and the district will soon run out of room for its students. Projections show that by 2024 Bennington High School will have grown past capacity and the district is proposing a new school to accommodate all of its new students. The board has come up with a proposed $149 million bond to build the new schools along with athletic facilities but not everyone in the community is as excited about the potential for a new school.

[Coyote]

Bennington Public Schools board approves purchase of land, calls for $165M bond
The move came after surveys, phone calls, and public hearings were done to discuss the issues facing the growing part of Douglas County.

Earlier this month, Bennington Public Schools thought they had a location for a second high school in the fast-growing district, but within days public outcry about that location adjacent to a closed landfill led to a change of plans. Fortunately for the district, an alternate site appears to be more acceptable to the public and the board voted unanimously to purchase the 76-acre location at the northeast corner of 180th and Rainwood Road at a special meeting Monday. “This is a big decision for our community, and we’ve understood that,” board president Mark Byars said. “And I don’t just mean just we school board and we the administration, we the community have understood that this is a big decision.” Next comes money to build on that land. Another unanimous vote, this one a resolution calling for a $150 million plus bond issue to be put in front of voters in November.

[Mjs5050ss]

Bennington Public Schools board approves purchase of land, calls for $165M bond
The move came after surveys, phone calls, and public hearings were done to discuss the issues facing the growing part of Douglas County.

Earlier this month, Bennington Public Schools thought they had a location for a second high school in the fast-growing district, but within days public outcry about that location adjacent to a closed landfill led to a change of plans. Fortunately for the district, an alternate site appears to be more acceptable to the public and the board voted unanimously to purchase the 76-acre location at the northeast corner of 180th and Rainwood Road at a special meeting Monday. “This is a big decision for our community, and we’ve understood that,” board president Mark Byars said. “And I don’t just mean just we school board and we the administration, we the community have understood that this is a big decision.” Next comes money to build on that land. Another unanimous vote, this one a resolution calling for a $150 million plus bond issue to be put in front of voters in November.

Interesting that a plan was submitted for a new subdivision to go where this was mentioned. Were these plans submitted prior to Bennington Schools purchasing the ground?

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ber/14.pdf

[Coyote]

Bennington highlights community and mentorship during combined celebration on Saturday
The small town marked its 135th anniversary, while Teammates Mentoring celebrated its 8th year

BENNINGTON, Neb. (KMTV) — A big day for Bennington, the town supporting its small close-knit community while celebrating a big milestone. Saturday the small town of Bennington celebrated its Founder’s Day marking the city's 135th anniversary, a cause for a day-long celebration. Events included a farmer's market, pep rally and autograph signing by the local high school's student-athletes ‘It’s just a really great day to build community and bring us all out on a gorgeous fall afternoon," said Lindsey Adams with the town's Chamber of Commerce. In all 36 vendors were part of the celebration, attendance was at a record level. While the city honors its past, an organization within it helps shape the future. Teammates Mentoring matches kids with adults in the community helping them build relationships with grown-ups outside of their families and teachers. It marked its 8th anniversary Saturday.

"We match student grades 3-12 with adults in the community," said Megan Detjens, Teammates coordinator, Bennington School District. "It's just another opportunity for a student to have another supportive adult in their life" Detjens said kids and mentors play games, chat or just hang out. Mentor Stan Turner said the program gives kids a voice, promoting positive development. "If they want to sit down and talk, maybe they just want to do homework and talk to you on the side, it’s whatever they want." He said. Turner said it’s hard to say who gets more out of the program the mentors or the mentees. "I think it’s almost equal," he said. "But I know every mentor feels great when they walk out the door." With interest in the program still growing, everyone in Bennington is sure it will stick around longer than another eight years. "There’s a long list of mentees needing mentors so the more we can bring in mentors those mentees have somebody," said Nikki Thomsen, chamber of commerce. Teammates Mentoring is looking for volunteers in Bennington, more information on the program and how to sign up can be found on their website.

[Coyote]

Growing Bennington to vote on $153 million bond for new high school

It would be used to support a second high school, athletics facilities, and security improvements. But it'd mean a 10 cent tax levy for every $100 of property value.

[Coyote]

Growing Bennington to vote on $153 million bond for new high school, faces organized opposition

Former Bennington Board of Education member Darren Siekman said he remembers his kids resorting to portable classrooms. And it's not something he wants to see happen again. "Obviously they survived and they're productive adults now, but it's definitely not optimal," he said. "I worked hard during my time on the board to make sure we got rid of those and didn't have to add more in." That's one reason why he supports the $153 million bond issue that will be on the ballot for Bennington voters on Tuesday. It would be used to support a second high school, athletics facilities, and security improvements. But it'd mean a 10 cent tax levy for every $100 of property value. A home valued at $350,000 would mean an extra $350 in property taxes.

[Coyote]

Election 2022: Bennington school bond rejected

One Omaha-metro school district is trying to figure out how to move forward after voters overwhelmingly rejected building a new high school on Tuesday. The vote even created a shake-up on the school board. Bennington Public Schools had never lost a bond vote — until last night. And it wasn’t even close. Those against the school bond doubled up the votes compared to those who supported it.

[Louie]

So this means the single school there becomes overcrowded, no?

[Coyote]

So this means the single school there becomes overcrowded, no?

But school district officials said that they’re facing issues with overcrowding.
“The high school will be over capacity with our current enrollment in 2026.”

More than 2/3 of voters reject Bennington Public Schools bond issue

Bennington is growing, with a need for a new high school. But more than 2/3 of voters said no to a bond issue that would finance construction. We find out what's ahead for the District.

[Louie]

I guess I should have read the article lol

[Coyote]

Four finalists named for superintendent of Bennington Public Schools

Bennington, Neb. (KPTM) — The Bennington Public Schools Board of Education has narrowed its list of next potential superintendent down to four finalists.

The list of the four finalists are found below:

- Dr. Matt Blomenkamp, Assistant Superintendent of Operations - Bennington Public Schools
- Dr. Summer Stephens, Superintendent of Schools - Churchill County Schools District, Fallon, NV
- Dr. Christopher Loofe, Associate Superintendent/Director of Finance - Kearney Public Schools, Kearney, NE
- Dr. Aaron Plas, Superintendent of Schools - Lakeview Community Schools, Columbus, NE

Dr. Matt Blomenkamp's interview will be at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 6 with Dr. Summer Stephens' interview taking place afterwards at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Christopher Loofe's interview will be at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 with Dr. Aaron Plas' interview taking place afterwards at 6:30 p.m.

[Coyote]

Bennington Public Schools announces new superintendent

BENNINGTON, Neb. (KMTV) — The Bennington Board of Education announced on Thursday that it has reached a discussion in the search for a new superintendent. The board has picked Dr. Aaron Plas as the newest superintendent of Bennington Public Schools. After completing interviews with the four finalists the board voted unanimously to negotiate with Plas for the position of Superintendent of Schools, according to a press release.

[Coyote]

Bennington Public Schools hoping for second high school through 'yes' vote on bond issue



BENNINGTON, Neb. — Bennington Public Schools hopes voters will approve a bond to build a second high school. Bennington held a similar bond vote in 2022, which failed. This year's bond carries a cost of $119,000,000, with the district putting in over $9,500,000 of its own money from reserves.

There are differences between the 2022 bond and this year's bond. 2022's bond would've added 40 core classrooms, and this year's would add 32. There were also security upgrades, a natatorium and a stadium expansion included in 2022's bond. This year's has none of the three.

[nativeomahan]

The bond vote lost by less than 200 votes out of more than 6,000 cast.

[Garrett]

Interesting. I wonder if this will end up impacting Bennington’s growth/property values

[Brad]

New High School Plans:
https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... May/20.pdf