The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the District Office. All meetings are open to the public. Regular meetings are streamed live through YouTube and viewable on the District website. Special meetings, where there are action items on the agenda, will also be streamed live. Agendas for Board of Education meetings are posted on the district website the Friday before each meeting. Click here to view agendas and minutes.

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:

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:

Dr. Thoendel and Mr. Feeney provided an update on the curriculum and personnel proposals for the 2026-27 school year. The Curriculum Committee met on March 9th to continue the process of determining which curriculum and personnel proposals to recommend for the 2026-27 school year. There were 50 proposals this year for consideration.

At the previous meetings, the BOE approved twelve of the 50 proposals while utilizing fund reallocations and special education reimbursements. The Curriculum Committee has continued to review proposals that were highly prioritized by both the Curriculum/Proposal Committee and the Administrative/BOE Committee. The table below shows the proposals approved.

The Building/Finance Committee met on March 9th to discuss potential district purchases. These

discussions included transportation purchases. The Board approved the purchase of a new 10-passenger van for a total cost of $64,656. This van meets all federal requirements and was budgeted within the district vehicle replacement plan.

The Building/Finance Committee met on March 9th to discuss the summer maintenance proposals and repair projects. There was discussion on the potential needs and repairs at each of the buildings. At the conclusion, the Building and Finance Committee unanimously recommended the following be approved for the 2025-26 summer maintenance and repairs. The District has acquired multiple bids when possible, on each of the items.

The Board of Education approved a request from the Metropolitan Utilities District for a small permanent water main easement on district-owned land in the Morgan Ridge development. This site, located along Rainwood Road between 156th and 168th Street, is planned for a future elementary school. The easement will support water service for the area, including the future school, and is located along the edge of the property in a way that does not impact planned building space. The request was reviewed with DLR and the district’s legal counsel and recommended for approval by the Building/Finance Committee.

Dr. Blomenkamp presented the certified staffing report that included probationary teachers (in years 1-3), teachers in years 4+, and administrators. The Board approved the report and the retention of all certified staff presented.

The Board approved a $0.10 increase for all breakfast and lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year. 

Our preschool students have been learning about buildings and how they are cared for, and recently had the opportunity to hear from a special guest.

Mr. Dale from our maintenance team visited to talk with students about the tools he uses and the important work he does to keep our building running smoothly.

Students enjoyed this hands on experience and were able to connect their learning to real life while gaining a better understanding of the people who help take care of their school.

Students at Stratford Elementary recently reviewed for the Math NSCAS in a hands on and engaging way using a large Nebraska map.

Using a special ruler, students measured different counties across the map to calculate area and perimeter. This interactive activity helped bring math concepts to life while reinforcing important skills in a fun and meaningful way. #WeAreBPS

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Bennington Public Schools will transition from a 7-point grading scale to a 10-point grading scale.

This change comes after a thorough review of grading practices in surrounding districts, college admissions considerations, and feedback from staff, students, and families. Many area schools already use a 10-point scale, and colleges primarily focus on GPA when reviewing applications.

It’s important to note that this update will not change curriculum, expectations, or the level of rigor in our classrooms. Grades earned before fall 2026 will remain on the current 7-point scale.

To balance student independence with safety, the following rules apply to electric scooters, bikes, e-bikes, skateboards, and similar devices on school property:

The Community Resources page on the BPS website shares information about local programs available to help families with food sustainability and other essential needs. From food pantries and meal assistance to community outreach efforts, these resources are here to help families have access to what they need.

The Bennington Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Mr. Dan Bombeck, Director of Student Services, 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 (dbombeck@bennps.org). Employees and Others: Dr. Matt Blomenkamp, Assistant Superintendent 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 (mblomenkamp@bennps.org). Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact the OCR at 601 East 12th Street, Room 353, Kansas City, MO 64106, (800) 368-1019 (voice), Fax (816) 426-3686, (800) 537-7697 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.

The Bennington Public School District is committed to offering employment and educational opportunity to its employees and students in a climate free of discrimination. Accordingly, unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation of any kind by District employees, including, co-workers, non-employees (such as volunteers), third parties and others is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.