Community Collaboration
The Beatrice Public School Board of Education strives to provide exceptional educational services to all students. To better serve their students, it was decided to combine Beatrice’s three elementary schools into one to provide safe, equitable, and efficient learning environments for students. In pursuit of this mission, the Board of Education partnered with various organizations to begin the construction of the new elementary school.
Client:
Beatrice Public Schools
Location:
Beatrice, NE
Budget:
In Progress
Year:
2024
Fortifying Security
The new elementary is located on the northern half of an 80-acre site at the intersection of Lincoln and 33rd street. Several site access drives provide safe queuing, busing, and parent pickup locations for student drop-off and pickup. Other amenities include multiple playgrounds, parking, access to community paths/sidewalks, and plans for connections to future activity areas.
Facility Features
The design of the new elementary has been developed collaboratively with staff, administration, the Board of Education, and community input. Some of the features include:
• Secure entry
• FEMA shelter for all students
• Space for all Preschool – 5th-grade students
• 2-stories for more efficient circulation and to minimize the exterior envelope
• Flex classrooms to accommodate growth or additional programs
• The ability for educational and public use of gymnasium
• Centralized Innovation Center
• Music/Band programs
• Youth-themed spaces showcasing the richness of Nebraska and Beatrice
• Integrated special education programs
Optimizing Spaces for the Future
In addition to the facility, the structure incorporates many design elements that help the building be more cost-effective. These features will reduce initial and long-term operational costs throughout the district, streamline transportation, lower life cycle costs by utilizing a geothermal HVAC system, and provide better access to educational resources and staff for all students. These efficiencies will be invaluable in providing students with a sustainable and improved educational environment!