Pleasanton Public Schools, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton Public Schools superintendent and board of education president provided information regarding the $11 million bond issue that has been called during a media visit to the school on Monday, Jan. 20.
The bond, in the amount of $11 million would create needed academic space for students as the Pleasanton district has seen enrollment grow more than 25 percent in the past 10 years.
“The project addresses space concerns that the board has been discussing since January 2022. The need became even more pressing as enrollment continued to climb, prompting the district to purchase six acres north of the school in September 2023,” Pleasanton Public Schools stated in a press release.
“Our PreK-12 enrollment has grown significantly over the past decade, from 264 to 331 students,” said Seth Kucera, board president. “Birth-to-five census numbers forecast continued steady growth, reaching an estimated 353 students within the next five years. This project is essential to accommodate our growing student body and provide them with the best possible learning environment.”
It was noted the growth fluctuates but the numbers continue to grow. The numbers come from both students who live within the district and students who are choosing to opt into the Pleasanton district.
It was noted the option students help to balance out class sizes and can help better financially support two teachers.
The proposed project includes the addition of eight new high school classrooms and six new elementary classrooms, and expanded shop spaces for career, technical, and agricultural education programs, converting the existing media center into classrooms and building a new media center by enclosing the current courtyard, a new secure entrance and expanded parking on the east side of the building.
Superintendent Nathan Lightle said student numbers have grown to the point that they have had to split class sizes when they reach around 25 students. He said they prefer to split class sizes, so students have more one-on-one education.
“Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of smaller class sizes on student learning,” Lightle said. “Whether a student requires additional challenges or extra support, this personalized approach boosts academic performance and builds confidence.”
Lightle explained that more one-on-one time allows teachers to better observe and engage with each child, identify areas for growth, celebrate successes, and truly get to know each student on a personal level.
Adding classrooms would allow for additional teachers and allow more specialized classes for the students who are pursuing different career paths.
The expanded classrooms would allow for two separate tracks of math, science, English, social studies at the high school level and at the elementary level for two unit and specialist classes.
Lightle also noted that many schools of Pleasanton size have a shop and agricultural education spaces, but they only have one shop space now.
With this proposed project funded by the bond, Lightle said the district needs to not just look at tomorrow, but the needs of the school five to ten years down the road.
The bond vote will be held by special election by mail, ballots will be mailed in late February to registered voters and are due by March 11 at 5 p.m.
Lightle said the district is working to educate the district community members about the needs of the school and what the cost will be.
“We want everyone out there to know the challenges that are facing our school every day,” Lightle said.
There are two community meetings scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m., both will be held in the school gym.
For context, Lightle said the high school building was built in 1993 and elementary wing was added in 2016. He said their facilities are relatively new given school construction and provide a great learning environment, but more space is needed.
Lightle noted that the elementary wing was funded by a bond issue that was passed by voters and will be on the books until 2032.
Board president Kucera also spoke and said the classrooms are currently maxed out and more space is needed as the community continues to grow. “We have more kids coming here every year.”
Kucera said that Pleasanton Public Schools is an integral part of the community, and the people are supportive, with many families sending multiple generations to be educated in the same school.
A tentative timeline, if the bond passes, would be for construction to start three to six months after that point and take two years, Kucera said.
Kucera said he feels that the people of the community will be supportive but understands that larger landowners will pay a large share of the bond. He noted that this is the way the Nebraska Legislature has mandated that bonds be funded.
“This project allows us to preserve the excellent education Pleasanton is known for, ensuring our students continue to receive the quality education they deserve, even as we grow,” Lightle said.
