BPS Board honors staff, students, retiring teachers during meeting

A majority of Monday’s Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education meeting was devoted to giving recognition to staff and students.

A number of retiring teachers were highlighted for their years of service to the district.

“We’re sad to see them go, that’s a lot of experience,” Board President Dave Niedfeldt said. “They’ve served the district well and we appreciate their service.”

Those honored were BHS teachers Mark Metcalf, 17 years at BPS, and Judy Tejral, 17 years; Lincoln Elementary teacher Rita Green, 22 years; BMS teacher Larry Genzlinger, 39 years; and Cedar Elementary teachers Judy DeBuse, 20 years, Rose Fetty, 32 years, and Rene Tesar, 40 years.

“With the number of students who’ve gone through their classes, they’ve touched a lot of lives,” Niedfeldt said. “We wish them the best of luck.”

He said the district will welcome the new teachers who will step into their positions.

“They have some big shoes to fill,” Niedfeldt said.

In addition to the retiring teachers, other staff members were recognized for reaching 25 years with the district. They were Terry Brethouwer, Lisa Maguire and Michelle Pryor.

BMS math teacher Missy Mahoney was also recognized for receiving a Nebraska Association of Middle Level Education Award of Excellence.

Along with the staff members, a large number of students were also recognized during the meeting.

Ryan Root was honored for being named to the Omaha World-Herald All Academic Team, the third BHS student to receive this honor.

The following students were recognized for receiving Academic All-State honors: Cassie Baete-Jobman, Lucas Berke, Holly Bishop, Joshua Blood, Garrett Bruhn, Kayla Busboom, Brad Canova, Craighton Carey, Logan Cullison, Amber Detter, Patrick Doyle, Chloe Emerson, Amber Engler, Morgan Eskra, Mike Fox, Allison Havekost, Betsy Havekost, Colin Hays, Mac Henning, Jesse Hinz, Mallory Johnsen, Natalia Kraviec, Tommy Luers, Bobbi Millwood, Evan Moore, Austin Niedfeldt, Tyler Nutsch, Cassie Parks, April Payne, Anna Peterson, Gemma Pretzer, Mitchell Randel, Zach Ruiz, Nichole Schlake, Ethan Schlueter, Devin Schroeder, Jacob Sorenson, Marni Stuart, Ryan Vogel, Lydia Wagner, Courtney Wallman, Kent Warneke, McKenzie Wiese, Justin Wittler and Emily Zarybnicky.

In other business:

Bond refunding: Learned of finance and facilities committee discussion of the possibility of refinancing existing bonds, which would save approximately $400,000 in debt service payments.