Beatrice school board approves new sports complex

In a 9-0 vote, the Beatrice School Board voted for a new sports complex.

Kayla Busboom runs track for Beatrice High School.  She says, “The turf will be a lot better.  I know the football guys are always like, 'Are you track people messing up our fields?' so the turf will definitely prevent that.”

Also, no more concrete end zones and sudden drop-offs or mold-infested locker rooms.

In a unanimous vote Monday evening, the Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education approved a one million dollar game plan for a new outdoor complex.

One of the many problems that the superintendent and many school board members have with the current stadium is that's it's not ADA compliant.  Superintendent Dr. Jon Lopez says, “the structure, which was built in the early 1900's, doesn't have any accommodations for handicapped seating.  There's just a variety of safety issues for both the fans and athletes.”

It would cost almost $7 million dollars to renovate the stadium.  The price tag for the new one is about $1.8 million, most of it paid for by bonds and construction fees already figured in the districts budget.  No taxes will be raised.

Dr. Lopez says it'll just take a little bit of teamwork to raise the last bit needed.  “We've already talked with some local construction folks who are willing to help us with the project in terms of donating some services or reduced costs on the services.  This is truly going to be a community project.”