School Board Revises Policy on Student Interviews in Child Abuse Cases

Beatrice Public Schools is set to revise its policy regarding student interviews conducted by law enforcement in cases of child abuse or neglect. During the August 25, 2025, meeting, school officials discussed the current requirement that mandates a principal or school counselor be present during such interviews. This policy change aims to enhance the protection of school staff and encourage students to speak more freely during sensitive discussions.

The proposed adjustment, which has been reviewed with legal counsel and local law enforcement, would allow for a school employee to monitor the interview from outside the room instead of being present. This change is intended to alleviate the pressure students may feel when discussing delicate issues in front of familiar authority figures. School officials noted that students often hesitate to share information when they know they will see the interviewer regularly at school.

The new policy will ensure that a school representative is still involved in the process, either by being present if the student requests it or by monitoring the interview remotely. This dual approach aims to balance the need for student comfort with the necessity of having school oversight during potentially traumatic discussions.

In response to questions about the frequency of such interviews, officials indicated that law enforcement and child protective services often conduct these interviews, sometimes as part of routine checkups or ongoing investigations. The meeting also touched on the importance of ensuring that students have a voice in whether they want a school representative present during these interviews.

As Beatrice Public Schools moves forward with this policy revision, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment for students while maintaining necessary oversight in sensitive situations. The school district is committed to ensuring that students feel safe and supported when discussing difficult topics, reinforcing the importance of their well-being in the educational setting.