Board debates standing committee mix under Policy 8151; further review set for committee meeting

The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education discussed its standing committee list under Policy 8151 at the Jan. 13 meeting and agreed to continue review at the Committee of the Whole before assigning members in February.

Board members said many of the committees listed in the policy have been inactive or folded into the Committee of the Whole. Trustees identified transportation-facilities, budget, policy, administrative review and school-community/staff-relations committees as the main topics for discussion. Several members said the Committee of the Whole already serves many of the same functions and expressed concern about holding smaller committee meetings in spaces that exclude the public.

One trustee noted the value of a school community and staff relations committee for meeting with principals and staff and suggested finding a way to preserve that engagement, even if formats or timing change. The board agreed to further discussion at the January Committee of the Whole and to finalize committee appointments at the February regular meeting.

Ending: The board will return to Policy 8151 during the Committee of the Whole and then make committee assignments in February.