Pierce public school bond
Election Day: May 12th, 2026
The Pierce Public Schools Board of Education has called a school bond election in an amount of $9,905,000 for the purpose of constructing additions and renovations and other site improvements to the existing elementary.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT?
Staff interviews and site observations at Pierce Elementary revealed several critical needs. Key concerns shared by most personnel include safety issues such as unsafe pick up and drop off lanes, compromised door/window security, insufficient security cameras, and insufficient intercom system, and the absence of an electronic lock system. Staff also noted a lack of dedicated space for a mothers’ room, outdated restroom facilities, inadequate storage, and lack of a dedicated lunchroom and activity center. Furthermore, the current number and configuration of classrooms are insufficient for the school’s needs and programs
PROJECT FEATURES
Renovated Special Education Classrooms
When the building was constructed in 1969, special education services were extremely limited. Today, the program has expanded to include three teachers—two with dedicated classrooms and one based in the art room—alongside Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy. Additionally, while not classified as special education, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) services are now integrated into the school’s support system.
Additional Classrooms
As noted, the special education program currently utilizes three teachers: two in dedicated classrooms and one stationed in the art room. Meanwhile, the instrumental and vocal music programs are sharing a single space. As student needs and Nebraska Department of Education regulations continue to evolve, additional facilities will be required to maintain compliance and support.
Activity Center
This layout provides the scheduling flexibility to hold physical education at any time during the school day, allowing for sessions more than twice per week. The space also accommodates indoor recess during inclement weather, a storm shelter during severe weather, and provides access to showers for hygiene needs. Furthermore, it offers a dedicated setting for events like preschool graduation, birthday celebrations, and ‘Super Jays’ assemblies, ensuring students no longer have to sit on the floor.
Enhanced Security
Building security will be enhanced by establishing a direct line of sight to a remotely controlled entry point. The new security camera system—fully integrated with the high school’s infrastructure—will provide comprehensive internal and remote monitoring of all public spaces. Similarly, a building-wide intercom system will facilitate communication between individual rooms and throughout the entire facility, synced with the high school’s existing network for seamless operation.
Common Space
The new space will serve as a multipurpose gathering area, alleviating current hallway congestion where students are required to wait on benches before school. It will also provide a dedicated waiting area for parents to meet with staff or pick up their children, as well as a primary staging area for all Activity Center events.
Drop Off, Pick Up, and Parking
To improve safety during high-traffic periods, the new layout will reduce street congestion and help to streamline traffic flow. By establishing separate building access points for buses and parent vehicles, the plan eliminates the current bottleneck on the East side of the building. Additionally, it provides dedicated off-street parking for parents, addressing the current issue where all available off-street spots are occupied by staff.
Please join us for community meetings where you can learn more about the project and ask questions.
April 16th | 6:30pm
Pierce Elementary School
Building Tours Available
April 29th | 6:30pm
Hadar Fire Hall
May 3rd | 6:30pm
Pierce Elementary School
Building Tours Available
