June 9: Bellevue School Board approves facility upgrades, highlights English Learner progress

At its June 9 meeting, the Bellevue Board of Education approved a $91,350 renovation project for the Lied Activity Center, citing the need to modernize 23-year-old locker rooms and other facilities. The project will be financed from the district’s building and site fund, with additional support from the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation. Construction is scheduled to begin mid-July to minimize disruption to programming.

The board also received an update on the district’s English Learner (EL) program. Coordinator Susan Fjelstad highlighted student progress and the growing impact of the district’s family literacy initiative. She introduced parent leader Gaby Gutierrez, who shared her journey from newcomer to community advocate and U.S. citizen, thanks to district support and adult ESL classes. Fjelstad also credited strong community partnerships for extending the program’s reach.

Meeting documented by Will Ramsey

Read full meeting notes here

By Omaha Documenters

Omaha Documenters is a program that empowers citizens to actively participate in local governance by documenting public meetings. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability by making critical information accessible to the community, fostering informed public discourse, and promoting civic engagement. Through its network of dedicated Documenters, the program bridges the gap between government entities and the public, ensuring that decisions affecting the community are transparent and inclusive. For more information and to get involved, visit documenters.org.

By Leah Keinama

Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.

Sign up today

Every Friday, we write and deliver a free email newsletter that includes all our stories and the best news from around the state — award-winning investigations, deeply-reported stories, and uplifting features that connect Nebraskans no matter where you live.

The next chapter in Nebraska news, delivered free to your inbox.