BROKEN BOW — Broken Bow Public Schools is presenting updates on construction, staffing, student achievement and district finances during a series of community meetings led by Superintendent Darren Tobey.
The superintendent’s community tour began Tuesday and has included stops at Kinkaider Brewing, the district boardroom, Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce office and Adams Land and Cattle. The final scheduled presentation will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the district boardroom. A tour and snacks will be provided.
Tobey and Business Manager Kay Einsphar are introducing members of the district’s central office and Board of Education while providing information ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
District officials reported that construction and renovation work was completed before the beginning of the new school year. Crews finished the remaining flooring installation at the high school during the summer, allowing the district to open with all renovated and expanded areas available to students and employees.
According to the district, the project remained on schedule without significant change orders, unexpected delays or major construction problems.
Broken Bow Public Schools is also welcoming seven new educators and administrators. They include Ally Phillips, who will teach band in grades five through 12; Jeff Neujahr, sixth- through eighth-grade science; Darla Stienbrink, ninth- through 12th-grade science; Danielle Coutts, sixth- through eighth-grade English language arts; Riley Denson, kindergarten; Spencer Goodman, assistant elementary principal; and Abby Neujahr, fourth grade.
District materials also highlighted growth in elementary and middle school assessment results since 2018.
The average English language arts proficiency rate for students in grades three through five increased from 58% in 2018 to 81% in 2026. The average for grades six through eight rose from 37% to 73%.
During the same period, math proficiency increased from 56% to 86% among students in grades three through five and from 41% to 73% among students in grades six through eight. The science average for grades five through eight increased from 73% to 93%.
Broken Bow was one of 82 Nebraska school districts rated “excellent,” according to information distributed by the district.
Financial information presented during the tour showed Broken Bow with approximately $12.16 million in general fund expenses, compared with an average of roughly $14.74 million among several comparable central Nebraska districts. That represents a difference of approximately $2.58 million, or 17.5%.
The district’s 2024-25 general fund expenditures totaled $12,155,551. That amount included $600,000 directed toward bond obligations and a $500,000 transfer to other accounts.
Broken Bow’s cost per pupil was listed at $18,263 when calculated using average daily attendance and $17,100 using average daily membership. Those figures placed the district near the lower end of the regional districts included in the comparison.
The district reported approximately $12.63 million in total receipts during the 2024-25 fiscal year, including local tax, state and federal revenue.
Broken Bow Public Schools will hold an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at North Park Elementary and the middle and high school. Families may receive class schedules, complete school and meal-related forms, and pay fees.
Free hot dogs, chips and water will be provided during the open house.
