Gering, Nebraska (August 7, 2026) - After listening to community feedback and evaluating the district’s most critical facility needs, the Gering Public Schools Board of Education will consider action Monday night on a revised Gering Middle School facilities improvement proposal for placement on the November 2026 general election ballot.
The proposed plan reflects feedback received from parents, staff, taxpayers, local business leaders, and community members following the unsuccessful 2025 special bond election. District leaders spent several months gathering input, reviewing facility priorities, and identifying opportunities to adjust the scope and cost of the proposal while continuing to address key facility needs.
The revised proposal includes a $29,750,000 bond amount with an estimated levy impact of 7.25 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Compared to the 2025 bond proposal, the revised plan represents a 63.4% reduction in the requested levy impact and a 13.7% reduction in the overall project cost.
The proposed funding plan also includes a $7.7 million district contribution through a lease-purchase agreement utilizing an existing portion of Special Building Fund resources. The district contribution reduces the amount requested of taxpayers and incorporates existing district resources into the overall project plan.
“The feedback we received was clear, our community wanted a more focused plan,” said Kory Knight, Interim Superintendent of Gering Public Schools. “This proposal reflects over a year of listening, reviewing facility needs, and prioritizing the items identified through that process.”
The revised proposal focuses on several key areas:
Safety, Security & Site Improvements
New secure single entrance to strengthen campus safety and improve visitor access.
Major site improvements including redesigned traffic flow
, a dedicated bus drop-off area, safer student walkways, and 90 new dedicated parking spaces.
New Academic Learning Spaces
61,054 square feet of new construction, including 24 classrooms to support student academic achievement.
Career & Technical Education Updates
25,361 square feet of renovated
space for
Career and Technical Education (CTE),
improving hands-on learning.
Athletic and Physical Education Spaces
New competition gym, two-mat wrestling/multipurpose room, and athletic locker rooms for physical education and athletics.
“Our students and staff come to Gering Middle School every day ready to learn, lead, and grow,” shares John Wiedeman, Principal of Gering Middle School. “This proposal reflects the opportunity to create spaces that better support the work happening in our classrooms while meeting the needs of today’s learners.”
Following Board consideration, Gering Public Schools will provide opportunities for community members to learn more about the proposal through informational meetings and tours. Additional project information, estimated costs, and frequently asked questions is available on the district website at www.geringschools.net.
Upcoming informational opportunities will include:
Friday, August 7 – Movie in the Park, 7:30 p.m.
District officials will be available at the Gering Civic Park Plaza before the Movie in the Park event to answer questions and provide information about the proposed facilities improvement plan.
Monday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m. – Informational Meeting & Facility Tour
At Gering Middle School
Wednesday, September 2 at 6:00 p.m. – Informational Meeting & Facility Tour
At Gering Middle School
District officials emphasized that these opportunities are intended to provide information about the proposed project, answer questions, and help community members better understand the district’s facility needs and the proposed improvements.
The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
For additional information about the proposed facilities improvements or upcoming informational meetings, visit www.geringschools.net