Gering Preschool Expansion
Building Up Bulldog Early Childhood Learning
Gering, Neb. - Gering Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, November 13 for a new four classroom preschool being built on the Northfield Elementary School campus; but what makes this project particularly unique and special are the individuals holding the shovels. This 5,000 sq. foot preschool expansion project is being built by Gering High School Construction Trades Career Pathway students.
For close to 30 years, Gering High School advanced construction students have been building one home a school year, but pivoted this year, and are investing in this much needed project for the school district. Gering Public Schools leadership continues to see a growing demand from families for early learning full-day preschool opportunities. Over the last three years, GPS has added five full-day preschool classrooms across their three elementary schools.
"It's a growing need we hear over and over from families," shares Gering Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nicole Regan. "We also know that this issue is compounded by a statewide childcare crisis and families are trying to do the best they can with limited access and resources," she continues.
When the district hit their enrollment goals for preschool again in early 2023, a plan for expansion began. Gering Business and Finance Director, Stacy Rodriguez, had the thought to blend the talents of high school students and connect it to the need for more space in early learning.
"Yes, having our students do this work is going to be beneficial cost-wise, but it is also an incredible learning opportunity to take the skills they are ready to apply and pour it back into the school district's growth for future Bulldogs," shares Rodriguez.
This was a testament echoed by GHS Construction Trades student, Navaeh Laeger, during the groundbreaking ceremony, "Honestly, it's an honor to be able to build this and give this early learning opportunity for Bulldogs who will be in our shoes someday."
The school district has budgeted this $900,000 project out of the district's general fund, but have also applied to a program through the Nebraska Department of Education, which would allow the district to recoup the cost over the next two years due to capacity growth.
"This project really is a win-win-win," shares Dr. Regan. "It's a win for the students building it, it's a win for the future preschool students who will benefit from it, and it's a win for our taxpayers as we address the early learning needs with minimal financial impact."
As the GHS students dig into the labor of completing this project for school next fall, senior and GHS Construction Trades Pathway student, Tanner Gartner, summed it up, "I just think it will be awesome to drive by in a couple of years and say, I built that!"
Gering Preschool students look up to GHS Construction Trades students during the November 13 groundbreaking ceremony.