Learn About Arnold Public Schools

Thank you for visiting the Arnold Public Schools website. Stay awhile, explore, and learn more about what makes us so special. Or stop by for a visit in person. We look forward to seeing you soon.

For more than 100 years, Arnold Public Schools has combined a respect for tradition with an embrace of the future, academic rigor, an appreciation of the individual, and an emphasis on the essence of community. Our outstanding faculty has been honored with numerous awards for their intense dedication and high expectations, academic and otherwise.

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Cognia Accreditation

Arnold Public Schools has been Accredited by Cognia, formerly known as AdvancED and NCA, for many years. APS alignment with this organization ensures that we are operating in compliance with state requirements, as well as offering excellent services to our families in all areas of our school operations.

Our School Improvement Team works with the AdvancED process and systems to ensure that goals to help students achieve their maximum potential are set, and that teachers have the necessary tools to engage students and to meet learning head on with a great attitude.

MPCC Partnership

Since back in the 1990s, Arnold has maintained a partnership with Mid Plains Community College to provide college courses and dual credit college courses for our high school students.  Courses have been offered in the Industrial Technology Areas to begin with, then added courses in Computer Technologies, and moving more into academics with College English Composition courses.  Other courses over the years have been offered on a one time basis for students with individualized needs as well.

Our Administrators, Office Staff, and School Board Members all work together to provide structure, support, and guidance to our staff and students at Arnold Public Schools. 

Brickbuildingimage

In every area of school life, the faculty seeks to challenge and inspire students to reach new levels of inquiry and understanding. In addition, specialists in the areas of technology, art, music, library media, athletics, and physical education use their talents and expertise to deliver a rich, well-rounded environment. Innovative programs such as School House Graphics have received national recognition for providing unique real-world business educational experiences.

Demographics

Arnold Public School is a K-12 Class D school located on the western edge of Custer County. Arnold is located 35 miles west of Broken Bow and 45 miles northeast of North Platte. Arnold is just over 550 square miles in size and is made up predominantly of an agricultural related economy. The district population is 1002 people. Arnold operates 4 bus routes and logs over 101,292 miles on regular routes. Our tax base consists of a predominantly agricultural-related economy.   Arnold works with Mid-Plains Community College to offer dual credit classes in Welding, Accounting, College English, Desktop Publishing, Graphic Art, and Emerging Technologies. Arnold is a member of the Southwest Distance Learning Consortium and we receive and send several classes utilizing distance equipment. We are aligned with ESU10 for other technology areas, and for professional development and Title I and Resource services.

1:1 Laptop Initiative

“In 2006 Arnold Public School became a one to one (1:1) laptop school by purchasing laptops for students in Grades 9-12. The distribution of the laptops represented the culmination of several years of study, planning, and commitment on the part of our school board, staff and administration.

We love our “One to One Initiative” because of the multitude of opportunities it affords our students. Since technology is such a fundamental part of our students’ lives, it is imperative they are taught to use it safely in a learning environment. It is also important that each and every student have equal access to technology, and our 1:1 initiative has leveled the playing field for students.”

We are currently in our 4th cycle of laptops, and have grown to include laptops for all students K-12, with iPads available for students in K-4. Technology is fully integrated into classroom teaching with iPads, Laptops, SmartBoards, Apple TV, and any other device that teachers will use to reach students. 

September 23, 2025

Senior Booklet

The complete fourth edition of the Arnold Gazette newsletter, including the SPORTS articles, can be seen here.

 

Board Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025

A Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 8:00 P.M. on the 8th day of April, 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in regular session Tues, April 8, 2025 at 8:01 P.M. with all members present.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Cool to approve the minutes of the last meeting.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Strasburg to approve claims totaling $300,804.02.  Motion carried 5-0-1 (Bierman, Bowers, Cool, Dalrymple and Strasburg), Nansel abstained. 

NON-ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEMS

MOTION by Justin Strasburg that the Board of Education of this School District should and does hereby approve and adopt the Resolution, as presented and attached hereto, with regard to the ranking and selection of BD Construction as the top ranked construction manager at risk for a potential school facility improvement project.

Board member Bryce Nansel seconded the MOTION.  After discussion and on roll call vote, the following Board members voted in favor of passage and adoption of the above Motion and Resolution: Bryce Nansel, Justin Strasburg, Merle Bierman, Duane Bowers, Joe Cool, and Jen Dalrymple.

The following Board members voted against the same: None.

The following Board members were absent or not voting: None.

The above Motion and Resolution having been consented to by a majority of the members of the Board of Education of this School District, were declared as passed and adopted by the Board President at a duly held and lawfully convened meeting in full compliance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Law.

Motion Bierman, seconded Dalrymple to approve 2025-2026 Teacher Contract for Erin Wyckoff.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve computer order.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Cool, seconded Bierman to approve surplus of 2014 Dodge Avenger for disposal by the Superintendent.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Dalrymple to approve 2025 Chrysler Pacifica purchase from Depreciation for the amount of $44,644.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 8:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:45 P.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE

SECRETARY DATE

March 11, 2025 Board Minutes

A Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 P.M. on the 11th day of March, 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in regular session Tues, March 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with four members present.  Bierman, Bowers, Dalrymple and Nansel were present.  Cool arrived at 7:09 P.M. and Strasburg arrived at 7:17 P.M.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote with the four members present.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve the minutes of the last meeting.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Bierman to approve claims totaling $314,765.54.  Motion carried 4-0-1 (Bierman, Bowers, Cool and Dalrymple), Nansel abstained. 

NON-ACTION ITEMS

Initial Facility Design

Driver’s Education Car

Motion Cool, seconded Nansel to move non-action item Driver’s Education Car to action item 8.7.  Unanimous on roll call vote

ACTION ITEMS

Motion Bierman, seconded Strasburg to approve Municipal Advisor Agreement with Northland Securities.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, seconded Dalrymple to approve resignation of Molly Ryan with regrets.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Nansel to approve 2025-2026 Teacher Contract for CeeAnna Beel.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Bierman to approve Title I Support & Consorting Title IIA and III Funds with ESU10.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, seconded Nansel to approve Lawn Care Bids as discussed.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Nansel to approve 2025-2026 School Calendar.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Cool, seconded Strasburg to approve authorization to Superintendent to purchase Driver’s Education Vehicle up to $50,000.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 8:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:32 P.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE

SECRETARY DATE

February 11, 2025 Board Minutes

A Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 A.M. on the 11th day of February, 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in regular session Tues, February 11, 2025 at 7:00 A.M. with all members present.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Strasburg to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Cool, seconded Strasburg to approve the minutes of the last meetings.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Bierman, seconded Dalrymple to approve claims totaling $296,353.14.  Motion carried 5-0, Nansel abstained.

NON-ACTION ITEMS

Arnold Tree Board Tree Grant

Emergent 3 App

Study Sync Grades 9-10

ACTION ITEMS

Motion Cool, seconded Dalrymple to approve 2025-2026 Teacher Contract for Jessica Vohs.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Nansel, seconded Strasburg to approve waive the 1st Reading and adopt Board Policy 7070 for Construction Manager at Risk.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Dalrymple to approve Construction Manager at Risk method of construction delivery for a potential school facility improvement project under the Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Nansel to approve Construction Manager at Risk selection criteria and evaluation weights for a potential school facility improvement project.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Nansel to approve appointed members to the Construction Management at Risk Selection committee for a potential school facility improvement project.  Derek Aldridge – Legal Representative, Representative from Wilkins Architecture, Justin Strasburg, Byrce Nansel, Joe Cool, Dave Smith, Scott McDowell and Joel Morgan.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Dalrymple, seconded Cool to approve renewal of membership in the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) for 2025-2026.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion Strasburg, seconded Nansel to approve 2025-2026 Principal Contract as discussed.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Accepted Principal and Superintendent Reports

Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the East Campus.

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:21 A.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE

SECRETARY DATE

January 27, 2025 Special Board Meeting

A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 7:00 P.M. on the 27th day of January, 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in a special session Monday, January 27, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with all members present.  

Meeting called to order

Motion Strasburg, seconded Dalrymple to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Visitors & Guests:  Members of the community were in attendance.

NON-ACTION ITEMS

Construction Manager Discussion : Hausmann Construction Presentation

Facility Design & Review Discussion

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 8:38 P.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE

SECRETARY DATE

January 16, 2025 Special Meeting

A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the School District of Arnold, in the County of Custer, in the State of Nebraska School District No. 89 of Custer County, Nebraska, was convened in open and Public Session at 6:00 P.M. on the 16th day of January, 2025, at the East Campus, in said District.  Notice of the Meeting was given in advance thereof according to Law by Proper Publication, a designated method for giving notice to the School District,  A copy of the Proof of Publication being attached to these minutes.  Notice of this meeting was given in advance to all members of the Board of Education.  Availability of the Agenda and the Purpose of the meeting was communicated in the advanced notice of the meeting to the members of this meeting.

Board of Education met in a special session Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. with all members present.  

Meeting called to order

Motion Strasburg, seconded Dalrymple to approve the agenda.  Unanimous on roll call vote.

Visitors & Guests: 

NON-ACTION ITEMS

Wilkins ADP Facility Presentation

Meeting adjourned by Bowers at 7:58 P.M.

To be considered for payment bills must be in the school office by noon on Thursday before the Board Meeting on Tuesday.

The agenda is a continuous one and is available for examination during the regular hours at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVED:

PRESIDENT DATE SECRETARY

Activities Calendar at A Glance

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