History of District

The roots of Papillion La Vista Community Schools trace back to the early days of Papillion, Nebraska, which was incorporated by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature on February 13, 1857. It wasn't until 15 years later that the community recognized the need for a formal school district.

The first recorded classes were held in 1872 in the home of Mrs. Thompson, taught by Mrs. Pauline Carpenter. This arrangement lasted only a year before the community built its first official school building at the corner of Halleck and Adams Street. Initial enrollment was recorded at 62, though actual attendance was closer to 46 students.

In 1875, the district issued its first bond to construct a dedicated brick schoolhouse at a cost of $3,500, using bricks made in Papillion. This one-room school opened in September 1876 with 60 students and served all grade levels under a single teacher. The first recorded graduate, Bert A. Wilcox, completed his studies in 1888.

As Papillion grew, so did its educational needs. In 1893, the school moved to a new brick building at 420 S. Washington Street. This facility served the community for 23 years until growing enrollment necessitated further expansion.

In June 1916, voters overwhelmingly approved a bond issue to rebuild and remodel the school at a cost of $12,000. By 1922, enrollment had surpassed 200 students with 10 teachers serving 12 grades. To accommodate this growth, a west wing was added to the school at a cost of $30,000.

During the 1922 construction, students created a time capsule that was sealed behind the cornerstone. This capsule, rediscovered decades later, contained newspapers, school documents, and a class roster signed by the students.

The two-story brick school served the district for the next 33 years. By the late 1950s, however, the district was experiencing a significant growth spurt that necessitated major changes.

On February 19, 1957, a new high school opened its doors. Located directly east of the existing school, this facility contained 11 classrooms and served students in grades 7 through 12. The original school continued to house kindergarten through 6th grade. In 1958, a new gymnasium completed the high school construction.

At this time, total district enrollment was less than 300 students. However, within just two years, enrollment more than doubled to 691 students, signaling the rapid growth to come.

The 1960s brought dramatic changes to the district. In 1960, a new development of over 300 homes began in the northern part of the district, leading to the incorporation of La Vista. Within two years, La Vista had grown to become a Class II city.

Anticipating future growth, the district passed a bond issue to build two new elementary schools at a cost of $245,000. Trumble Park Elementary and Tara Heights Elementary opened, allowing elementary students to move out of the original Papillion School. The high school then expanded to utilize both the original school and the new high school building.

In 1963, an $800,000 bond issue funded further expansion. A south wing was added to the high school, containing 17 additional classrooms, a guidance office, and a nurse's office. The bond also funded the construction of La Vista West Elementary and G. Stanley Hall Elementary in La Vista, as well as an addition to Tara Heights Elementary.

In 1964, residents strongly defeated a vote to become part of the Omaha School District, affirming their desire to maintain an independent district. Paul Basler was appointed Superintendent, a position he would hold for the next 22 years.

After six successful bond issues, the district saw its first defeat in September 1968 when a proposal to build a new high school was rejected. A year later, in September 1969, the bond passed, and construction began on a new high school at 84th Street and Centennial Road. That same year, two new elementary schools were completed: Carriage Hill Elementary and Parkview Heights Elementary.

The new high school opened in the fall of 1971, serving grades 9-12. By April 1970, district enrollment had grown to 3,482 students. In 1975, the addition of a pool and classrooms completed the high school.

1976 saw the opening of the district's second junior high, La Vista Junior High, to accommodate the growing communities of Papillion and La Vista. Both junior highs now served students in grades 7-9. Golden Hills Elementary also opened that year.

By 1983, district enrollment was nearing 6,000 students. A $7.5 million bond issue funded further expansion of the high school, including an auditorium, a track, and the groundwork for a football stadium. In 1985, Anderson Grove and Hickory Hill Elementary Schools opened to serve the growing student population.

A significant change came in 1987 when Superintendent Roger Miller recognized the need for unity between the Papillion and La Vista communities. The district's name was officially changed to Papillion La Vista Community Schools, and the high school became Papillion-La Vista High School.

The early 1990s saw continued expansion of the high school, including a new education wing, expanded cafeteria, additional parking, and tennis courts. In November 1992, a $19.8 million bond issue funded additions and renovations at multiple schools and the construction of Rumsey Station Elementary, which opened in 1995. A new central office and maintenance facility were also built at this time.

As the district continued to grow, the need for a second high school became apparent. After an initial bond defeat in 1997, voters approved a $53 million bond issue in November 1998. This led to the opening of Papillion-La Vista South High School in the fall of 2003, located at 10799 Highway 370 in Papillion.

The early 2000s also saw the opening of new elementary schools to accommodate growth. Walnut Creek Elementary opened in 2000, and Portal Elementary opened in 2003. The bond issue also funded renovations at several existing elementary schools.

In November 2006, residents passed a $40 million bond issue to address continued growth and facility needs. This funded the construction of two new elementary schools: Patriot Elementary, which opened in 2008 in the Grandview Subdivision, and Bell Elementary, which opened in 2009 in the Shadow Lake Neighborhood.

In November 2012, the community passed a $59.6 million bond issue to address ongoing growth and modernization needs. This led to the opening of Prairie Queen Elementary in 2015 and Liberty Middle School in 2016. The bond also funded renovations to improve safety and security at existing schools, as well as the installation of a district-wide fiber network to support increased technology use in classrooms.

A significant milestone occurred in 2016 when the district underwent a rebranding initiative, changing its name from Papillion-La Vista School District to Papillion La Vista Community Schools. This rebranding was more than just a name change; it represented a renewed commitment to community engagement and student success. The district articulated its mission with the following statement:

"Papillion La Vista Community Schools belong to you. We are here to prepare every student for the successful transition into the next phase of his or her life. Our superior educational programs are delivered by highly effective educators. They use innovative, research-based strategies in a safe and supportive environment in collaboration with family and community members. At PLCS, we will see our students succeed to their full potential."

This rebranding emphasized the district's dedication to serving the entire community and highlighted its focus on preparing students for their futures through high-quality education, innovative teaching strategies, and strong partnerships with families and community members.

The district has continued to invest in its facilities and educational programs. The 2023 Bond project includes significant renovations and improvements to various schools, including upgrades to science classrooms, auditoriums, and athletic facilities. These improvements demonstrate the district's ongoing commitment to providing modern, efficient, and supportive educational facilities for its students.

Throughout its history, Papillion La Vista Community Schools has grown from a single one-room schoolhouse to a comprehensive district serving thousands of students across multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. The district's motto, "Be Known for Greatness," reflects its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for future success.

From its early days to the present, the district has consistently adapted to meet the changing needs of its students and community, embodying a tradition of excellence in education. The 2016 rebranding reinforced this commitment, emphasizing the collaborative nature of education and the district's role in preparing students for successful transitions throughout their lives. As Papillion La Vista Community Schools moves forward, it continues to focus on innovative education, community engagement, and student success, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.