VALENTINE, Neb. - Valentine Community Schools will soon have a new art teacher. On Wednesday, the Valentine School Board voted to hire Victoria Schwab, a first-year teacher, for the position.

“She’s a rugby player too, so watch out,” said Superintendent Mike Halley.

The board also accepted two resignations during the meeting. The middle and high school nurse is stepping down to stay home with her baby, and the after-school program director has also resigned.

“She started our program, and she’s done a great job,” Halley said of the after-school director, who will finish the school year and work through the summer before leaving the position.

Valentine Community Schools launched the after-school program in 2022 to provide students with structured activities after school and during the summer. Before its creation, many children went home unsupervised due to a lack of childcare options.

In addition to the hiring and resignations, the board approved contract updates for the 2025-2026 school year, including salary and benefits adjustments for VHS Principal Andy Cronin, VMS Principal Jeff Sayer, VES Principal Jay Elliott, VCS Activity Director and Assistant Principal Blake Beebout, and Superintendent Mike Halley.