Beattie was built in 1953 and significantly renovated in 2007. It was named for Merle M. Beattie (1885-1979) who joined the Lincoln Public Schools District in 1906 and served 45 years as either teacher or administrator. In 1923 she was appointed Director of Elementary Education, a position she held until her retirement in 1951. In January 1953 Miss Beattie was selected by the Lincoln Board of Education to replace a member who had resigned to take a position in the Eisenhower administration. She served on the board only five months until the 1953 election.
