Local business owners' proposal before board

Cooler school days may be ahead for McCook's elementary students if the McCook Board of Education approves a plan by local businessmen to raise funds for 30 air conditioning units for the city's elementary schools.

Jay Austin of Coyote Country and Mark Sarver of Sitel Corporation will present a plan to the board at its regular meeting Monday 7:30 p.m., in the McCook Junior High conference room to purchase 30, 220 volt air conditioners with a minimum of 14,000 BTUs.

The "Cool the Schools" plan would cost an estimated $11,000. "We think this is something we can have done by Spring of 2003," said Austin. He said the two have already received commitments for the purchase of five air conditioners.

If the board approves the request, the school would be responsible for providing the outlets and refitting the windows.

The board will hold a public hearing to receive support, criticisms, suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to determining if the school should implement the authority relating to exceeding the basic allowable growth rate of 2.5 percent by .1165 percent plus an additional 1 percent.

Following the hearing, the board will discuss the acceptance of a donation of musical instrumentals.

The board will also be notified of the grant approval for the COPS in School grant in the amount of $122,840.

The board will also meet in closed session to discuss contract negotiations and personnel issues