Great cooperation

Dear Editor,

Our letter to Open Forum is offered as an attempt to bring clarity and dispel any misinterpreted understandings drawn from the lead headline of the McCook Daily Gazette dated Wednesday, April 12, 2006, "McCook school board makes short work of District 41."

While LB126 mandated the assimilation of all Class I and Class VI school districts into Kindergarten through 12th grade school districts, it would be incorrect to imply that this transition could have been realized in "short work."

The Red Willow County District 41 and the McCook District 17 Boards of Education began the discussion of merging the two Districts over a year ago.

Numerous discussions between board members, administrations, and the Nebraska Department of Education have taken place.

True, LB126 would have realized the closing of an attendance center at District 41, however factors such as declining student enrollment and state determined Budget Authority are the actual culprits.

The McCook Board of Education has been most helpful during this process in welcoming our students, the employment of our current staff, and the transfer of all assets and liabilities.

From our perspective, this has been accomplished through a timely teamwork approach led by the respect of each board in offering all students a quality education.

Respectfully,

Travis Werkmeister,

President

Dave Ruppert,

Secretary

Ellen Meissner,

Treasurer

Cynthia Huff,

Administrator