Groups make pitch to board of education

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Three groups made their pleas for changes -- or enhancement -- before members of the McCook Public Schools board of education during a special board meeting Tuesday evening.

Superintendent Dave Schley told members of the public that the board has "lots of things on their plate," but that they'll look at everything. The board is faced with, he said, requests that would require "way more money" than is available.

Schley said the board would not deliberate any of the requests or make any decisions at the special board meeting, but would discuss them at later regular meetings.

MHS STUDENT COUNCIL

Sarah Wilcox and Molly Peck, representing the McCook Student Council, requested that the board abandon the current ABCDF grading system and instead use a percentage system. The girls said that a poll of students indicates that 65 percent don't like the ABC system, and the 35 percent who want to retain it like it "because parents don't know what (grade) students are really getting."

The girls requested a grading scale that would give more credit for advanced classes, suggesting a "weighted" 5.0 grading scale, instead of a 4.0 scale, for advanced classes.

The girls also want a return to the declaration of a single valedictorian rather than the current system in which everyone who earns a 4.0 grade point average receives a valedictorian award. They also requested the creation of an "Academic Top 10" list for freshmen through seniors.

McCOOK ART GUILD

Anne Kennedy, representing the education committee of the McCook Art Guild, read from the cover sheet of a packet of information supporting the creation of formal art instruction to all K-12 students in the McCook Public Schools system.

Kennedy said it is "a matter of priorities" to create an art curriculum and still meet "No Child Left Behind" mandates and district budget restraints. Kennedy read, " ... it is clear that success in the 21st century will increasingly require individuals to be creative, innovative and self-directed. Art education teaches and nurtures these critical thinking skills, and research shows that it is crucial that such skills be taught at an early age."

She continued, "The members of this committee do not believe that art is a 'cure all' for all of the educational challenges that exist. We do, however, believe that art education has many tangible and intangible benefits for individuals and their communities."

The packet of information, called "Where's the Art?," includes research into the value of art education in public schools by Kennedy and fellow McCook artist Deb Goodenberger.

Members of the Art Guild's education committee are Kennedy, Ray Walter, Norma Stevens and Bev Rhea.

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Agriculture is the heritage and economic foundation of McCook, MHS ag instructor and FFA sponsor Jerda Garey told board of education members, and she, members of FFA and supporters of ag education asked that the program be continued and enhanced at MHS.

Garey said she believes ag education can address concerns about declining population by encouraging entrepreneurialship and encouraging young adults and young families to relocate here or return here for jobs or new business opportunities after college.

Ag students and FFA members spoke in support of continuing and enhancing the current program at MHS.

John Haag said that agriculture is the basis of McCook's and the area's economy, listing "big name" businesses that are agriculture or ag-related in nature. Haag pointed out innovative ideas put into practice at Red Willow Dairy, Olson's Lab and Schaeffer Bull Service, all of which FFA members have toured.

Haag said he plans to study ag business at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Jake Miller said, "Pretty much everything in McCook is related to agriculture in one way or another," pointing out businesses that cater to animal systems, nutrition and production agriculture.

Miller will study farm/ranch management at Colby Community College.

Jake Curl said plant science is "not just about crops in the field," but that it also involves horticulture, nutrients and propagation, turf management, landscaping and pest/disease control.

Many businesses can be and are built on plant science, he said.

Curl plans to study agronomy at a four-year college.

Katelyn Fritsche wants to be a large animal veterinarian, but spoke about her interest in environmental studies, natural resources, bird/animal species and land judging, other areas of a well-rounded agriculture education.

Clay Jordan explained that the food system "is where all agricultural animals and crops end up." He continued, "It's nice knowing where your food comes from," and nice to know about food preparation, food safety and marketing.

Clay Jordan, and his brother, Michael, who is also an FFA member, are auctioneers.

Supporters of ag education and FFA spoke:

Wendy Roberts, who with her husband, Rick, owns and operates Red Willow Dairy, said ag education can get kids excited about agriculture opportunities in McCook.

She said she is impressed with MHS FFA members who have overcome problems they encountered in the first year of their new program.

Roberts told board members that she realizes they have "many needs to address," and that ag and FFA supporters are not "competing" for funds against such programs as art, but that ag education is filling a basic need in McCook.

Brad Riemenschneider said the FFA and ag education students have put forth a great effort with a part-time teacher and limited input from adults. They need a good, strong full-time leader, he said. "They've proven they can carry the football," he said.

Kim Schilling said, speaking on behalf of the business community, that businesses would be thrilled to find young people "like these" to hire.

The business community must get behind ag education, she said, encouraging young people and young families to stay in or relocate to McCook.

Greg Roberts said FFA gave his son, Rick Roberts, the skills and knowledge to pursue his choice of career. Ag education and FFA can guide students' lives and affect their interests, Greg Roberts said.

Steve Haag said that knowledge of government and speaking skills learned in FFA are evident in board members to whom he speaks as part of his job. "There's an FFA member on every board I've spoken to," Haag said.

Not having ag education is "nonsensical, illogical and just plain crazy," Haag said.

Mike Langen said the future holds tremendous opportunities for innovative people and innovative businesses in bio-technology, developing drought-resistant crops and bigger yields -- generating revenue and a substantial amount of taxes for communities and schools.

"An ag program is an investment in the future," Langen said.

Jay Schilling admitted, "It always comes down to money." But, he urged, " ... look at your return on this investment. It will be huge."

Kathie Cappel said that she and her husband, Dick, would like to retire some day from their ag equipment sales business, but that their son cannot run it alone. They want to find, Kathie said, young, enthusiastic people to work so that they can retire. Cappel said there are also "huge opportunities" to expand their existing business.

Dick Cappel asked that the board look at one year's efforts by the FFA, and "give the kids a chance" to continue the ag program.

Mark Friehe asked the board to look at "these young, enthusiastic students," explaining McCook is "built on agriculture." Continuing ag education and FFA would give these students opportunities to stay in or come back to Southwest Nebraska.

Leigh Hoyt said he was tremendously impressed by the dress and decorum of students at the annual FFA banquet.

He said the governmental knowledge and parliamentary procedure skills he learned through his ag education and FFA at MHS has helped him as a Red Willow County commissioner.

"These kids are the ones who will eventually take my job, and your jobs," Hoyt told board members.

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