Board president Greg Larson presented student representative Cassie Olson with a certificate of appreciation for her service during the 2007-08 school year.

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Board member Tom Bredvick said that Olson brought "plenty of information and concerns" from the student body before the school board. Board member Larry Shields said he greatly appreciated Olson's "thoughts and opinions." Superintendent Dave Schley said he received a thank-you note from Cassie for his help with recommendations she needed for college/scholarships, and it was so beautifully written, "It made me cry. It will be in my memoirs forever and ever."

Cassie, the daughter of Tor and Holly Olson, graduated May 11 and plans to study journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The board accepted these resignations, with gratitude for years of service to McCook students:

* Sharen Saf, junior high resource teacher, four years in McCook, who plans to return to college to study graphic design.

* Jami Garey, McCook Elementary preschool, seven years in McCook.

* Monte Else, senior high math, three years in McCook, who is moving to Wyoming.

* Cheryl A. Cole, junior high resource, six years in McCook, who has accepted a position in the senior high resource department in Atwood.

The board tabled until June the resignation offered by Leila Koetter, whose position has been eliminated because of the reduction-in-force (RIF) process at the schools' regional learning center. Koetter pointed out in her letter to school administrators that her resignation is the result of a letter from the school indicating the non-renewal of her contract due to the RIF process, and not because of any teaching inadequacies.

Board member Mike Gonzales questioned whether a resignation is appropriate in this case because the position was eliminated due to RIF. Schley said he will research the situation and report to the board in June.

Contracts were approved for:

* Marc Kaminski, who will teach senior high physical education. Kaminski is a 1997 graduate of McCook Senior High; his wife, Jennifer (Arberturn) is a 2000 MHS graduate. They have one son, and both sets of his grandparents live in McCook, said board member Diane Lyons.

Kaminski taught in Wahoo's LIFT/alternative education program.

* Joel Bednar, who will leave a teaching job in Elkhorn to teach junior high science in McCook. Bednar's wife is Gabby (Smith), a 2002 MHS graduate, who will work in the physical therapy department at Community Hospital of McCook. Gabby's parents live in McCook, Lyons said.

During "Positive Comments":

* Olson thanked the Senior Parents Organization for the after-graduation party for seniors. "It was cool ... so much effort for us," she said.

Olson said, too, that the high school's drama department appreciates support and help from the community as they produce their plays.

* Mike Gonzales recognized music teacher Charlie Coleman, who received the "Educator of the Year" award during the high school's graduation ceremonies Sunday.

* Bredvick praised the leadership skills exhibited by the graduating class, recognizing that "they have a bigger family than that living under their roofs," citing support from the schools, their churches and their community.

* Diane Lyons recognized students who "promenaded" to Hillcrest Nursing Home, Willow Ridge and Highland Park in their prom dresses, suits and tuxedoes. "It's a nice tradition," Lyons said.

She also cited McCook Elementary students who so diligently looked for trash to pick up on "Earth Day."

* Larson congratulated sports officials who have been recognized for 20 years of service: Chad Lyons, basketball; and Jim Hall and Paul Wood, football.

In other action:

* Schley said the school will address the A+ Learning System, a new software program that could have helped at-risk junior and senior high students at a summer school program, in the fall. Several board members had hoped at the April meeting that the program could be started before the summer, but, Schley said Monday evening, there was no time to do it quickly, citing problems getting staff and teachers together at this time of the school year.

* Lyons encouraged board members to visit curriculum director Gayle Sharkey's office within the week and look at suggested math curriculum books.

* Student Council sponsor Sharon Bohling told board members that StuCo invited 183 students to the annual spring leadership recognition banquet, and then hosted 250 students and parents.