Board accepts resignation, approves two new hires

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- The resignation of a long-time principal and contracts for two new teachers were approved by the McCook School Board Monday night at its regular meeting.

The resignation of McCook High School principal Jerry Smith was approved unanimously by the board, with board president Tom Bredvick noting that Smith has been awarded Principal of the Year by Region 5.

Smith has been with the high school for 18 years and his resignation will take effect at the end of the 2016-17 school year. In his May 31 resignation letter, Smith said he had a great time as principal and enjoyed the opportunity to serve the patrons of the district.

Contracts approved by the board included one for Nathan Hudson as instrumental music teacher and David Peterman for special education at the junior high.

Hudson graduated in May 2016 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and student taught in Lincoln.

Peterman also graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2011 and has been substitute teaching in McCook and surrounding schools. He will be getting his provisional special education endorsement until he meets the requirements for a full special education endorsement, said Superintendent Grant Norgaard.

There was no closed session at Monday's meeting.

Positive comments made by board members and administration included:

* Loretta Hauxwell: thanked those who fill in as substitute teachers.

* Diane Lyons:thanked teachers who are still involved with education over the summer, whether by taking classes or being involved in the community. Cited the high school basketball coach who has agreed to take part in the kids' summer reading program at the city library.

* Bob Elder: congratulated the high school golf team that won the state championship and mentioned the recent youth singing concert at McCook Christian Church.

* Brian Esch: also congratulated the golf team and commended "Marketing Hometown America," that involves schools and helps students to take ownership of their community.

* Teresa Thomas: congratulated all the spring sport teams, such as track, tennis and golf and also thanked Donita Priebe and sponsors for the recent band trip to Disneyland in California.

* Rick Haney, McCook Schools business manager: thanked the district's maintenance staff who have been working hard to get jobs done over the summer.

* Tom Bredvick: also cited the maintenance staff, who do multiple jobs over the summer to get the school ready for another school year.

* Grant Norgaard, Superintendent: cited teachers Julie Rippen, Megan Soundy, Lori Jumps, Robin Henrichs, Audrey Feeney, Brooke Teel, Tara Fries and Tracey Fisher for their work on the science curriculum.

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