Resignations approved by McCook school board

McCOOK, Neb. — Along with approving two new teaching contracts, the McCook School Board also accepted two resignations at its regular meeting Monday night.

Sarah Hoyt of Culbertson, Neb., was hired for 10th grade English for $40,690 and Chelsea Jonte of Brewster, Kan., for junior high science at $39,077. Both salaries were based on the negotiated agreement formula the McCook School district has with the McCook Educational Association for 2019-20.

Resignations were approved from Julie Rippen, fourth grade teacher at Central Elementary for five years and Haley Priebe, who was the music teacher for two years at Central Elementary.

A resignation that was added to the agenda and approved by the board came from Robin Bennett, school district psychologist.

Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the board Monday night that it may be difficult to replace this position so late in the year and the district may have to use a contracted employment until a permanent person can be found.

Positive comments at the end of the board meeting included those from:

Student council representative Delaney Jumps: told the board the various sites the senior class visited in Denver on their senior trip.

Board member Loretta Hauxwell: cited Deb Myers, long-time administrative assistant in the superintendent’s office, who is retiring.

Board member Brad Hays: commended student spring athletes at the high school who are practicing and competing in adverse spring weather.

Board member Mike Langan: very impressed with the dynamics of the school system, with teachers, students, staff and administration all working together.

Board member Dennis Berry: recognized the academic success of students and the high school and junior high and their willingness to help out with donations for flood victims in northeast Nebraska.

Board member Teresa Thomas: also cited the outpouring of support and donations of students to flood victims.

Board member Tom Bredvick: is impressed with students in the district who help out those less fortunate, whether it’s donations to flood victims or helping the elderly.

District business manager John Brazell: recognized the high school’s FFA grow lab

Superintendent Grant Norgaard: Recognized three Destination Imagination teams from McCook Schools who competed in state finals on April 6 in Kearney, Neb., and the Central Elementary team who advanced to global finals. Teams who competed also included those from McCook High School and McCook Junior High.