Buildings, finances in better shape as school begins

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook Public School facilities are in good shape for the coming year, and the school board selected a company to help see that they are made more energy efficient.

The budget will still have some red ink, but is working “according to plan” thanks to painful cuts made last year, according John Brazell, district business manager.

“Things are looking a lot better for the budget next year,” he said.

Rebuilt steps on McCook Elementary, a new door, replacement of a section of the roof on the junior high building and a new handicap-accessible restroom are among the improvements made over the summer, he told the school board Monday night.

After struggling with details of the motion, the board selected Trane to conduct an energy audit of the school in anticipation of a state energy loan. The project will primarily deal with lighting, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said.

Norgaard and others had high praise for a session, with the help of a grant and the Educational Service Unit and others, with nationally-recognized educational expert Mike Schmoker on Aug. 6.

He emphasized “authentic literacy,” that involves actual reading, writing and discussion or debate, Norgaard said, something researchers found is lacking in most classrooms.

Board member and former junior high principal Dennis Berry attended the session as well, and congratulated Norgaard and Central Elementary Principal Joel Bednar in bringing such an expert McCook.

Activities such as that demonstrate that “our district is an educational leader in Southwest Nebraska,” Berry said during the positive comments section at the end of Monday’s regular meeting.

The finance committee has been working on the upcoming budget, chairman Tom Bredvick said, but valuations won’t be in until Aug. 20, with an important board meeting to follow on Aug. 29.

The board declared a number of items as surplus for disposal through silent auction or tag sale.

They include 29 wooden chairs, desks, cabinets, TV carts, large white boards and office chairs.

The board reviewed and approved the bullying prevention policy, and read through and approved an option student availability document.

The report indicated 34 potential option enrollment spots in special education and 366 in regular K-12.

In positive comments, Brad Hays complimented local staff and students for volunteering the state Junior Legion tournament, Loretta Hauxwell had kudos for city crews preparing streets for the opening of school, Mike Langan pointed to many positive trends in the community, Theresa Thomas thanked the office staff for hard work preparing for school, and Bredvick noted how many retired teachers continued to be involved in the community and education.

Brazell lauded the staff for its effort to prepare for the new school year and budget, and Berry’s positive comment was mentioned above.

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