Renovations under way

McCOOK, Neb. -- The renovations at bathrooms at McCook High School are moving along, although not all eight will be updated this year.

Instead, a total of four will be renovated from the ground up and plans are for those to be completed by the beginning of the next school year, said Chris Wallace, head of maintenance at McCook Public Schools, at the regular McCook School Board meeting Monday night.

With the restrooms over 50 years old, much-needed plumbing and electrical updates will be part of the project, with the majority of the work being done by the maintenance staff at the school.

The school board approved with gratitude teacher resignations, coming from long-time teachers Randy Ryser, physical education teacher at McCook Elementary and coach for 39 years; Steve Clapp, art teacher at the high school and girls track coach for 37 years; and Catherine Jones, math and science teacher at the high school, 31 years. Other resignations the board approved came from Amy Clubine, seventh grade science teacher for one year and Stephanie Sydow, kindergarten teacher for nine years. Clubine said in her resignation letter she has taken a job closer to home.

An anonymous donation of $250 for the band's annual fundraiser, "Music and Dinner," was also approved by the board.

Recent events cited by the board during Positive included:

Loretta Hauxwell: History Day and the undefeated junior varsity tennis team.

Bob Elder: the presentation at the recent ESU 15 meeting.

Teresa Thomas: club volleyball at the junior high

Brian Esch: Family Fun Night and music/band students attending the recent Glenn Miller concert at the Fox Theater.

Diane Lyons: The Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association's sponsorship of the Missoula Kids Theater

Tom Bredvick: the three teachers whose resignations/retirements the board approved Monday night gave just under 100 years of service, combined.

McCook Public Schools business manager Rick Haney: the bathroom renovations is a big project and being adeptly handled by the maintenance staff; also, the electronic sign in front of the high school is a nice reminder of Al Cuellar's donation.

Student Council representative Isaac Langan: four to five MHS journalism students have qualified for state competition.

Superintendent Grant Norgaard: Destination Imagination teams from Central Elementary recently competed at district competition in Kearney, Nebraska.