McCook schools try to get early start on recruiting teachers

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Board of Education kept ahead of the game and approved four teaching contracts while accepting two resignations, at its regular meeting Monday.

Administrators will be attending recruiting fairs in Kearney and Lincoln to hire teachers, where not only seniors but juniors will be considered, said Superintendent Grant Norgaard.

"The earlier we talk to them, the earlier we give them a positive impression of McCook," he said.

Resignations came from Kylea Shelton, who taught third grade for two years and from Justine Bernhardt, who taught history, advanced weights instructor and was an assistant football coach. Shelton cited in her resignation letter that she has accepted a position in another school district where her fiancé will be teaching. Bernhardt cited in his letter that he has accepted a position on the football staff at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana.

Contracts approved by the board Monday night included those for Kali Curl (a graduate of McCook High School), Rachel Koller, Molly Strand-Sharp and occupational therapist, Michelle Dickes.

Norgaard clarified that the teachers hired will teach in elementary grades but it is not certain yet whether that will be at McCook Elementary or Central Elementary. Starting base pay for teachers at McCook Public Schools is $34,000 with additional pay based on further education and years teaching.

Dickes has been an independently-contracted occupational therapist who has worked for the McCook School District for several years.

Also at Monday night's meeting, the board approved an anonymous donation of $950 designated for boys golf. Golf coach Rick Haney said the funds would go for "instructional tools," such as rings to putt toward.