School accepts $16k total in cash donations

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook School Board officially accepted a generous donation of $15,000 from Dollar General Monday night at the regular board meeting.

“It’s not very often you get dollars without any strings attached,” noted McCook Schools superintendent Grant Norgaard. The funds, in $5,000 increments, were given in surprise presentations in November to three McCook public schools: McCook Elementary, McCook Junior High and McCook Senior High.

The money will be used to promote literacy, Norgaard said, such as supporting a summer reading program or an after-school book program.

The school district also received another donation in the amount of $1,000 from Farm Credit Services for the ag program, that board president Tom Bredvick said would “benefit quite a few kids.” Tentative plans have the funds being put toward a greenhouse for the FFA program at the high school.

During board comments, board member Brian Esch said he talked to Norgaard about a World War II veteran and former school board member, Keith Arterburn, who has expressed interest in talking to students about his experiences. Esch said Arterburn remembers seeing the plume of smoke after the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Norgaard said in coordination with high school principal, Jeff Gross, a day and time will be scheduled in the near future for this presentation.

Concerning the superintendent’s evaluation, board president Tom Bredvick asked if any board members wanted to comment on highlights or strengths of the superintendent, with changes or critiques saved for the executive session following the board meeting.

No one spoke except for outgoing board member Brian Esch, who said he’s seen good and poor leadership in business and that Norgaard exemplified strong leadership with his high standards for teachers, administrator and students. By creating such a culture, he is setting others up for success, Esch said.

Other comments made during “Positive Comments” at the meeting Monday night included:

Board vice president Teresa Thomas: recently attended a school board conference featuring the superintendent from Ralston, Neb., and his wife, on their son who committed suicide and the “Be Kind” program they’ve started. “It’s a simple concept but delivers a powerful message,” she said. She noticed several anti-bullying programs included in McCook Schools principal reports this month.

Board member Bray Hays: commended students who recently toured Community Hospital, as part of the medical and healthcare pathway series of classes at the high school. The series includes classes such as chemistry and anatomy, as well as tours of several medical facilities and medical schools in the state, for students interested in the medical field. Hays said the students were very attentive and that staff at the hospital commented on that.

Board member Brian Esch: thanked the administrators, teachers and fellow board members he’s come to know during his tenure as a school board member. “You come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing,” he said, with the relationships in between that define your life.

Board secretary Loretta Hauxwell: commended high school students involved with the one-act play, that they recently presented to the high school; awareness of the arts is important for all students to know, she said. Also thanked McCook High School alum, Emily Wood, who helped with the mock trial team that recently competed at the state level.

Board member Bob Elder: thanked fellow board members and administrators for his time on the board, saying he’s always respected the school board but “after being on the other side of the table, I have more respect than ever” for the job they do.

Board president Tom Bredvick: thanked the community for consistently stepping up and helping the school district, whether with monetary donations or volunteer work. Also thanked those who served on the board, noting “it isn’t always fun or easy.”

Business manager John Brazell: cited a recent report from the IT director, Tina Williams, who reported that high school kids involved with technology are helping different departments within the school district with their technology needs.

Superintendent Grant Norgaard: thanked outgoing board member Bob Elder and Brian Esch, saying that serving on the board is a calling that requires a sacrifice of time, energy and family time.

Student Council representative Delaney Jumps: first quarter is nearly done and it’s gone very smoothly; also noted earlier at the meeting the various concessions members are doing, the food drive until Dec. 19, planning Color Day in January and recently helping kindergarten students make gingerbread houses. When asked by Bredvick if she learned anything from the gingerbread house activity, Jumps said decisively, “Don’t give them too much frosting.”