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McCook School Board hears updates on career education, facilities, safety
McCOOK, Neb. - The McCook School Board met Monday evening to review district updates, approve donations, and hear presentations from staff and faculty. Highlights included new educational initiatives, financial reports, and preparations for Veterans Day celebrations.
To begin the evening’s meeting, Mariah Miner presented a check to McCook Public Schools from the CTE Construction program as part of the ‘Roofing with a Purpose’ initiative. Miner had contacted Business Director Jeff Gross over the summer, expressing a desire to help families struggling to pay for school lunches. The Board accepted the $1,176 donation, which Miner hopes will be the first of many quarterly contributions.
Junior High science teacher Cory Degnan, recently selected for two prestigious science education programs, requested Board approval to pursue additional opportunities through UNL’s Summer Geology and Ecosystem Field School. The proposed 9-14 day summer trip would include travel, camping, and field study, with estimated costs of $550-$900 per student. Degnan is working with UNL to apply for grants, including a National Geographic grant to be awarded in March. The Board will vote on the proposal in December.
New Career and Technical Education instructor Tanner Unger shared early successes from his program at McCook High School, highlighting student engagement in Welding, Small Engines, and Construction classes. Unger praised local businesses and contractors for donating supplies, offering discounts, and helping create real-world learning experiences.
A proposed Nursing Pathway partnership with UNMC and MCC could allow McCook students to take college-level nursing courses before graduation. Norgaard and Dickes met with UNMC staff to discuss a structured academic and clinical program, dual-credit opportunities, and guaranteed admission to UNMC-Kearney’s BSN program for students who meet prerequisites. Dickes noted that current high school courses already align well with program requirements. “One of the key elements in securing a partnership with Community Hospital is to bring health care professionals back to McCook,” Norgaard said. Next steps include reviewing the memorandum of understanding, defining roles, and planning a pilot cohort.
Superintendent Norgaard shared plans for Veterans Day celebrations across the district, calling it “one of the bigger days of the year.”
- McCook Elementary: Annual music and recognition program
- Central Elementary: “Breakfast with Central Starz” featuring 5th-grade students
- Junior High: Hero’s Wall with photos of veterans who are family members
- High School: Luncheon and Quilt of Valor presentation
Festivities began the night before with the 3rd-grade music program, directed by Mrs. Deborah Donelan.
Vice Principal Jake Curl reported on the semiannual Safety Audit, which included commendations for clean, well-lit buildings, effective security systems, and recent upgrades at the high school. Central Elementary was recognized for its exemplary safety culture. Recommendations included improved chemical storage, enhanced classroom security, and regular maintenance checks. McCook Public Schools was named an ALICAP Honor Roll School for outstanding safety and compliance. “The evaluator was impressed with how McCook schools have addressed previous concerns,” Curl said.
Norgaard also provided updates on the School Improvement process. The Board reaffirmed the mission and vision statements, approved new wall signage, and adopted the Nebraska Department of Education’s perceptual survey tool. Updated NSCAS data was reviewed, with building teams set to present deeper analysis in January.
Gross reported that 15,778 meals were served in October. Year-to-date, the General Fund shows 16.69% revenue and 18.37% expenses; all funds reflect 16.54% revenue and 19% expenses, on track for this time of year. The annual financial review and audit have been filed with NDE. Audit books were distributed, with the formal report expected in December.
Facilities updates included ongoing concrete work near the YMCA and tennis courts, with parking adjustments as curing continues. Repairs are underway at Weiland Field to address washout damage and concrete cracking. Bids are being collected for summer projects at the Junior High, including gym floor resurfacing, bleacher replacement, and HVAC upgrades. The Learning Center roof replacement is scheduled before snowfall, and vehicle fleet repairs are complete. Temporary skylight and light panel fixes are in place, with ALICAP assessing depreciation costs.
Excitement surrounded the arrival of the new 2026 SPED bus, purchased in December 2023 for $131,500. The bus offers accommodations for wheelchairs and toddlers. “It should last us a long time,” Norgaard said. Gross added, “Because the main purpose of the bus is for Special Education, the school will be reimbursed for a portion of the cost.”
The Board unanimously accepted the resignation of McCook High School History/Weights teacher Clint Hosick. “I feel very rewarded to have spent my career teaching and mentoring our youth,” Hosick wrote in his resignation letter. A veteran of Iraq, he expressed gratitude for the support he received upon returning from deployment. Gross praised Hosick, saying, “Every moment I was with him, he made me a better person.”
The Board also approved the contract for Hannah Nichols as K-8 Art Teacher. Originally from Broken Bow, Nichols plans to move to McCook after the new year and begin subbing in the district. Central Elementary Principal Joel Bednar said, “Her values really echoed our own.”
The Board accepted an anonymous donation of $3,500 to help cover negative lunch balances. Board President Brad Hays said, “This was very generous, and it is much appreciated. I know it’s going to help a lot of families who may have been struggling to pay their bills.”
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation and contract negotiations. No action was taken.