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School board reviews repairs, legislation
McCOOK, Neb. - Future endeavors took center stage at the March 9 McCook School Board meeting, as board members discussed upcoming trips, facility repairs, school improvement goals and potential legislation. With the district entering its final quarter of the school year, attention shifted toward structural and academic needs that will shape the months ahead.
Administrators have been reassessing maintenance priorities following the failure of the recent bond issue. Safety remains the district’s foremost concern, but the list presented to the board was extensive, outlining projects across every building. Among the most urgent needs are repairs to the junior high’s HVAC system, water fountains and sewer lines. The junior high gym will also see updates, including new bleachers, refinished flooring and replacement wall mats.
Food Upgrades
Cafeterias district‑wide will be upgrading food service equipment using funds from the Food Services account. New ovens, steam tables, coolers and garbage disposals—among other items—are expected to total roughly $170,000. Insurance claims will cover a new roof at the junior high and a new gutter system at Central. Business Director Jeff Gross emphasized that although the list is long, strategic planning and budgeting will allow the district to tackle projects over the next several years. “It’s a never‑ending to‑do list, but I feel like we’re in pretty good shape around the district to get the improvements made,” he said.
Academically, the board approved several new opportunities for students. Beginning this fall, the high school will offer forensics and scientific research courses, along with a dual‑credit literature class. The School Improvement Team also shared its next set of district-wide goals, identifying reading proficiency as the primary focus. The plan calls for consistent literacy instruction across all grade levels to increase the percentage of students meeting or exceeding state benchmarks. A secondary goal targets improved math achievement, with emphasis on foundational skills, one‑step problem solving and early pre‑algebraic reasoning.
Health and Wellness
The board also heard updates on district wellness efforts. Gross reported on the state‑required Triannual Wellness Meeting, which evaluates the district’s wellness policy using feedback from students, staff and parents. The review highlighted continued efforts to promote healthy choices and physical activity across school buildings, including possible incorporation of state physical education standard rubrics. Board member Scott Barger, speaking as a parent, board member and spouse of a school employee, offered a well‑rounded perspective on the district’s progress and discussed last month’s meeting between students and the advisory board, noting, “I appreciate the work that everybody puts in to keeping our schools healthy.”
Gross also shared a report from the Feb. 18 Food Service Advisory Committee meeting. “It was great to hear from the kids,” he said, noting that students spoke candidly about food quality and shared concerns and requests with the committee. Central Elementary Principal Joel Bednar added that Opaa Food Management has already implemented some of the suggested changes to improve student satisfaction.
Superintendent Grant Norgaard briefed the board on two legislative proposals currently moving through the Unicameral. The first, LB 1050, would require schools to retain students who do not meet reading proficiency by the end of third grade. Norgaard noted the potential stress, complexity and cost associated with implementing such a mandate and has been working with State Senator Murman to advocate for a version of the bill that respects parental authority. The second bill, LB 1219, seeks to limit how much local governments—including school districts—can increase property tax collections each year, a change that could significantly affect district revenue and long‑term budgeting.
Spring sports and activities are already underway. Student board member Quinn Taylor reported that students are busy with FFA, Quiz Bowl and Speech, while athletes prepare for tennis, track and golf seasons.
The meeting included recognition of FFA State Qualifiers, represented by senior officers Cason Waugh and Braceton Hauxwell. They are among 34 students heading to Lincoln at the end of the month to compete at the state level. Waugh acknowledged that the chapter is graduating many talented seniors but expressed confidence that younger members are gaining the experience needed to continue the chapter’s strong tradition.
Looking even further ahead, NORE sponsor and high school science teacher Tracey Fisher requested permission to take up to 22 students to Honduras in summer 2027 for a Marine Biology EcoTour. The expected cost is $4,045 per student, to be funded entirely through fundraising efforts such as pie sales, headstone cleaning and working the Felling Field concessions. Fisher described the trip as immersive, educational and memorable. The board unanimously approved the request, with member Jesse Juenemann remarking, “I think the trip sounds awesome—I wish I could go! It’s impressive that they can raise that much money; it takes a lot of dedication.”
Staff Changes
In new business, the board accepted the resignation of JH/HS band teacher Jacob Obrecht. “Jacob has done a really nice job for us, but he wanted to get a little closer to family; we wish him well,” Norgaard said. Also resigning is longtime resource teacher Laura Nokes, who will be joining Southwest Public Schools. “I really appreciate the work Laura has done for us over the last 27 years,” Norgaard added.
The board approved a contract for McCook alum Katie Taylor to serve as the new Senior High Special Education teacher. Norgaard explained that the position is unique, allowing Taylor to complete her student‑teaching requirements while working in the Special Education department. She will be supported by several qualified supervising teachers. “In my experience, McCook students make excellent teachers,” he said.
A three‑year auditing contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (in partnership with KSO CPA) was also approved. Due to increasing complexity and rising costs associated with school audits, Gross spent considerable time seeking firms from Denver to Omaha. He said he feels “lucky” to have found an affordable option willing to commit to a three‑year agreement.
The board accepted a $1,359 donation from MNB Bank through the Bison Debit Card Program and approved the 2026‑2027 school calendar. The upcoming year’s schedule will shift slightly around Christmas break, with fewer days off before the holiday and additional days after, due to where Christmas falls in the week.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt reflection on the life and legacy of longtime educator Lynne Kinne, who retired last year. Member Scott Barger, who attended her memorial service alongside many colleagues and former students, said, “It was moving to see students stand up to share about how she affected their lives.” Gross added, “It was a tough morning, but we should celebrate Lynne Kinne; she was a fierce advocate for kids, especially those with special needs. I had the joy of working with her for 25 years… the impact she left on all of us is tremendous.”