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Board approves contracts, hears legislative update
McCOOK, Neb. - New hires took center stage at Monday’s McCook School Board meeting, as administrators reported strong progress filling open teaching positions ahead of the coming school year. District leaders expressed optimism that quality educators have been secured at nearly every level.
The board approved five teaching contracts, beginning with kindergarten teacher Kaylee Eckert, who earned her teaching degree while working full-time as a paraeducator at the elementary school. Elementary Principal Greg Borland praised her dedication. “Her work ethic is phenomenal. She’s just the right fit for this position.”
Shaelin Stiver, an experienced local educator, was hired as the special education teacher for McCook St. Pats. Director of Special Education John Hanson explained that McCook Public Schools is responsible for providing special education services to the parochial school. “Stiver will take on those responsibilities for McCook St. Pats, where she has been teaching writing over the past four years.”
Another experienced educator joining the district is Baylee Brownawell, who was hired to teach junior high physical education. Superintendent Grant Norgaard noted, “Baylee is an experienced teacher who already has connections to the community, so this seems like a great fit.”
At the high school level, Andrew Mantzaris was hired to fill the position vacated by Mr. Hosick. High School Principal Craig Dickes expressed confidence in Mantzaris’ versatility and enthusiasm. “Andrew is extremely motivated to be here and excited to take on all facets of the job,” Dickes said. “He has the ability to work with our girls wrestling program, senior high weights classes, and social studies courses. I think people are really going to enjoy being around him.”
Dickes also announced that Reace Anderson will be the new 5–12 band instructor, a hire he described as especially significant. “Band instructors are really difficult to find,” he said. “We’re excited to have Reace join our team. He brings great energy, and we expect him to uphold the high standards of our music program.”
The board accepted two resignations. Carrie Golt accepted a position at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and will be leaving her role as junior high PE, health teacher, and dean of students. Kali Curl, who has taught kindergarten for the past 10 years, accepted a staff development position with ESU 15 in Trenton.
Several additional action items were addressed. The board granted permission to conduct the annual sale of district surplus items. Business Director Jeff Gross noted that a few buses and miscellaneous equipment may be sold over the summer. “With this permission, we can sell vehicles and items we no longer use,” Gross said.
The board also accepted a $5,000 donation from Parker Hannifin, with the funds earmarked for the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
McCook High School FFA received approval to take two groups of state qualifiers, along with additional members, to the National FFA Convention scheduled for Oct. 20–24, 2026.
During his superintendent’s report, Norgaard updated the board on recent School Improvement Team meetings held at each building. The team is evaluating current efforts aligned with district goals and identifying next steps. Discussion also included the Nebraska Department of Education’s new Accelerated Achievement Goals, which target 80 percent of eighth graders to be proficient in math by 2030 and, by that same year, 71 percent of 11th graders to be proficient in math and 73 percent proficient in English language arts on the ACT.
Norgaard also addressed recent legislative developments. LB 1050, which would have required mandatory retention for third‑grade students who did not meet reading standards, did not pass. Despite its failure, Norgaard emphasized that early literacy remains a top priority in the district, with additional training, supports, and interventions already planned.
Another measure, LB 803, did pass, though its impact on local budgeting remains unclear. The bill is expected to require greater transparency and communication among schools, cities, and counties when proposing property tax increases. A public hearing would be required between July 1 and July 15 to disclose budgeting processes. Details on how the legislation will affect McCook will be shared as they become available.
On his final night serving as student board member, Quinn Taylor highlighted an especially busy spring at the high school and spoke about the excitement surrounding prom, scheduled for Saturday, April 18. “I’ve enjoyed this experience,” Taylor said. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t think these meetings had this much impact. But over time, being part of them, I realized they really do—especially with all the time and effort put into making the district better.”
Looking ahead, the Dean of the College of Nursing will visit McCook on April 22 to formally sign an agreement between UNK and McCook Public Schools. Currently, seven or eight students have expressed interest in pursuing the new career pathway offered through the partnership.
While several projects are nearing completion, major summer projects will include finishing the junior high HVAC repair, roofing work, drinking fountain replacements, junior high gym renovations, updates to the Central gym, and renovation of the main hallway at the high school.
As the school year closes at full speed, Gross took a moment to recognize the extra effort being put in by staff and volunteers. “So many people step up to make sure students have these opportunities,” Gross said. “It takes teachers and volunteers, and we couldn’t do it without them.”