School budget reflects federal budget cuts

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Federal grants to the McCook School District have been awarded and some changes have been made in reimbursements.

MPS Business Manager Rick Haney advised the McCook School Board Monday night at the regular meeting that the 2012-13 budget will be adjusted according to the slight decrease in reimbursement amounts from the awards.

Haney said due to federal cuts, reimbursements from local supported special education expenses have been reduced from 58 percent to 52 percent.

He also reminded the board that the contract with the district's current food services company, Sodexho, is up and that the district will send out a request for proposals, as mandated by state law.

A committee of board members will go through the proposals with Haney, to choose the best option.The selection process should be completed by late spring, he added.

Selecting a food service company is "a major decision with big dollars," Haney emphasized. The contract with a food service program will be for one year, renewable for up to four more years, the same as it is with the current company.

In other administrative comments, Superintendent Grant Norgaard gave an update on the improvements done at former National Guard armory and the agricultural education/FFA classroom.

Students from high school and junior high LIFT alternative education program are now attending classes in the armory, now updated with new painting, carpeting and lighting. Improvements that are still pending is a portable wall, that will be installed by the end of the week, as well as a smart board.

A new sport court floor has been installed in the gym, that will be open soon for use. This will help out for early and late practices,Norgaard said.

The new ag and FFA classroom is nearly completed, he said. Updates include new walls, flooring, a drop ceiling,

doors and a sprinkler system.