Teacher negotiations still in progress

The McCook Board of Education recognized two members who attended their last school board meeting Monday night, Bob Elder and Brian Esch. Shown with a commemorative school bell are Tom Bredvick, from left, McCook School Board president, Bob Elder, Brian Esch and Grant Norgaard, McCook Public Schools superintendent.

Delaney Jumps/Courtesy photo

McCOOK, Neb. — Negotiations between McCook Public Schools and the collective bargaining representative for teachers at MPS are still underway.

Teresa Thomas, McCook Board of Education member and chairperson of the negotiations committee, updated the school board on the status of current negotiations with the McCook Education Association (MEA), for salary/benefits for certified staff at MPS. She said the committee met with the MEA once since the last board meeting and did not have a counter offer for base pay offered by the MEA. The committee also conveyed the board’s thoughts on several items brought forth by the MEA.

After the regular meeting Monday night, the board met in closed session to discuss negotiations with the MEA. The board also discussed another item in a second closed session, the superintendent’s evaluation. No action was taken after both closed sessions.

Last year, the negotiated agreement between the McCook School District and the MEA put starting pay for teachers at $34,450 for 185 days. Salaries are increased from that based on the number of years taught and additional college credit hours.

The McCook Board of Education also recognized two board members who did not file for re-election and attended their last meeting Monday night, Bob Elder and Brian Esch. Both were presented with a commemorative school bell for their four years of service.

Newly elected in the 2018 general election for the McCook School Board were Dennis Berry and Mike Langan.

Incumbent Loretta Hauxwell was re-elected.