HVAC parts still on order for junior high

McCOOK, Neb. — Three HVAC units at McCook High School that were damaged in December due to the unusually cold weather have been ordered for the cost of $22,138.

But the school district is still waiting for ordered parts for the junior high HVAC project, McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross told the McCook School Board Monday night at the regular meeting.

Parts the school district are waiting on are the heat exchange unit ($65,000), two new pumps ($8,030) and new heating coils ($11,500). The project is being paid for by federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) at $901,316.

Gross said the district is also working with three subcontractors for the tennis/track concession building: JL Construction, Weathercraft and Heads Up Sprinklers. Last year, the district put out a “Request for Proposals” for the project with no response, so now, district officials have reached out to local contractors.

Financials for the school district year-to-date, with 42% of the fiscal year completed, is revenue, 43% and expenses, 42%.

The school board also got its first look at the school calendar for next year.

The calendar is much the same as the one for this year, said Superintendent Grant Norgaard, with the exception that a day is added as February 2024 is a Leap Year.

Graduation for next year is Friday, May 10, 2024. This year, graduation is Friday, May 12, 6 p.m., at the Peter and Delores Graff Events Center at the McCook Community College campus.

The board will be asked to approve the calendar at its March meeting.

The board also unanimously approved an addition to the teacher evaluation tool administrators use to evaluate teachers. The change includes the sentence, “Establishes a positive classroom environment which includes routines and procedures that are conducive to student learning and growth.” The addition was made to clarify expectations for teachers, Norgaard said.

The evaluation tool now goes to the Nebraska Department of Education for approval.

Positive Comments Monday night included:

Student Council representative Samantha Rodewald: Bison Days was very successful and thanked the vendors and their generosity to the students and classes.

Board member Scott Barger: Very impressed with the course offerings at Bison Days. He thanked Traci Jennings, eighth-grade math teacher, for all the work she does with the junior high math program.

Board member Tom Bredvick: Noted that Bison Days is made possible because of partnerships with organizations and individuals in the community. He especially liked how entrepreneurship skills are highlighted in Bison Days. Appreciated the annual report given by the superintendent.  

Board secretary Mike Langan: Thanked the community, school staff and volunteers that made Bison Days an awesome experience for students. Also congratulated the winter sports teams. 

Board member Charlie McPherson: Thanked administration for precautions taken Monday when schools were put into the “secure” mode because of an escape from the Work Ethic Camp.

Board president Brad Hays: Bison Days was fantastic and commented on the senior boy-girls dance at color days.

Business manager Jeff Gross: In recognition of Valentine’s Day, thanked all the spouses and significant others of school employees for sharing the time and talents of their loved ones.

Superintendent Norgaard: Thanked Greg Borland, McCook Elementary principal, for his help in providing a document administrators can use at teacher recruiting fairs that promotes McCook Public Schools.