Lower state aid to MPS could mean higher levy

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Public Schools could see a $320,000 reduction in state aid, as property valuations went up and mill levies were reduced.

That’s how state aid is designed under the current funding formula, said McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross Monday night at the regular McCook School Board meeting.

When state aid is reduced, that means the school district has to request more from property taxes, he continued. Still, Gross said he’s hopeful that poverty dollars will be re-calculated before the final amount is certified on June 1.

The Nebraska Department of Education is using the 2021-22 free and reduced meal numbers when it usually uses the higher federal poverty rates, he said. In 2021-22, the school was just coming out of the pandemic and very few “free and reduced” applications were received, he said, lowering the amount the school receives in state aid. Gross said it isn’t all “gloom and doom,” as the district has been fiscally responsible with funds saved in cash reserves.

Federal poverty rates have McCook Elementary at 50%, Central Elementary at 47% and the junior high, at 46%. Board member Tom Bredvick added that the cost-per-pupil at McCook Schools is still one of the lowest in the state.

Also Monday night, the McCook School Board approved three items, including a new teacher for seventh-grade science.

The board approved the starting salary of $39,300 for Sara Ripp, who will graduate in May from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Ripp is currently student teaching at Kearney.

Other items approved include:

-The 2023-24 school calendar. Board Vice President Teresa Thomas noted that graduation will be on Friday next year, as it is this year and last year, and that she recognizes how that can impact families traveling to different graduations. Board member Tom Bredvick said any day chosen for high school graduation will cause conflict, citing traveling for family members when graduation was on a Sunday.

-A contract with KSO CPAs and Advisors for auditing services at the McCook School District, with $32,600 for 2023 and $33,100 for 2024.