Student performance good, but more families need to apply for free, reduced-price lunches — offiicials

McCOOK Neb. - McCook Public School students consistently exceed state averages in all testing areas, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said as part of his annual report at the school board meeting Monday.

“Let’s not forget, Nebraska is one of the highest-performing states in the nation,” he added.

A notable point raised was the decrease in students receiving free or reduced-price lunches, which affects state funding due to fewer eligible families not applying for the benefit.

This not only affects meal affordability but also reduces the benefits schools receive, lessening the local tax burden supporting schools. There has been an increase in the percentage of students qualifying for special education, attributed to improved early detection of student needs.

“We are identifying more children for special education in kindergarten and first grade compared to previous years,” Norgaard noted.

Business Manager Jeff Gross outlined the collaborative parking lot project involving the school, YMCA, architects, and engineers. Discussions revolved around constructing a new parking lot on the west side of the tennis courts and YMCA building, with ongoing fundraising efforts. Additionally, plans included potential classroom expansions at the YMCA, use of gym and pool facilities, and member access to the new parking lot.

School board member Tom Bredvick, updated the board on the Policy Committee’s efforts to update the policies and the plan going forward to present and approve those policies. Upcoming projects involve resurfacing the McCook High School tennis facility and installing a new gym floor, set to begin construction by March 15.

The board approved the resignation of Shannon Bennett, acknowledging her past contributions benefiting current and future students. Furthermore, the hiring of three new teachers, including McCook High School graduate Logan Loker for high school math and his wife Ciara for high school language arts, was sanctioned.

Gross expressed excitement about getting Logan back, praising his teaching ability.

Bredvick highlighted the importance of not just adding Logan as a teacher but also retaining a valuable community member, noting the couple’s active involvement in the community.

Positive feedback was received regarding Bison Days and the recent wrestling tournament success mentioned by Gross.