Possible bond election changes topic for school board

McCOOK Neb. - Superintendent Grant Norgaard will express his concerns about LB 878, a legislative proposal related to scheduling bonds by public municipalities, at the Red Willow School District School Board meeting on Monday, March 11.

During the Feb. 29, legislative call hosted by the McCook Chamber of Commerce with Sen. Dave Murman, Norgaard highlighted that the bill could limit local autonomy by centralizing the timing of bond elections to a single date in November of even-numbered years.

This change may lead to reduced competitiveness in contractor bidding, fewer available bonding agencies, and potentially higher bond service fees and interest rates.

Norgaard argued that the bill overlooks the critical role of local boards and councils in understanding their community’s needs when determining the timing of bond elections.

Other topics set for Monday’s School Board Meeting will include a discussion of a community survey to assess community support for building a new junior high school and renovating specific areas of the high school, a request for funding from state and federal sources to enhance safety and security on all campuses and an update made to the district website.

The school board is also expected to approve the USTA Tennis Services grant for resurfacing the tennis courts and graciously accept donations from the Nebraska Community Foundation and Charities Aid Foundation (from Parker).