McCook Public Schools

McCOOK Neb. - As the clock ticks down to the November 5 vote on a crucial $43.5 million school bond, community members gathered Wednesday at the McCook Gazette’s Coffee Talk to engage with McCook Public Schools (MPS) administration. Superintendent Grant Norgaard underscored the urgent need for a new junior high building, rooted in years of discussions and planning that began in 2013 but intensified only recently. ...

McCOOK Neb. — After acknowledging generous community support for agriculture and other school initiatives, officials reiterated reasons to support the current school bond issue. At Monday night’s McCook school board meeting, Savannah Hauxwell, the sponsor of the McCook Chapter of FFA, expressed her gratitude to the community for its continued support at the recent MPS School Board Meeting, recognizing the Kugler Co. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Public School’s Board of Education will recognize Nutrein Ag Solutions and Kugler Company’s generous support of the local FFA chapter and acknowledge their contributions to the community’s agricultural education.  The board will also be accepting a check for $1,775.05 from MNB from their Bison Debit cards. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The first of four informational meetings about the proposed $43.5 million school bond is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the McCook Junior High Cafeteria, 800 W. Seventh in McCook. Another meeting is set for 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Open house tours are set for 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, and Thursday, Oct. 24...

McCOOK Neb. — A talented group of FFA students from McCook High School is gearing up for an exciting journey to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on Oct. 21. This prestigious event will feature the team competing in Dairy Judging after clinching the state championship at the Nebraska State Fair...

McCOOK Neb. - The McCook Public School Board unanimously approved The Budget and Tax Request Resolution for the 2024-2025 school at the Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, School Board Meeting.  Before the regular meeting, the McCook School Board held a Budget and special hearing to set the final tax request. ...

McCOOK Neb. —Ahead of the upcoming McCook Public School Board meeting, the board will convene in the Junior High conference room for the 2024-25 Budget Hearing, 6 p.m. Monday. The proposed $25 million operating budget includes a $9.41 million property tax request, down from $9.57 million last year.

$43.5M school bond issue to November voters Anna LaBay McCook Gazette McCOOK, Neb. – A unanimous vote at the latest school board meeting means voters must make a big decision in November. Tobin Buchanan of Northland Securities presented crucial information regarding a proposed resolution. ...

McCOOK Neb. - The School Board is expected to move forward with a the highly anticipated bond issue to upgrade junior high and high school facilities. The McCook Public School Board will likely approve and adopt a resolution calling for an election to be held in conjunction with the statewide general election regarding a proposition to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $43,500,000 to finance the costs of specific projects for the District and related expenses...

McCOOK Neb. — McCook Public Schools Board of Education will vote on a lunch price increase for the 2024-25 school year. Part of the annual operations involves addressing the deficit between the schools’ lunch charges and the mandated rates set by the Federal Food Services...

McCOOK, Neb. — Students in McCook are not allowed to use cell phones, and other local schools have proposed similar restrictions. The McCook Public School Board heard from the public Monday night before making a unanimous vote to approve the student discipline policy, which includes revisions to student cell phone usage during the school day. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - The McCook Public School’s Board of Education will review and likely approve the student discipline policy, which includes revisions to the student cell phone usage during the school day policy, when they meet on Monday, June 10, for their regular meeting. Members will also attend a retreat on Tuesday where no official board action will be taken...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Public Schools will participate in the USDA Kids Summer Food Program during June and July, offering a free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch for children aged 1 to 18. MPS Business Manager Jeff Gross made the announcement during the May MPS School Board meeting...

Students and adults in attendance at the annual High Ability Learners showcase experienced a reading from the Diary of Anne Frank on Wednesday. The event provided teachers and students an opportunity to display and share some of the work and projects students have created. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - McCook Public Schools will be hosting the annual HAL (High Ability Learners) showcase on Wednesday, May 1 in the Junior High School cafeteria from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. The HAL showcase provides teachers and students an opportunity to display and share some of the work and projects our students have created...

McCOOK Neb. - Superintendent Grant Norgaard and Business Manager Jeff Gross discussed the proposed Jr. High and High School building project. Norgaard shared that they are working on finalizing plans and establishing an accurate cost estimate to be presented at the May School Board meeting. They are looking at possibly being able to put the bond issue to vote in August; if not, it will be in November...

McCOOK Neb. - At the upcoming McCook Public Schools School Board meeting Superintendent Grant Norgaard will highlight recent talks with representatives from Sampson Construction, W Design, and the School District, discussing construction plans for a new junior high building and auditorium and remodeling the performing arts spaces...

McCOOK Neb. — Former band kid Kaylee Thompson is in her fourth year coaching for the McCook Bison Cheer Team. Despite never having been a cheerleader herself in high school, Thompson’s journey into coaching is one of unexpected opportunity and dedication...

McCOOK, Neb. — Donations totaling nearly $43,000 were accepted at the latest Red Willow School Board of Education meeting Monday, including $8,000 from the Nebraska Community Foundation earmarked for funding a bond issue survey. Residents within the school district boundaries are currently being contacted via phone calls and text messages to participate in this survey, gauging community support for the proposed construction of a new junior high school and targeted renovations at the high school...

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...

McCOOK Neb. — Students displayed their curiosity and creativity through a variety of projects. on Wednesday at the McCook Junior High School Science Fair. Alani Neal, a seventh-grade student, emerged as the first-place winner in her grade and clinched the overall title with her project titled ‘How Dirty is Our Classroom?’ Neal’s curiosity led her to investigate the cleanliness of her classroom by conducting a unique experiment. ...

McCOOK Neb. - Amid Bison Days, McCook High School Principal Craig Dickes is busy moving tables through the halls. He has spent much of the two days running around the city, checking in on students and staff and making sure that Bison Days is successful. While he does what needs to be done, he is quick to share his appreciation for all the people it takes to make the event happen...

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...

McCOOK Neb. - Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 academic year, the McCook School Board will deliberate on the school calendar, with many similarities with the present year’s schedule. Key dates include a teacher’s return on August 12 and a student’s start date of August 14. Notable adjustments include an extended Christmas break due to the alignment of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as well as a postponed Easter break to late April...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Third Annual Teddy Bear Toss to bring joy and comfort to pediatric patients is set for halftime at the boys’ varsity basketball game against Gering on Friday. Sponsored by Big West Basketball, the event encourages attendees to bring new stuffed animals to toss onto the court during the break to support children facing medical challenges at Community Hospital, Curtis Medical Center, and Trenton Medical Clinic...

McCOOK, Neb. — Mike Donahue, founder and director of Value Up, a Nebraska-based motivational company, recently left a lasting impact on the students and parents of McCook Junior High and High Schools. With over three decades of experience speaking to students worldwide, Donahue’s engaging and candid style resonated with the audience...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Public Schools will conduct Kindergarten Registration beginning on Jan 29, during school hours. Parents of eligible kindergarten students are encouraged to stop by McCook Elementary School, 1500 W. Third Street, to register their child for kindergarten and pick up an enrollment packet. Please bring your child’s certified birth certificate and immunization record...

McCOOK Neb. — Meeting Monday night, the McCook School Board approved new contracts with teachers reflecting a 3.43% total package increase, as well as a new hire bonus of up to $6,000 hoping to attract new talent to the area. The board confirmed the current officers for the upcoming term: Brad Hays will continue to serve as president, Teresa Thomas as vice president, Mike Langan as secretary, and Jeff Gross as treasurer and recording secretary. The committee members will also remain the same...

McCOOK Neb. - The McCook Public Schools administrative team is eager to delve into Artificial Intelligence (AI) aiming to better understand the potential negative and positive impacts on education. The first meeting of the Red Willow County Board of Education was postponed due to weather and was rescheduled for Monday, Jan. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - McCook Public Schools is classified as a “Great” school district and its students continue to surpass both the state of Nebraska and schools within its peer group. That is the message that Superintendent Grant Norgaard will deliver to the McCook School Board of Education at their regular meeting Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Junior High Conference Room...

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook School Board of Education will be asked to accept a bid of $131,850 for a 2025 Thomas school bus equipped with a lift at Monday’s meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Junior High Conference room. The board will also discuss, consider, and “take all necessary action” concerning the recommendation of the Selection Committee for the position of Construction Manager at Risk for the proposed new Junior High School addition and Senior High renovation project. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – A non-profit organization started in 2007 in Douglas County, Neb. plans to provide services for the youth and families of Red Willow County and would like to partner with McCook Public Schools to do so. Representatives of Banisters Leadership Academy spoke to the McCook Public School Board of Education Monday during the public comments portion of the meeting...

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook School Board of Education will hear an update on the proposed construction of a new junior high school at Monday’s regular meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Junior High Conference Room. Superintendent Grant Norgaard is expected to update board members on an Oct. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Central Elementary officials are asking whoever is flying their drone over the school to stop. “There are enough distractions in our world today for our kids,” the school posted on Facebook today. “Please help keep our kids safe!” Principal Joel Bednar said he was most concerned about students distracted by the drone while crossing the street...

McCOOK, Neb. — Monday night’s school board meeting closed with a heartfelt tribute to a school employee and volunteer who passed away last week following a “good long hard fight” against cancer. Business Manager Jeff Gross called the late Lori Dack-Pearson a “rock star” in serving the community and school, particularly at-risk students in alternative education...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook school board gave itself routine permission to raise its budget as much as 6% if needed and laid out guidelines for the design and management of the construction of new junior high facilities. Meeting Monday, the board of education also set limits on option enrollment for various grades, based on available capacity, with the exception of special education students, which are on a case-by-case basis as determined by the director of the program...

McCOOK, Neb. - McCook Committee on American Civics met before the school board meeting and discussed the upcoming year's new policies and reviewed the content provided by the teachers to ensure that no unapproved curriculum is being taught as a primary form of government. Superintendent Grant Norgaard outlined the school's duty in helping students become responsible, patriotic and civil citizens...

McCOOK, Neb. - Career development is an important role for the McCook Public Schools, the board of education was reminded Monday night. The school system’s mission is to ensure that every graduate possesses the skills to become responsible, respectful, and productive citizens who are engaged in their community and achieve personal success, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Board of Education will discuss the Junior High school design from WDesign and go over the next step with the bond issue at the regular meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room. Business Manager Jeff Gross met with members of WDesign and is looking forward to meeting with them over the next several months in preparation for a potential election...

McCOOK, Neb. — Signatures will be gathered Saturday in Norris Park for a petition addressing the issue of state funding for private school donations in Nebraska. The petitions will be available for registered voters to sign from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the northwest corner of the park, Norris Avenue and H Street...

McCOOK, Neb. – Andy Rooney once said, “Numbers are the most certain thing we have.” That may be true unless one is talking about the formula to calculate state aid for schools. The many intricacies of the Nebraska Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) make school funding anything but certain...

McCOOK, Neb. — The "Pillen Plan" will likely result in a $450,000 loss to McCook Public Schools and force raising property taxes to the limit, Superintendent Grant Norgaard told board of education members Monday night. The new TEEOSA school funding formula may see the citizens facing the highest tax levy allowed at $1.05 per $100 of valuation...

McCOOK, Neb. – The “Pillen Plan,” recently passed by the Nebraska legislature is expected to have a negative impact on the McCook Public School system to the tune of $450,000 according to projections provided by the Nebraska Department of Education...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Bison Boosters will hold their 2023 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 14, at 5:30pm in McCook High School. Current Bison Booster Board Members are Scott Barger, Jennifer Morgan, Jason Loop, Pat Fawver, Lindsey Foster, Joe Townsley and Chelsey Hartwell. The Bison Boosters regular meeting is scheduled to follow immediately...

McCOOK, Neb. — In a study conducted by researchers from Harvard and Stanford in which 7,800 school districts were analyzed, it was found that the educational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were historically large. The Educational Recovery Scorecard collected data from school districts in 41 states, and it found that the average public school student in grades 3-8 fell behind by half a year of learning in math and a quarter of a year in reading during the pandemic, according to state assessments. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – Shelly Branch, 8th-grade advanced language arts teacher, brought four student-authors to the McCook School Board of Education meeting Monday night. Working in teams, the students wrote and illustrated short stories, produced a movie trailer about the books, and then presented their creations to elementary-level students...

McCOOK, Neb. – McCook School Board of Education will be asked to approve two new teacher contracts and the purchase of new science curriculum at their meeting Monday beginning at 6:30 p.m. Evans Kojo Appiah will teach high school math and Patricia Cassandra D. Cale will teach high school science...

McCOOK, Neb. – Keeping students safe is a top priority for administrators. In an emergency situation, immediate action can make all the difference in the world. The job of McCook Public School’s Safety Committee is to anticipate possible emergencies and figure out ways to react quickly and appropriately...

McCOOK, Neb. – A new vision statement will guide McCook Public Schools as they look to the future and the goals they strive to accomplish. “Every McCook Public School graduate will possess the skills to become a responsible, respectful, productive citizen who is engaged in their community and achieves personal success.”...

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook School Board of Education accepted the resignations of four educators and approved contracts with three new hires at Monday’s board meeting. The challenge of hiring teachers is causing administrators to spend more time at college campuses recruiting newly certified teachers. Administrators attended seven hiring fairs this year, which is a record number...

McCOOK, Neb. — Many retired people who do not have to file a tax return are missing out in getting some of their property taxes refunded. Senior citizens typically don’t have to file a federal income tax return if they are at least 65 years old with Social Security benefits the only income received and have a gross income less than $14,700. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Work on the tennis/track concession building is gaining ground, with work arranged with three subcontractors. JL Construction, Weathercraft and Heads Up Sprinklers will be doing work on the building, said McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross at the McCook School Board meeting Monday night. Bids are also being finalized on additional work that will be done, he said...

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...

McCOOK, Neb. — A recent tour of the McCook Junior High was an “eye-opening” experience for one McCook Board of Education member. Board member Charlie McPherson said the foundation issues and the outdated mechanical room at the junior high were surprised to find when he and other board members and administration toured the school as part of the facilities committee. “It was eye-opening.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education will be asked Monday night at the regular meeting to approve the two-year proposal for an audit, a contract for a seventh-grade science teacher and the school calendar for next year. The meeting is Monday, 6:30 p.m., at the McCook Junior High conference room...

McCOOK, Neb. — At least 10 students at McCook Public Schools have no computer devices to use at home. That was one of the results from a parent survey done in the 2022-23 school year, which had 275 responses. A sample of survey results was given Monday night at the McCook School Board meeting by Superintendent Grant Norgaard, in his annual report to the board. The report also included test scores, financial data and district demographic information...

McCOOK, Neb. — Over the past five years, staffing makes up the majority of expenses at McCook Public Schools at 84.2%. This includes everyone from teachers, bus drivers, principals and custodial. “So when there’s talk about cutting expenses, it’s people you’re talking about cutting,” said MPS Superintendent Grant Norgaard in his annual report to the McCook School Board Monday night at the regular school board meeting. And when staff is cut, that impacts student learning, he added...

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...

McCOOK, Neb. — By a unanimous vote, the McCook Board of Education approved the $161,000 bid from Tillotson Enterprises of Kearney, Neb. for a new roof at Central Elementary. The metal roof is the original from when the school was built in 1985 and the only metal roof in the district, said McCook Schools business manager Jeff Gross. The bid from Tillotson’s is a spray-on roof and comes with a 15-year warranty and a 20-year life expectancy...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education will be asked to approve a bid for a roof at Central Elementary and a revised assessment used by administrators to evaluate teachers, at the regular meeting Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room...

McCOOK, Neb. — Three heating units at McCook High School will have to be replaced after bitter winter temperatures caused them to malfunction and break down. McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross told the McCook School Board Monday night that wind blew open a door on the main air handler at the high school on Dec. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — New and re-elected board members of the McCook School Board will be sworn in and a president will be elected, at the regular meeting Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room. The board will also be asked to accept a resignation and three donations. After the regular meeting, the board will convene in a closed, executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation...

McCOOK, Neb. — A good friend is hard to find and for students with behavior or social challenges, sometimes nearly impossible. That’s where “Circle of Friends” steps in, a nationally-recognized initiative that encourages students to reach out and connect to their special education peers...

McCOOK, Neb. — ACT scores of McCook High School juniors last year showed a slight drop from previous years, McCook Schools Superintendent Grant Norgaard said Monday. Speaking at the regular McCook School Board meeting on local results from the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System, or NSCA, Norgaard said the lowered ACT scores followed a national trend and matched the national drop in scores. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — After meeting with an architectural consultant, the consensus on the McCook Junior High is to build new, said the McCook Public School superintendent. Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook Board of Education Monday night that initial meetings with W Design indicate that office space and the gymnasium at the current junior high can be salvaged but everything else will be built new...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook School Board unanimously endorsed Monday the negotiated agreement with the McCook Education Association for the 2023-24 school year, with a 3.98% pay increase for teachers. Under the agreement, the base salary for teachers is increased from $38,550 to $39,300. Base salary is the starting wage for teachers with no experience; wages go up incrementally at the McCook School District depending on years of experience and whether teachers obtain a master’s degree...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education will be asked to approve a new contract and salaries for teachers for the 2023-24 school year, at the regular meeting Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room. It will also hear an update from the superintendent on the proposed future renovation at McCook Junior High...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Public School District outpaced its peers and the state in nearly all categories in the 2021-22 assessment results released Nov. 23 by the Nebraska Department of Education. Data from the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) included district results as well as results from MPS schools...

McCOOK, Neb. — With no bids received for a proposed steel building for restrooms/storage/and concessions for the track and tennis court, the McCook School District will look into other options. This will include negotiating with local contractors and working with organizations like W Designs, Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook Board of Education Monday at the regular meeting...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education has only one item on its regular agenda Monday night, a donation from the local McDonald’s concerning a fundraiser. After the regular meeting, the board will meet in a closed, executive session concerning negotiations with the McCook Education Association for teachers’ salaries and benefits for next year...

McCOOK, Neb. — Should McCook School Board meetings start earlier? Or later? It was an idea brought up by McCook School Board member Tom Bredvick, as a way to get more patrons to attend the meetings. “I’m not saying we should or shouldn’t,” Bredvick said at Monday’s school board meeting, but maybe a different time would allow more citizens to attend a meeting. He asked fellow board members to ask around and see what people wanted and maybe the board could revisit the issue at a later date...

McCOOK, Neb. — Careers in the skilled trade industry are booming and administrators at McCook Public School hope they can offer students opportunities in the field. “It’s an area that really needs to be pushed and the school district is willing to jump on board to support those students who are interested,” said Superintendent Grant Norgaard at the McCook Board of Education meeting Monday night...

McCOOK, Neb. — Specifications for a new building to house restrooms/storage/concessions for the track and tennis courts were unanimously approved Monday night by the McCook Board of Education, along with a bid to replace the roof at the senior high gym...

McCOOK, Neb. — Pink postcards have started showing up in the mailboxes of property owners in McCook and Red Willow County. The postcards, the result of the Property Tax Request Act passed by the Nebraska State Legislature in 2021, notify McCook area property owners how the proposed budgets from local political taxing governments will affect the amount of property taxes they’ll pay...

McCOOK, Neb. — The number of lunches served in August at the McCook School District is down from August of last year. That’s because lunches were free last year due to funding for the pandemic, McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross said in his monthly report given at the regular McCook School Board Monday night...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Education approved changes to math standards and teachers at McCook Public Schools will have extra time to analyze those changes. Math teachers will have a half-day to work collaboratively on making changes to the curriculum to match any potential gaps, said Superintendent Grant Norgaard at the regular McCook School Board meeting Monday night...

McCOOK, Neb. — Revenue for the General Fund at McCook Public Schools will increase by over 4% next year, according to the 2023 budget for the MPS school district. McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross presented the 2022-23 budget at the budget hearing Monday night at the regular School Board meeting. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new safety app used at McCook Public Schools can send out an alert in seconds in case of an emergency. MPS first started using the Raptor app last year and is continuing this fall to practice drills with the app, Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook School Board Monday night at the regular meeting...

McCOOK, Neb. — The property tax levy for the McCook School District will go down by 3.26% in 2022-23, although the property tax request for next year will increase. The McCook Board of Education got its first look at the 2022-23 budget Monday night at the regular meeting, as presented by McCook Schools Business Manager Jeff Gross at a public hearing...

McCOOK, Neb. — A budget hearing for the 2022-23 McCook Public Schools budget will precede the regular meeting on Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room. According to the budget summary for the hearing, the property tax request for the proposed 2022-23 budget is $9.24 million, a $351,332 increase from last year’s requirement. This includes the Special Building Fund, General Fund and Bond...

Two MHS grads among new teachers Lorri Sughroue Associate Editor McCOOK, Neb. — Five new teachers were hired this year by the McCook Public School District, including two who are McCook High School graduates. Those who replied to an email questionnaire sent out by the McCook Gazette were:...

McCOOK, Neb. — A former superintendent, the maintenance staff and teachers were cited during “Positive Comments” at end of the McCook School Board meeting Monday night: -Teresa Thomas, board vice president: Recently spoke with a family who are optioning in two students under the option enrollment program, who told her the process was easy and staff easy to work with...

McCOOK, Neb. — The largest expenditure at McCook Public Schools using federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) was updating HVAC equipment at the Junior High at $901,316. The HVAC upgrades had been in the works but the school district was still saving money for it, said MPS business manager, Jeff Gross...

McCOOK, Neb. — The entry fee for athletic events at McCook Public Schools may go up in the future. Currently, it costs $5 to enter events at MPS. While discussing student fees at the public hearing Monday night prior to the regular McCook Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said there is room in the policy to increase entry fees to $6. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The process for approving the budget will change this year, according to McCook Public Schools' business manager. Jeff Gross, MPS business manager, told the McCook Board of Education Monday at the regular meeting Monday night that per state law, a joint public hearing of Red Willow County, the City of McCook and the MPS district will be held if their budgets for this year are more than 2% higher than last years’. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Being able to dream, and dream big, is the goal for the youngest students at McCook Public Schools. “I’m a big believer in being able to dream at this age,” said McCook Elementary principal, Greg Borland, of his kindergarten students. He and other school principals at MPS gave presentations Monday night on what they are doing, grade by grade, in getting students ready for life after graduation...

McCOOK, Neb. — There are statewide concerns over the new state assessment tool that measures student test scores. That’s because the state assessment is both adaptive and summative so it doesn’t accurately measure each student’s level of mastery, Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook School Board Monday at its regular meeting...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new mandate from the Nebraska Legislature requires computer science classes for public school students, but how students will be assessed on it has some local administrators scratching their heads. LB 1112, the Computer Science and Technology Act, was approved by state senators in the 2022 session. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education will be asked to approve a $15,000 anonymous donation toward the costs of a tennis canopy, at the regular meeting Monday, at 6:30 p.m. at the McCook Junior High conference room. The donation is for a canopy at the high school tennis courts. The board will be asked to approve another, separate anonymous donation Monday night for the canopy project, at $2,500...

McCOOK, Neb. — In order to keep up with federal reimbursements, the McCook School Board unanimously approved increasing prices for school lunches and breakfast by 10 cents for 2022-23, in accordance with federal guidelines. The board has been doing this annually for the past several years to catch up with the federal price, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said Monday night at the McCook School Board meeting...

McCOOK, Neb. — The student handbooks for McCook Public Schools were approved Monday night by the McCook Board of Education, with a few changes recommended by a board member. Before the handbooks were approved, board member Loretta Hauxwell asked about some of the covid protocol included in the back of the handbooks. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Building a new junior high would be cheaper in the long run than remodeling, a McCook Public School administrator said Monday night. That’s because a remodel of the structure probably won’t last beyond 30 years, making another remodel — and a bond — necessary, McCook School Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook school board...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education Monday night unanimously approved the base salary of $180,828.85 for Superintendent Grant Norgaard for 2022-23, an $8,528.85 increase from last year’s salary. With benefits, totally salary package for Norgaard is $237,654, pending updated insurance costs. The new salary represents a 4.95% increase from 2021-22, an increase similar to salary increases negotiated this year for teachers, said board president, Brad Hays...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education will be asked to ratify the superintendent’s salary, to increase school meal prices and approve a new teaching contract, at the regular meeting Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the Junior High conference room. The board will also be asked to approve three monetary donations to the district and 2022-23 school handbooks for McCook Elementary/Central Elementary and the Junior/Senior High...

McCOOK, Neb. — A retired teacher in McCook recently caught up with some former sixth-grade students she taught more than 60 years ago. Jean Wilcox, 96, keeps in touch with many of her former students and three of them, whom she taught in 1958-59, came to visit her in McCook earlier this month...

Assistant Principal Jake Curl presents the special Bison Award to Tucker Gillespie and Madison Tarencz-Rasmusen, who were also senior speakers at Friday’’s McCook High School graduation ceremonies at the Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus. Decorated mortar boards indicate the graduating class is taking to heart Gillespie’s admonition — don’t dream, set a goal and work toward it, as well as Rasmussen’s advice “don’t be afraid of change.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — A project costing nearly $1 million will take place over the summer at the McCook Junior High, but it won’t cost the school district a cent. The HVAC project will replace chillers and air handlers at the junior high gym and front office, at around $980,000. The cost is being funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) the school district received, according to Jeff Gross, McCook Schools Business Manager...

New mandated classes in the near future for schools McCOOK, Neb. — New technology classes will be mandated for public school students beginning in 2024. Recent laws passed by the Nebraska Legislature require that beginning in 2024-25, computer science and technology education will be required at elementary and middle schools, such as at McCook Elementary and Central Elementary. ...