School cuts staff, agrees to study

The McCook school board eliminated one position, reduced six others, and agreed to take part in a reorganization study covering all of the schools to the west.

The board also approved the hiring of a school psychologist for a position that had been contracted with Educational Service Unit 15, tentatively approved the extension of an exclusive contract with a soft drink company in order to fund a new football scoreboard, and agreed to let to city of McCook use the school's kitchen and cafeteria while the Heritage Senior Center is being remodeled.

Despite a plea from Jerda Garey of McCook to continue the ag education program, the board approved reductions-in-force that eliminated the 7-12 vocational agriculture position held by Gorman Glaze.

Garey, who is McCook mayor but said she was speaking as a private citizen, said that FFA has one of the strongest national leadership programs, and agricultural education is important to the future of students, the community and economic development.

"I'm here to offer my assistance, background and experience," she said.

Board member Jack Clark, however, said that the cuts did not necessarily mean the elimination of the FFA or vocational agriculture programs.

While only one position was terminated, six others were reduced.

Pamula Oschner's junior high guidance counselor position was reduced from 205 to 200 days; Jeff Gross, 7-12 Lift alternative school, 205 to 200; Debby Arp, senior high guidance, 210-205; Dan R. Shires, K-12 computer technology coordinator, 210-205; Ron W. Barger, 7-12 vocational automotive, 190-188 days; and Nancy Prosser-Weedin, K-6 administrator, from 1.0 full-time equivalency to .5 FTE.

Another teacher who had received a notice that her job was to be eliminated, exercised the right of recall after another teacher in the same type of position retired.

As part of the reduction in force process, officials made it clear that the cuts were due to "changes in circumstances" -- in this case, the state budget crunch -- and should not reflect poorly on the staff members' abilities. Each teacher or administrator received a letter indicating that the reduction in force was implemented "with honor."

Board chairman Greg Larson cast the lone vote against the hiring of Lynse Damrow as school psychologist. Last year, Damrow, then an intern, served the McCook schools under contract with ESU 15. Having now completed her training and able to serve without supervision, she was awarded a 200-day contract on Step 1 of the pay scale, which is $53,798.

The cost of contracting with the ESU, as compared to McCook hiring its own school psychologist, is "about a wash," board members were told.

Coca-Cola cans dotted the table as board members voted to conditionally approve an extension of the contract to allow the company exclusive access to McCook Public Schools facilities.

The schools, in their third year of a 10-year contract, will receive $10,000 toward a new scoreboard at the Weiland Field football field and the locker room renovation.

Finance director Randall Datus said that while, technically, Coke's contract may be in conflict with the lunch program's contract, the same situation existed in numerous school districts nationally. He said he expected the contracts to be worked out through negotiations with the two companies.

While several board members expressed reluctance in additional spending, the board voted to accept an invitation to participate in a reorganization study commissioned by a group of Southwest Nebraska schools.

"We're a small district, too, and we need to look at cooperation," Superintendent Don Marchant said.

"I would rather be a participant in this one than a spectator," board member Jim Coady said.

Jack Clark seconded Coady's motion to take part in the study, saying he wanted to encourage cooperation, distance learning and other advances.

"The shape of school districts in Southwest Nebraska may change as a result of this study," he said.

The board voted a maximum of $2,000, plus McCook's share of expenses, to participate in a study already under way for Wauneta-Palisade, Chase County High School, Hitchcock Unified Schools, Hayes Center and Dundy County schools.

Conducting it will be Gerald Ehlers of Ainsworth, a former school superintendent who has been involved in numerous such studies, including one involving Republican Valley and Twin Valley schools.

In other business, the board:

- Recognized student board member Tyler Bieck for his service.

- Heard a report and recommendations from Brenda McMurtrey of the school's safety committee.

- Accepted gifts of $5,600 from the Southwest Association for Retarded Citizens; $11,174 from the McCook Football League for a new sound system at Weiland, and $6,000 from the Bison Boosters for the locker room project and $2,000 for the junior high gymnasium.