School board elects officers

McCOOK, Neb. -- Tom Bredvick retained his position as board president, at the first meeting in 2015 of the McCook Board of Education Monday night.

The board uses the nomination method to elect officers, with no voting unless there are two nominations for a position. If two are nominated, then the board votes by secret ballot.

Newbie board member Bob Elder nominated Bredvick for the position for president, citing Bredvick's years of experience on the board. With no other nominations, there was no voting and Bredvick was re-instated as board president.

Bredvick presided over the remainder of elections. Teresa Thomas, upon Bredvick's nomination, was chosen for vice president with no other nominations. She nominated Loretta Hauxwell for secretary, also with no other nominations.

Two new members, Elder and Brian Esch, along with incumbent Loretta Hauxwell, were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting.

Former board members Shane Messersmith, who served eight years on the board, and Sandy Krysl, who served four, were formally recognized by Superintendent Grant Norgaard.

The board re-appointed McCook School district business manager Rick Haney as the treasurer and recording secretary for the board.

At Monday night's meeting, the board approved several school district policies and tabled one policy.

Board member Diane Lyons questioned the wording in the "Board member conflict of interest" policy, concerning disclosure to the board when a board member or district employee recommends the employment of or supervises the employment of an immediate family member. Lyons asked for clarification on what kind of disclosure was needed. The policy was tabled and will go back to the policy committee for further review.

An updated policy on school closings and cancellations was also approved by the board. The updated policy allows the superintendent to appoint the business manager or another individual in the school system to cancel school because of severe weather, if the superintendent is unable to make the decision for some reason.