Business manager updates school board on projects

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.

In addition to lunch receipts, Gross also updated the board on upcoming projects in the district, including the roofs for the senior high gym and for Central Elementary. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been published for both jobs, he said. Approval from the McCook School Board is needed for any purchase or project over $100,000.

Other completed or nearly completed projects in the district are:

-The high school track is done and the maintenance staff is finishing up with landscaping and sidewalk work. Work on the shot put area is set to begin, along with work on existing buildings.

-Adjustments are being made to the HVAC system at the junior high.

During “Positive Comments,” Gross commended his office staff of Bobbi Bortner, Erin Ruppert and Heather Collicott for all their help in assembling the budget.

Other positive comments included:

-Board secretary Mike Langan: noted the success of fall sports at the high school and how much work teachers do in supporting students.

-Board member Loretta Hauxwell: Appreciates the leadership class at the high school as well as Interact, McCook Rotary’s service club for teens.

Board vice president Teresa Thomas: Liked all the activities planned at several schools in the district before school started, such as “Walk to School” night and open houses. The first day of school is stressful and these events were helpful in getting students and parents off to a good start.

Board member Dennis Berry: Nationally, math scores are down for third and fourth graders due to schools being closed during the pandemic, but that isn’t the case here, he said, as McCook Public Schools remained open as much as possible. Berry also said he felt fortunate to live in McCook compared to other larger school districts in the nation, where teachers are on strike.

Board member Tom Bredvick: Cited broadcasting students at McCook High School and the great job they are doing broadcasting high school sports.

Board president Brad Hays: Noted the newly finished high school track and said it was money put to good use. He also mentioned the Health Careers Class at the high school, where students get an up-close view of diverse health careers at Community Hospital, such as physical therapy and pharmacy. This can lead to partnerships with students who may end up coming back to the area for their health careers.

Student Council representative, Samantha Rodewald: band uniforms were in short supply for Homecoming due to dry-cleaning but enough were found just in time with the help of MHS band instructor, Donita Priebe.

-Superintendent Grant Norgaard: Thanked all those who helped make Homecoming Week a success, including students who decorated the halls, the high school student council and sponsor Kristin Blume.