Bond benefits outweigh costs

The moment has arrived for McCook Public School patrons to make a pivotal decision: whether to approve a 30-year $43.5 million bond issue to build a new Junior High School and renovate the Senior High facilities.

The proposal is not a decision made in haste but the result of over a decade of thorough study and analysis by the administration and the school board. The problems facing the current Junior High School are undeniable. In its current state, the building is no longer an acceptable learning environment. For anyone in doubt, a public tour next Wednesday, Oct. 30, offers a firsthand look at the pressing need for improvement.

The goals of this bond are clear and vital: enhancing the learning environment, addressing safety concerns, reducing the number of building entry points, eliminating the need for students to move between buildings during the school day, and upgrading industrial and performing arts spaces. Perhaps most importantly, the new facility is designed to serve the community for the next 80 to 100 years—a long-term investment in the future of McCook’s education.

Alternative options, such as renovation, were considered during the eleven-year study. However, a renovation would only temporarily address structural and mechanical issues, and engineers estimate it would extend the building’s life by just 25 to 30 years. The rough price of renovation, nearly $30 million, coupled with two years of disruption to students and staff, makes this a short-sighted solution. By the time the renovations no longer suffice, both the Junior and Senior High School buildings would need replacing.

The original estimate for building a new facility was $60 million, but cuts and revisions have trimmed the proposal to $43.5 million—focused on the essential goals of longevity, safety, and modernized learning spaces without unnecessary extravagances.

The financial impact on taxpayers is always a concern. Fortunately, McCook Public Schools is committed to asking voters to support only one bond at a time. Taxes for the McCook Elementary renovation will conclude in 2024, with no school bond taxes in 2025. If approved, this bond will take effect in 2026. For homeowners, this means an additional $22 per month for property valued at $100,000, and for agricultural landowners, about $5.91 per irrigated acre annually.

This is a significant commitment, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. A new Junior High School isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about preparing McCook’s students—future business leaders, homeowners, and taxpayers—with the best educational environment possible. The upgraded facilities will also bolster McCook’s appeal to employers who value a well-educated and skilled workforce, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community.

The time to act is now. This plan is both practical and cost-effective. Delaying this decision will only lead to higher costs down the road. By approving this bond, McCook is signaling that it is ready to invest in its future, embrace growth, and provide its students and community with the tools they need to thrive in the decades to come.