November 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order

1.1. Roll Call

1.2. Recognition of Open Meeting Law

1.3. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Public Participation, Presentations, and Reports

2.1. Public Participation

2.2. Board accepts public comments

2.2.1. Check Presentation to McCook Public Schools from CTE construction.  Roofing with a purpose donation and explenation of the program

2.3. Student Board Member Report

2.3.1. Presentations

2.3.1.1. Science Trip — Mr. Degnan 

2.3.1.2. Tanner Unger, CTE class additions

3. Approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes and financials

3.1. Approval of Expenditures/Payroll for October 2025

4. Reports from Staff Members and Committees

4.1. Negotiations committee

5. Board and Administrative Comments

5.1. Written Administrator Reports

5.2. Superintendent's Report

Veteran’s Day

• Each school’s activity:
• McCook Elementary: Annual music and recognition program
• Central Elementary: Breakfast with Central Starz song (only 5th grade invites…we’ve outgrown our space) 
• Jr. High : Organizing a Hero’s Wall of pictures of family member who are a Veteran
• High School: Luncheon, 11:30-12:30 (Senior High Staff providing sides & desserts).  Quilt of Valor presentation

Safety Audit — Facility & Grounds Findings 
(Full Report Attached)

• Commendations
  • Buildings were immaculate, well-lit, and organized with visible safety signage.
  • Excellent security systems—controlled entries, surveillance cameras, and visitor procedures.
  • High School: Updated gym floor, retractable hoops, new lighting, modernized hallways, and digital trophy case.
  • Science labs, art rooms, and weight areas met safety standards.
  • Central Elementary recognized for strong safety culture under Principal Bednar’s leadership.
  • Exterior areas and athletic fields are in exceptional condition; playgrounds and sidewalks are well maintained.
• Recommendations
  • Lock and label science chemicals; use Clean Harbors for disposal (grant available).
  • Keep classroom doors locked during occupancy.
  • Monthly fire extinguisher checks.
  • Add signage for AEDs, main water/electrical shutoffs, and tornado shelter locks at Central Elementary.
  • Label two north doors of Central gym.
  • Conduct weekly playground checks (“Nothing Broken, No Glass, Rake Under Equipment”).
• Special Recognition
  • McCook Public Schools was named an ALICAP Honor Roll School, awarded to only a few districts for exemplary safety and compliance performance. 

School Improvement Update

• Mission & Vision
  • Consensus: Keep the current mission and vision statements.
    • Mission Statement
      It is the mission of McCook Public Schools to equip all students to succeed in a complex global society. 
    • Vision Statement
      Every McCook Public School graduate will possess the skills to become a responsible, respectful, and productive citizen who is engaged in their community and achieves personal success.
  • Next Step:
    • Print and post new wall displays featuring the mission, vision, and beliefs (legal or ledger size).
• Perceptual Surveys
  • Consensus: Switch to using the Nebraska Department of Education’s (NDE) perceptual survey.
• Data Review
  • Reviewed: Updated NSCAS data (link provided).
• Homework (Due by January 15 Meeting)
  • Conduct an in-depth building-level data review using multiple data sources.
  • Building teams should:
    • Meet to analyze data and identify trends.
    • Present and discuss strengths and weaknesses with staff.
    • Gather staff feedback and reach consensus on findings.
    • Prepare to report back to the school improvement team at the January meeting.

Nursing Pathway with UNMC

• Purpose — Develop a rural Nursing Pathway between McCook Public Schools (MPS), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and McCook Community College (MCC) to prepare students for entry into the UNMC College of Nursing BSN program and support Nebraska’s healthcare workforce.
• Key Points
  • Pathway Creation: Establish a structured program combining academic coursework and clinical experiences.
  • Guaranteed Admission: Students who complete the pathway will earn automatic acceptance into UNMC–Kearney’s BSN program.
  • Advising: UNMC will assign an advisor to each student to guide progress.
  • Sample coursework includes: CNA, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, and Human Growth & Development, mirroring the first two years of college prerequisites.
• Potential partnerships:
  • Discuss with MCC their willingness to coordinate dual-credit opportunities and course alignment.
  • Discuss with Community Hospital their willingness to provide clinical experiences and may offer financial support.
• Next Steps
  • Review the forthcoming MOU from UNMC detailing course requirements and program expectations.
  • Collaborate with MCC and Community Hospital to define roles and supports.
  • Plan a pilot timeline, cohort size, and network with other districts developing similar pathways.

5.3. Monthly Business Manager Board of Education Report

October 2025 for November 2025 Board Meeting

Monthly Lunch #’s = 15,778 meals served

Financial #’s = After 16.66% of the fiscal year, General Fund YTD Revenue is 16.69%. YTD Expense is 18.37%

All Funds' YTD Revenue is 16.54%, YTD Expenses are 19%.

The 2024-2025 Annual Financial Review is complete and filed with the NDE.

The 2024-2025 Audit has been completed.  Your audit books are being distributed.  The audit will be approved at the December board meeting.

Facilities — Updates

• Concrete work continues on the parking lot west of the YMCA and tennis courts.
• We have some wash out/concrete damage and concerns @ Weiland field and are working with W design to remedy the problem.
• We have been getting bids for JH Gym Floor resurfacing.  Last done in 2000.
• We have been getting bids for JH Bleacher replacement.
• Working on bids for JH front end HVAC system

Storm Damage — Updates

• The district received substantial hail damage from the storm on September 16th.
• The roof at the learning center is set to be replaced in the next few weeks.
• The vehicle fleet has been repaired
• Skylights and light panels have been patched to get us through the winter.
• Alicap is working on the depreciation cost of all the damage.

 

Current Financial Projects

• 7.2% EHA Rates
• Reviewing TEEOSA components for accuracy.

The SPED BUS we ordered and had custom-built to our needs in December 2023 has arrived.  It is a 2026 Yellow route bus, with a wheelchair lift and the ability to hold 4 wheelchairs.  It also includes toddler seats.  The purchase price was $131,500.00  

 

Federal/state Reports filed in October:

• Independent audit report
• Annual financial review

 

5.4. Board Comments

6. New Business

6.1. Accept Resignations

6.1.1. Accept the resignation from Clint Hosick, McCook High History/Weights Teacher 

6.2. Approve contract for Hannah Nichols—K-8 Art Teacher

6.3. Accept an Anonymous Donation for Negative Lunch Balances for the amount of $3500.00

6.4. Accept a donation from CTE construction for the roofing with a purpose program for $1,176.00.

7. Positive Comments

8. Executive Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining.

The Board will enter executive session, in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute 84-1410, for the protection of the public interest in discussing collective bargaining and contract negotiations. No action will be taken. 

9. Executive Session to Discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation

The Board will enter executive session, in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute 84-1410, for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, and such individual has not requested a public meeting, for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s evaluation. No action will be taken.

10. Adjournment

11. Items for Review