March 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion: 

Attendance Taken on 3/9/2026 at 6:00 PM Agenda Item: Roll Call

Regular Board Present Scott Barger Amanda Buhr Brad Hays Jesse Juenemann Mike Langan

Regular Board Absent Charlie McPherson

Discussion:  There were no public comments.

Discussion: 

I hope everyone is doing well and is getting ready for what I hope is the start of the spring weather. Last week the students had Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off of school for spring break and also for Parent Teacher Conferences. Although the winter sports seasons have come to an end the past 2 weeks. We have already transitioned into the spring sports like Girls tennis, Boys Golf, and also Track and Field. These sports started practice last week and from what I have heard from people they are pretty excited for the spring sport to start up.

Things Going on in the School and Clubs

Last week, on Tuesday FFA had a district event at Eustis. Also on Tuesday the High school took a few students up to inter-High day at north platte. Inter High days is a competition between an assortment of schools in the area and they all compete against each other in different kinds of fields of study. The competition can be anything from creative writing to even building construction. FBLA and a few other clubs in the school had read across America last Monday. Read across America is where the clubs go and read to the students at the elementary. The quiz bowl team got second at Southwest last Monday also. Finally Math club is having Math Magic tomorrow at the Elementary, St.Pats, and Central.

Discussion: 

Tracey Fisher made a Request for School Board Approval: N.O.R.E. Summer 2027 Trip to Roatán, Honduras

Overview:
I am seeking approval from the school board and administrators to organize a Marine Biology Eco Tour to Roatán, Honduras, in the summer of 2027 for 12-22 students. This educational trip, hosted by Green Edventures Eco Tours & Expeditions, will provide our students with an exceptional opportunity to engage in hands-on marine biology research, conservation efforts, and cultural immersion in one of the world's most biologically diverse marine environments.

Trip Details:

• Dates: Summer 2027 (8 days), looking at June 19th thru the 26th or June 26th thru Jul 3, 2026

• Location: Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS), adjacent to Anthony's Key Dive Resort

• Group Size: 12-22 students (Grades 9-12)

• Lodging: Air-conditioned rooms at Anthony's Key Resort (3-6 students per room)

• Meals: Three meals per day are provided at the resort restaurant

• Estimated Cost: $4,045 per student for the snorkeling package (+$130 for SCUBA divers), including airfare of $950 + $50 booking fee per person.

Educational Highlights:

1. Marine Biology Research: Students will participate in coral-reef ecology lectures, species-identification classes, and hands-on research projects, including coral restoration and REEF fish surveys.

2. Conservation Efforts: Students will engage in coral nursery restoration and learn about threats to coral reefs and sustainable conservation practices.

3. Marine Mammal Interaction: Students will meet and swim with dolphins, learning about their behavior and training programs.

4. Cultural Immersion: Students will explore local towns, visit animal sanctuaries, and experience Roatán's vibrant culture through activities like zip-lining, an island fiesta, and interactions with Garifuna dancers.

Learning Objectives:
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students will:

• Understand the ecological significance of marine habitats.

• Develop practical research skills in data collection, observation, and analysis.

• Appreciate conservation efforts and their importance in preserving marine ecosystems.

• Explore Roatán's cultural and historical aspects.

• Foster teamwork and communication skills through group activities.

Additional Information:

• Insurance: Post-departure travel insurance is included. SCUBA divers are required to purchase separate dive accident insurance.

• Travel Requirements: All participants must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the departure date, and are encouraged to take out travel insurance, but not required.

• Chaperones: 1 teacher is free with 10 paying students, and 2 teachers are free with 14 paying students.

Proposed Itinerary Highlights:

• Day 1: Arrival, orientation, and group dinner.

• Day 2: Introduction to RIMS, snorkeling/SCUBA check-out, coral reef ecology lecture, and fish identification.

• Day 3: Maya Key day trip, animal care facility tour, and REEF fish survey.

• Day 4: Mangrove and seagrass exploration, dolphin lecture, and coral reef threats presentation.

• Day 5: Zip-lining, cultural experiences, and island fiesta.

• Day 6: Coral restoration training and night snorkeling/dive.

• Day 7: Dolphin swim, visit to Iguana Farm, Monkey & Sloth Hangout, and local town excursion.

• Day 8: Final REEF surveys and departure.

Benefits for Students:
This trip will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore marine biology in a living laboratory, develop scientific research skills, and gain a deeper understanding of conservation and cultural diversity. It aligns with educational standards and fosters teamwork, communication, and environmental stewardship.

Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity to enrich our students’ education and provide them with a transformative learning experience!

Discussion:  Cason Waugh and Bryceton Hauxwell presented on the McCook FFA chapter.  In all have 34 students will be going to the state FFA State competition and conference.  

Discussion: 

To: Board of Education

From: District Wellness Committee

Date: February 24, 2026

Subject: Summary of Triennial Wellness Assessment and Progress Report

 

Executive Summary from Scott Barger and Jeff Gross

On February 18, 2026, the District Wellness Committee (DWC) convened to conduct a mandatory triennial assessment of the McCook Public Schools Wellness Policy. The committee confirmed that the district remains in full compliance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and NDE Rule 10 requirements. The current policy, adopted on July 8, 2024, remains up to date with all federal and state regulations.

Key Achievements & Strengths

The assessment, utilizing the Alliance for a Healthier Generation 10-Step Checklist, identified several core strengths within our current operations:

• Leadership & Governance: The policy clearly defines the Superintendent (or designee) as the leader responsible for DWC oversight and school-level compliance.

• Nutritional Standards: The district is fully compliant with USDA Smart Snacks standards for all foods and beverages sold on campus during the school day.

• Program Participation: We continue to maintain high participation rates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs.

• Infrastructure: Every school building now has a designated wellness coordinator to oversee local implementation.

Progress Toward Wellness Goals

The committee reviewed the three primary goals of the Local Wellness Policy (LWP), determining that all have been Met:

Goal Area	Status	Progress Summary
Nutrition Education	Met	Integrated into K-12 curriculum; healthy choices promoted via cafeteria signage.
Physical Activity	Met	Daily recess/PE for elementary; elective PE and athletics for middle/high school.
Staff Wellness	Met	Professional development included segments on student mental health and physical wellness.

Opportunities for Improvement

To further strengthen the district’s wellness environment, the committee identified the following focus areas:

• Physical Education: Adding Nebraska standards-based PE rubrics to provide quantifiable metrics.

• Evaluation Tools: Moving from recommending the CDC’s School Health Index to formally adopting it as a required annual tool.

• Incentives: Expanding policy language to include specific rules regarding food-based rewards or incentives for students.

Next Steps

• Board Review: These results will be formally reviewed at the next School Board meeting on March 9, 2025.

• Public Transparency: The final assessment report will be posted on the official district website for public access.

Final Filing: All Step 1-4 documentation will be uploaded to the CNP portal to finalize the triennial cycle.

Discussion:  Scott Barger and Jeff Gross reported on the meeting.

Discussion:  Scott Barger and Jeff Gross reported on the meeting.

Discussion: 

Discussion:  There were no board comments.

Discussion:  The district School Improvement Team engaged in a structured review and discussion process to identify key instructional priorities for the next several years. The following major steps were taken to arrive at the district’s two improvement goals:

• Review of District Achievement Data - The team examined multiple years of district data in reading and mathematics, including state assessment results and local performance indicators, to identify patterns in student proficiency and areas where students consistently experienced difficulty.
• Identification of Instructional Trends and Needs - Through collaborative discussion, faculty and administrators analyzed the data to determine common instructional challenges, including gaps in literacy development and difficulty with foundational mathematical problem solving.
• Examination of Instructional Practices Across Grade Levels - The team considered how curriculum alignment, instructional strategies, and skill development progress across grade levels to determine where greater coherence and consistency could strengthen student learning.
• Collaborative Professional Dialogue - Teachers and administrators engaged in collegial discussions to share classroom observations, instructional experiences, and perspectives on how current practices influence student outcomes.
• Consensus on Long Term Improvement Priorities - Using the data and discussion outcomes, the team identified two district improvement goals focused on strengthening literacy instruction and improving student proficiency in foundational mathematics skills.

Discussion:  Quinn Taylor was very impressed with the new school improvement goals and congratulated the FFA state qualifiers.
Jesse Junemann appreciates all that Tracey Fisher and the students have done in preparation for the NORE trip.  He also congratulated the FFA chapter.  
Scott Barger thanked the work that was done in preparation for the facility committee meeting.  He also wanted to acknowledge the impact that Lynne Kinne had on our current and past students.
Amanda Buhr was very impressed by the FFA report.  She also wanted to thank McCook Elementary for allowing the YMCA to host their events.   
Mike Langan believes that the facility improvements that are ongoing will have a big impact on our district.  He is also excited about the swimming coop.
Jeff Gross wanted to celebrate the legacy that Lynne Kinne left with her students and her family and friends
Brad Hays was proud to announce the birth of a future bison.  His grandchild Sienna Hazel.  
Grant Norgaard attended the  FFA jacket ceremony.  He was very impressed by the ceremony and the local chapter.
 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm.