June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

• Over the past several months, the district has reviewed its current grading scale to determine whether adjustments could better balance academic rigor with scholarship and post secondary competitiveness. The goal of this review was not to make courses easier, but to ensure that our grading practices appropriately recognize student achievement while maintaining high expectations.
• As part of the process, district leaders examined multiple grading scales used by high schools, colleges, and universities. Traditional 10-point scales, plus grading systems, and weighted GPA models were reviewed and compared for their impact on academic expectations, student motivation, scholarship eligibility, and college admissions.
• The district also reviewed research on grading practices and student achievement. Findings suggest that grading systems that substantially lower expectations can contribute to declines in classroom performance, benchmark assessments, and standardized test results, particularly among lower-performing students. Consequently, preserving academic rigor remained a central consideration throughout the review process.
• Teacher input played an important role in evaluating potential options. Staff members were provided information regarding the current grading scale, alternative models, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. Survey results indicated that a majority of teachers supported the proposed Balanced Rigor Grading Scale.
• The proposed scale maintains many of the rigorous elements of the current system. An A grade would require a 93 percent average, while plus grades provide additional recognition for students performing at the upper end of each grade band. The GPA distribution was intentionally designed to be balanced and logical while improving scholarship competitiveness.
• The proposed Balanced Rigor Grading Scale represents an effort to maintain the district's tradition of academic excellence while ensuring that students are better positioned to compete for scholarships, honors, admissions opportunities, and other post secondary benefits.

• The Foundation's mission is explicitly tied to McCook Public Schools. The Articles state that the Foundation exists exclusively to support and carry out the purposes of McCook Public Schools, creating a direct and enduring connection between the Foundation and the District.
• The new structure strengthens collaboration while preserving independent governance. The Foundation will be governed by a twelve member Board of Directors, with nine voting directors appointed by the Foundation Board, one voting director appointed by the McCook Public Schools Board of Education, and two nonvoting liaison directors appointed by the Board of Education. This structure promotes communication and collaboration while maintaining the Foundation's independent, community led governance.
• The Foundation remains a charitable 501(c)(3) organization. The revised Articles preserve the Foundation's nonprofit, public benefit status and ensure that all activities remain focused on charitable and educational purposes that support students and schools.
• The Foundation is designed to exist in perpetuity. The Articles establish the Foundation as a permanent organization dedicated to supporting McCook Public Schools for generations to come.
• The Foundation is committed to supporting educational and extracurricular opportunities. The bylaws specifically state that the Foundation will cooperate with the school district to improve educational programs and extracurricular activities while respecting the administration and operation of the schools.
• Strong governance and accountability measures are built into the organization. The bylaws establish director term limits, conflict of interest requirements, financial oversight responsibilities, and clear procedures for meetings, voting, and organizational decision making.

• Administrative evaluations for the building principals and district level directors have been completed. 

5.3. Monthly Business Manager Board of Education Report

May 2026 for June 2026 Board Meeting

Monthly Lunch #’s =   8,905 meals served in May.  Rural Non-Congregate Summer food Services served 4,534 meals last week, for the 1st week of the summer. 

Financial #’s = After 75% of fiscal year = General Fund YTD Revenue is 94.9% YTD Expense is 76.2%

All Funds YTD Revenue is 92.8%, YTD Expenses is 76%

Facilities - Updates

• Central /gym has been painted and is complete.

• JH Mid level Drinking fountains have been installed with a new steel wall plate.  

• Senior High Main Hallway: Renovations including drywall, ceiling grid/tile, carpet/base, lighting , and paint/Tape/Mud is ongoing.

• Work in the junior high gym is continuing.

  • Gym floor sanding and repaint/seal is in Complete

  • Painting is in progress

  • Bleachers to be installed in July

• Junior High HVAC Front End:

  • Controls for the reheat coils for classrooms are set to be installed this summer.

  • Controls for boiler and Chillers are to be instilled this summer

Upcoming Projects & Infrastructure

• Elementary School: Scheduled 1st grade classroom update for May.

• Roofing Projects:

  • Junior High: 

  • Central: New gutter system 

• Senior High Steps: Replacement of steps by Science rooms 

Current Financial Projects

• CTE Grants

• Budget Prep for 2026-2027 Fiscal year

• Administrative pay request is not an action item this year.  With the changes to administrative duties, there will be a reduction in overall pay this year. Administrative salary increases will be given in a range from 2.5–3.5%.  

Federal/state Reports filed in April:

• Days in session/program hours

• Annual participation report

• Transparency Pay Act

• District system information report

• IDEA Maintenance of Effort Eligibility

• Pupil transportation Report

• Nebraska education Profile

• Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer