September 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

College and Career Readiness Update

Jordan Lewis presented information about the EducationQuest College Access Grant. McCook High School will receive $10,000 annually for the next four years, totaling $40,000. Although the grant emphasizes college access, funds may also support students pursuing career training and other postsecondary pathways beyond traditional two- and four-year colleges.

MHS introduced College Passports this year to encourage students to complete important college and career-readiness activities and meet key deadlines. Activities include attending college fairs, participating in Apply to College Day, completing the FAFSA, creating a résumé, and visiting a college campus. Students can earn small incentives as they complete these activities throughout the year. Our counselors already assist students with each of these important steps.

Lunch and Learn sessions are also new this year. During lunch, students can hear short presentations from colleges, military representatives, and local businesses. These sessions introduce students to a variety of postsecondary opportunities and careers available within our community while allowing them to ask questions directly of recruiters and local professionals.

Additional activities are being planned for ninth- and tenth-grade students to help them begin thinking about and preparing for their futures earlier in high school. Incentive drawings are also planned during parent-teacher conferences. Staff will continue assisting families with FAFSA completion, while Senior Hour will be offered each Wednesday to provide students with scholarship assistance and increase their awareness of college and career opportunities.

The College Access Grant will also allow MHS to take students directly to college campuses rather than relying exclusively on representatives visiting our school. Many students may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in a campus visit. Grant funding can help cover related expenses, including transportation and meals, making these experiences more accessible to all students.

Activities Update

• Last week featured a strong turnout for the homecoming pep rally and Homecoming Royalty voting. Lee Davidson was crowned Homecoming King, and Cali Crawford was crowned Homecoming Queen.
• The Student Council did an excellent job planning and hosting this year’s homecoming activities. The events were well attended, and students enjoyed a successful homecoming dance.
• The Bison football team earned a home victory over Lexington on Friday.
• It will be another busy week for Bison activities. Girls golf and boys tennis will travel to meets on Monday and Thursday.
• The football team will travel to Seward for Friday’s road game.
• FFA students will participate in Area Range Judging in Dundy County on Wednesday.
• The volleyball team competed in Goodland today and will continue competition with matches on Thursday and Saturday.
• One-Act and Mock Trial participants are preparing for their upcoming seasons, with activities and competitions beginning in the coming month.

Finance Committee Update

The Finance Committee met on August 12 and August 20, 2026, to review the district’s financial position, updated property valuations, and the proposed 2026-2027 budget. Committee members included Mike Langan, Charlie McPherson, and Amanda Buhr.

2025-2026 Financial Report

The committee reviewed the district’s year-end financial report. The 2025-2026 fiscal year concluded with expenditures remaining on target with the approved budget.

2026-2027 Proposed Budget

The proposed General Fund budget reflects a 3.5% increase. Personnel-related costs account for approximately 83.05% of General Fund expenditures, including health insurance costs of approximately 16.4%. Non-personnel expenditures represent approximately 16.9% of the budget. Across all district funds, the proposed budget increase is 1.75%.

Before accounting for the state property tax credit, projected district revenue sources are:

• Local receipts: 53%
• State receipts: 43%
• Federal receipts: 4%

After accounting for the state property tax credit, the effective distribution is:

• Local receipts: 36%
• State receipts: 60%
• Federal receipts: 4%

Property Valuation and Tax Request

District property valuations increased by 3.31%, with approximately 0.41% attributed to real growth. The district’s total property tax request increased by 7.35%, consisting of a 3.18% increase for the General Fund and a 4.16% increase associated with the Special Building Fund.

The proposed total levy is $0.8977 per $100 of assessed valuation, compared with $0.8639 in 2025-2026. The General Fund levy will decrease slightly from $0.8639 to $0.8629. The remaining $0.03479 is for the Special Building Fund, which did not have a levy during the previous fiscal year.

After accounting for the state property tax credit, the effective total levy is approximately $0.5771, compared with $0.5548 in 2025-2026. Because of the increase in the district’s property tax request, McCook Public Schools will participate in the Joint Public Hearing.

Depreciation Fund Planning

The district continues to reserve depreciation funds for identified long-term purchases and projects, including:

• Roofing
• An activity bus
• Lighting at Weiland Field
• Technology
• The ongoing McCook High School remodeling project

Upcoming Facility Needs

The committee also discussed several significant facility needs:

• Safety and security improvements, including cameras and doors
• Football field lighting
• Senior High plumbing improvements

Property Tax Request Authority

The district is requesting an additional $1,167,402 in authority above the standard 6% growth limit. This action preserves taxing authority for potential future needs and does not mean the district is currently requesting or collecting those additional dollars. The district also has $2,313,160 in unused property tax authority available for future consideration.

Facility Committee Update

The Facility Committee met on August 13, 2026. Members in attendance included Scott Barger, Jesse Juenemann, Brad Hays, Jeff Gross, and Joel Bednar. The committee reviewed recently completed projects, current work, and the district’s long-term facility and equipment needs.

Completed Projects

The district completed or substantially completed the following projects:

• Repurposed a storage area into a classroom for the LIFT program
• Re-secured the wrestling building roof with new sheet-metal screws
• Removed the southeast metal bleachers at Weiland Field, repaired the concrete washout, and installed new footings
• Replaced the Senior High steps near the science classrooms
• Replaced drinking fountains in the Junior High’s middle building
• Updated a first-grade classroom at McCook Elementary, with the countertop remaining to be installed
• Completed improvements to the Junior High HVAC front-end control system
• Completed significant repairs to the Junior High roof
• Renovated the Junior High gym, including bleachers, flooring, wall mats, and painting
• Installed new wall mats and completed painting in the Central Elementary gym
• Renovated the Senior High main hallway, including drywall, ceilings, flooring, lighting, painting, taping, and finishing
• Upgraded Junior High cafeteria equipment, including ovens, a cooler, disposal, dishwasher, pizza station, and refrigerated vegetable bar
• Added two electric five-well steam tables at Central Elementary
• Added a milk cooler and compartment-tray cart at McCook Elementary
• Upgraded the district’s maintenance fleet with a 2013 GMC work truck and utility box

The committee also discussed completing the remaining dirt work and installing rails near the YMCA parking lot this spring.

Projects in Progress

Work currently underway includes:

• Replacing carpet on the main level of the Senior High
• Installing natural-gas steam tables in the Junior High cafeteria
• Completing the countertop installation in the updated first-grade classroom

Upcoming Projects and Infrastructure Needs

The committee reviewed several upcoming priorities:

• Upgrading the districtwide safety and security system, including cameras and controlled-access doors
• Completing the next first-grade classroom update at McCook Elementary
• Reviewing phased roofing proposals for McCook Elementary:
  • Phase 1: $48,963
  • Phase 2: $82,810
  • Phase 3: $92,825
• Installing a new gutter system at Central Elementary
• Continuing improvements to the Junior High cafeteria, including shelving and dishwasher-related needs

Senior High Renovation Plan

Future phases of the Senior High renovation are expected to include:

• 2026-2027: Main entrance and English hallway
• 2027-2028: Upstairs areas

Maintenance and Transportation Planning

The committee discussed replacing a mower and reviewed the condition of the district’s activity vans and Suburbans. The tentative replacement schedule includes:

• 2026-2027: A small passenger vehicle, a route bus, and a work truck
• 2027-2028: An activity bus

Long-Term Facility Priorities

Potential projects that may require Special Building Fund support include:

• Outdoor lighting at Weiland Field
• Senior High plumbing improvements
• Senior High locker-room renovations
• McCook Elementary gym floor replacement
• LIFT gym floor replacement
• Future needs involving the Junior High industrial arts and auditorium areas

Depreciation Fund Planning

The district continues to reserve depreciation funds for specific long-term needs, including roofing, an activity bus, Weiland Field lighting, technology, and the ongoing Senior High remodeling project.

Board Member and Administrative Highlights

Kreighton Barger: Homecoming went very well and had a strong turnout. He thanked Mrs. Blume and the Student Council for the time and effort they invested in making the week successful.

Mike Langan: Mike highlighted the positive atmosphere and strong school spirit at the football game, as well as the volleyball team’s successful start to the season. He commented that the YMCA parking lot and district facilities look very good. Mike also emphasized that McCook is fortunate to have strong schools and remains in a sound financial position compared with peer districts in the area.

Amanda Buhr: Amanda thanked CTE for its support of the Bison Kids Club. She also recognized Mr. Curl for his work supporting district safety and security.

Scott Barger: Scott expressed appreciation for the district’s continued safety efforts. He also thanked CTE and all community members and organizations that donate to and support the school system. Scott recognized his wife, Tyra Barger, the district’s head nurse, along with the volunteers who assist with health screenings for students in 4tth and 7th grade. 

Charlie McPherson: Charlie thanked staff and administrators for the time they devoted to homecoming activities and for their work to keep students safe throughout the week. Long nights for HS Admin.  

Jesse Juenemann: Jesse recognized the football and volleyball teams for their strong starts to the season. He also thanked the Facility Committee and district staff for maintaining safe facilities, completing necessary upkeep, and planning responsibly for future needs. He noted that this work is a significant undertaking.

Joel Bednar: Joel thanked Jake Curl for providing district facility tours, recognizing the considerable time required to organize and conduct them.

Brad Hays: Brad thanked CTE for its generous donations to the district. He also recognized the School Improvement Team’s work to identify areas in which students need additional support in mathematics and reading. Brad thanked Jeff Gross for spearheading the district audit process and assisting throughout the review.

Jeff Gross: Jeff shared that Nate Reicks spoke with students about September 11 and discussed eight former students from one of his classes who committed to military service, including two who later lost their lives. Jeff also provided a positive update on Wednesday PLC meetings. Building and district leaders have participated in the meetings, and the 2:00-3:45 p.m. early-dismissal time is being used purposefully. He has been impressed by the meaningful conversations, collaboration, and problem-solving occurring among staff.