A Community Divided

McCook School Bond Debate Continues – Public Meetings Today at Noon and 6 PM

McCook Neb. - Eight months after voters rejected a $43.5 million school bond proposal, McCook Public Schools is asking residents to consider a revised $42 million plan to replace the aging junior high building and improve safety and learning spaces at the junior and senior high campus.

The special mail-in election will be held August 12, 2025, and public meetings and building tours are being held to answer questions. Today’s meetings are at noon and 6 p.m., with four additional sessions in the coming weeks.

What’s in the New Plan?

Superintendent Grant Norgaard and Business Director Jeff Gross say the revised proposal trims about $16 million from the original plan by cutting or scaling back features such as a larger auditorium, central library, and some high school renovations. However, rising construction costs have eaten into those savings, making the new proposal only $2.7 million less than last year’s.

The bond would fund:

• A new junior high building connected to the high school for improved security and student movement

• Upgraded industrial/agriculture classrooms and shops

• New parking lots and drop-off/pick-up lanes for safety and traffic flow

• Demolition of most of the existing junior high (except the gym, office, and locker rooms)

According to the district, repairs to the current building would be short-term and expensive, as the junior high has foundation issues, settling floors, and outdated infrastructure. “There’s a limited lifespan on this building,” Norgaard said at a June meeting. “We keep patching, but the problems keep returning.”

Gross added, “If we don’t move forward, we’re going to spend a lot of money patching holes – throwing good money away.”

The bond would add an estimated $22 per month for a $100,000 property, or $264 per year, based on a $0.264 levy increase per $100 of assessed value.

Supporters Say…

Supporters argue the new building is necessary for safety, education, and long-term cost savings.

• Safety & Modernization – Connecting the two schools would eliminate students walking outside between classes and provide fewer unlocked doors during the day.

• Long-Term Investment – Administrators say the new construction is designed to last 100 years, while major repairs could cost millions and still leave the building outdated within a decade.

• Educational Opportunities – Updated classrooms for industrial and agricultural education would help students graduate with workforce-ready skills.

Former teacher, who toured the junior high, urged others to see it for themselves: “Everyone needs to take this tour.”

Opponents Say…

Many residents remain skeptical of the cost and timing. Common concerns include:

• Tax Burden – With property valuations rising, some say they simply can’t afford higher taxes. “Retired people are hardest hit,” one commenter wrote. “Taxes are too high the way it is.”

• Maintenance Questions – Opponents question why the building wasn’t maintained over the years and suggest repairs estimated at $4–6 million could extend its life.

• Design Choices – Some residents argue a steel building or single-level design would be cheaper and easier to maintain. Others believe the project includes unnecessary features.

• Economic Uncertainty – Concerns have been raised about McCook’s shrinking population and the possibility of losing major employers, which could make a long-term tax commitment risky.

Phil Pate, who has been outspoken on social media, suggested a smaller $5 million bond for repairs instead of what he called an “inefficient plan that will trap taxpayers for 30 years.”

Upcoming Meetings & Tours

Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, ask questions, and tour the buildings before voting.

✅ Today Tuesday, July 16: 12 & 6 p.m.

✅ July 21 & 29: noon and 6 p.m.