Community Generosity and Safety Excellence Highlight McCook School Board Meeting

November 10, 2025

McCOOK Neb. —The McCook Board of Education met Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting. Key highlights and actions included:

Student & Staff Updates

• Science Trip Approved: McCook High School Science Teacher Mr. Cory Degnan received board approval for a nine-day summer field school through Wyoming and South Dakota. Students will study geology, ecosystems, and Indigenous history in a hands-on outdoor learning experience.

• CTE Class Additions: Tanner Unger presented updates on new Career & Technical Education (CTE) class offerings, designed to expand real-world learning opportunities for students.

Donations & Recognitions

• $3,500 Anonymous Donation: Accepted to cover negative lunch balances for students in need.

• $1,176 Donation from CTE Construction, LLC: Donated through its Roofing with a Purpose program, supporting the McCook Schools Lunch Program.

• Special Recognition: McCook Public Schools was named an ALICAP Honor Roll School—one of only a few in Nebraska recognized for outstanding safety and compliance.

Safety & Facilities

• Safety Audit: Commended clean, well-lit, and secure facilities, with recommendations including clearer signage for AEDs, tornado shelters, and chemical labeling improvements.

• Facility Updates:

  
  

  • Concrete work continues near the YMCA and tennis courts.

  • Hail damage repairs are underway district-wide, with new roofs and skylight fixes in progress.

  • Bids are being sought for Junior High gym floor resurfacing and bleacher replacement.

Academic & Career Pathways

• Nursing Pathway Partnership: The district is collaborating with UNMC, McCook Community College, and Community Hospital to create a rural nursing pathway guaranteeing qualified students admission into UNMC–Kearney’s BSN program.

Personnel Changes

• Retirement: The board accepted the retirement of Mr. Clint Hosick, longtime McCook High School history and weights teacher.

• New Hire: Approved a contract for Hannah Nichols as K–8 Art Teacher.

Financial Overview

• Monthly Report: The district has completed its annual audit, which will be formally approved at the December meeting.

• Meal Count: 15,778 meals were served in October.

• New SPED Bus: A 2026 custom-built Yellow Bus with wheelchair accessibility has arrived, purchased for $131,500.

Upcoming Discussions

• Executive Sessions: The board entered closed sessions to discuss collective bargaining and the superintendent’s evaluation.

• Next Meeting: December 8, 2025.