McCook school board approves 2026-27 calendar, audit contract and district goals

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education approved the 2026-27 school calendar, adopted new district reading and math improvement goals, and took action on staffing, contracts and other business during its regular meeting Monday night.

Among the personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Jacob Obrecht, band teacher at McCook Junior and Senior High School, and Laura Nokes, a resource teacher for McCook Public Schools. Board members also approved a contract for Katie Taylor as senior high special education teacher.

The board approved a three-year contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, CPA, for professional audit services in partnership with KSO CPA. Administrators said the change comes as school audits have become increasingly complex and time-intensive due to additional state and federal requirements.

Board members also approved a cooperative sponsorship agreement for swim and dive with Hitchcock County School District and accepted a $1,359 donation from MNB Bank through the Bison debit card program.

One of the featured presentations of the evening was a request for approval of a student educational trip in the summer of 2027. Tracy Fisher, physical science teacher at McCook Senior High, presented plans for a marine biology eco-tour to Roatán, Honduras. The proposed trip would give students opportunities to participate in coral reef ecology study, conservation work and cultural experiences. The board later approved the trip.

FFA students also addressed the board to discuss upcoming state competition and the value of agricultural education programs. Advisors and students highlighted leadership development, public speaking, competition experience and career preparation as major benefits of FFA participation.

During committee and administrative reports, district officials reviewed the triannual wellness assessment and a recent food service advisory meeting. Administrators said student feedback on school meals included concerns about food temperature, menu variety and making sure popular items remain available later in the lunch schedule.

The board also heard updates on facilities planning across the district. Projects discussed included roofing work, HVAC improvements, classroom upgrades, gym improvements, cafeteria equipment replacement and long-term transportation needs. Administrators said the district is continuing to address aging infrastructure while planning future capital needs.

In academic programming, the board heard discussion from the programs committee about grading scale review and possible additions to high school course offerings. Proposed additions include forensics, research and a dual-credit literature course, though no final action on those courses was taken Monday night.

The board also approved district school improvement goals focused on reading and math. The reading goal calls for increasing the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level reading proficiency over the next five years by strengthening literacy skill development and improving instructional consistency. The math goal focuses on improving student achievement by strengthening pre-algebraic skills, particularly one-step problem solving across grade levels.

Superintendent and administrative comments also included updates on district student support systems and pending legislation that school leaders said could affect both educational programming and district finances.

The board’s agenda included approval of the 2026-27 school calendar, which had been previewed in advance of the meeting.