McCook School Board Reviews Policies, Hears Student Trip Feedback, and Discusses Summer Programs

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook Public Schools Board of Education held its regular July meeting Monday night, covering policy updates required by recent state legislation, approving staff hires, and hearing positive feedback from students about a recent educational trip.

Public Comments Highlight Teacher Certification Concerns and Student Experiences

• Teacher Certification Debate:

  
  

  Longtime educator Sharon Bohling spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about hiring non-certified teachers. Bohling argued that while teacher shortages are real, allowing non-certified teachers “devalues” the profession and puts students at a disadvantage. She stressed the importance of proper training, classroom management experience, and maintaining high standards for educators.

  
  

• Students Praise NOR (National Outdoor Recreation) Trip:

  
  

  Several students shared how much they valued the recent NOR trip, describing it as “life-changing” and crediting sponsors for their hard work in organizing fundraisers. Students urged the board to continue supporting the program so future classes can have similar opportunities. Parents also praised the trip’s educational and personal growth benefits.

New Teacher Approved

The board approved the hiring of Tara Marie Sides as the new junior/senior high vocal music teacher. Sides, a McCook High graduate, will work toward completing her teaching certification while on staff. Superintendent Grant Norgaard noted that despite the shortage of certified music teachers, the district felt it was important to continue offering vocal music. Band staff will help mentor her as she transitions into the role.

Policy Updates Reflect New State Requirements

The board approved several policy updates, most of which are driven by new Nebraska legislation. Key changes include:

• Student Behavior Support (Tiered System):

  
  

  A new policy outlines three levels of behavioral intervention, from basic classroom supports to intensive assistance involving school psychologists or counselors.

• Cell Phone Use:

  
  

  A formal policy restricting cell phone use during school hours was adopted, though McCook implemented similar rules last year with positive results.

• Dress Code:

  
  

  The district updated its dress code policy to ensure gender equity and clarify when parental involvement is required for certain dress-related issues.

• Foster Care Transportation & Military Family Protections:

  
  

  Policies now formally require districts to assist foster care students in staying at their “school of origin” and to protect the rights of military families when transferring students.

• Parental Involvement:

  
  

  Parents may now request alternative coursework if they find class materials objectionable, as long as alternate assignments meet equal rigor standards.

Additional updates included policies on extracurricular eligibility for homeschool students, anti-bullying (adding cyber and “deepfake” harassment), and simplified purchasing rules for school food services.

Bond Issue Outreach and Facility Updates

Superintendent Norgaard and staff shared updates on ongoing junior high bond issue outreach. Recent tours and presentations at local senior living facilities have been well-received, with many residents expressing support for investing in a long-lasting, quality building.

Facilities Director Jeff Gross reported progress on several summer projects, including repaving the Central playground, remodeling classrooms, and completing a surplus auction that raised more than $18,000.

Summer School Success

Board members praised the district’s summer school program, which served students across grade levels with both academic and hands-on learning activities. Norgaard encouraged continued teacher participation, saying the program gives students valuable enrichment opportunities.