McCook School Board to Swear In Student Member, Approve Budget and Tax Requests at September 8 Meeting

September 7, 2025

McCOOK Neb. — The Board of Education will meet Monday, September 8, immediately following the district’s annual budget hearing and tax request resolution.

Oath of Office for Student Board Member

One of the first items on the agenda will be the swearing in of Quinn Taylor, who will serve as a student representative on the board for the school year.

Reports and Updates

Board members will review administrator reports from each building, as well as committee updates on facilities and finance.

• Superintendent Jeff Gross will highlight school improvement goals for the year, including:

  
  

  • Reviewing mission and vision statements

  • Selecting a long-term improvement framework

  • Establishing a measurable school improvement goal and action plan

  
  

• He will also update the board on teacher recruitment efforts, ongoing safety drills, professional development opportunities, and a new partnership with UNMC to provide health and STEM pathways for students.

The Business Manager’s report will include details on meals served, end-of-year financials, ongoing audit work, and facility projects such as the senior high commons and new parking lot near the YMCA and tennis courts.

Key Action Items

The board will be asked to vote on several significant items, including:

• Acceptance of the resignation of Deb Goodenberger, longtime K-8 art teacher.

• Approval of the 2025-2026 district budget and the tax request resolution.

• Approval of a resolution to increase the district’s property tax request authority by up to 6% above base growth.

• A resolution to cancel the teaching contract of Deon Allen.

• Approval of local substitute certificates.

• Acceptance of a donation to the McCook High School Band Department in memory of Karen (Gettman) Lieske.

What’s Next

The meeting will also include space for public comment and board member reflections. Following last month’s bond election, this meeting will mark the board’s first steps into the new fiscal year with finalized budgets and planning for the year ahead.