McCook School Bond 2025: What’s at Stake?

McCook Neb. — With ballots arriving for the $42 million McCook Public Schools bond proposal, voters are once again deciding whether to fund a major school construction project. The plan would replace the aging junior high, address long-standing safety issues, and modernize classrooms—but the debate remains heated, with supporters calling it essential and opponents saying it’s too costly.

Why the District Says It’s Needed

“The building is settling.”

That’s the phrase most repeated during the public tours of McCook Junior High this month, led by Principal Chad Lyons. He described how one failing support in the cafeteria caused a “domino effect” of problems.

“That support pillar settled, which tipped the building, which then kinked the sewer pipe,” Lyons explained.

The tours, along with a presentation by Superintendent Grant Norgaard, were designed to show voters exactly what the $42 million bond would address:

• Structural issues: Uneven floors, cracked walls, and poorly sealed window columns that let in moisture, causing materials to crack as they expand and contract.

• Safety hazards: Floors dipping dangerously, especially in the girls’ bathroom by the front office (“It’s defeating gravity. Nothing’s holding it up,” Lyons said), and step-like industrial arts classrooms where students and staff have fallen.

• Outdated technical classrooms: Industrial technology students often work shoulder-to-shoulder in what Norgaard called “the worst shop spaces in the state.” Some rooms have no air conditioning, earning the nickname “Hell Hall.”

• Traffic and parking congestion: Buses and parent vehicles mix at drop-off and pick-up, creating safety issues.

Architect Matthew Clause said some original construction appeared to cut corners, allowing moisture to seep into walls. Over time, freezing and thawing cycles caused cracks and further settling.

“The building’s tired,” Lyons said.

What the Bond Includes

The proposal would:

✅ Tear down and replace the junior high (except for the gym and locker/office areas)

✅ Improve safety and accessibility (ADA compliance, better traffic flow, fewer unlocked doors)

✅ Add modern career & technical education spaces for welding, construction, and agriculture

✅ Include a smaller auditorium than the first bond plan

✅ Provide a separate parent parking lot to reduce congestion with buses

The district estimates construction would take about two years, with students remaining in the current academic wing until the new building is complete.

Renovating instead of rebuilding, officials say, would cost $20–32 million, take longer, and still only extend the building’s life by 20–30 years.

“We need a 100-year building,” Norgaard said. “In 30 years, we’ll need a new high school, and 30 years after that, a new elementary. We can’t afford to keep putting Band-Aids on this.”

The Pros & Cons

✅

Supporters Say:

• Repairs won’t last: Renovating would buy 20–30 years; a new school is designed to last 100.

• Safety is the priority: Reducing hazards like cracked floors, misaligned pipes, and steep industrial arts steps can’t wait.

• Investing now saves money later: Costs could rise to $57 million if the project is delayed.

• Better learning environments: Modern shop spaces would prepare students for skilled trade jobs.

❌

Opponents Say:

• The tax burden is too high:

  
  

  • Property owners: ~$22/month per $100,000 in property value (about $264 annually)

  • Agricultural landowners: ~$6.30 per acre annually for irrigated land

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• Maintenance should have been better: Critics say proper upkeep over the decades could have avoided this situation.

• The timing feels rushed: The proposal comes just eight months after voters rejected a $43.5 million bond.

• Population concerns: Some worry McCook’s declining population and potential job losses make this a risky investment.

What Are Voters Saying?

Public opinions remain divided.

“True valuations and taxes have jumped. So has the cost of repair or replacement, and those costs will just continue to increase,” one Facebook commenter wrote.

Others strongly disagree. “If the repairs would have been made when they were needed, it wouldn’t be such an issue,” another resident argued, adding that repairs could cost far less than the bond.

Former teacher Mary Dueland, who toured the junior high, encouraged others to see it firsthand: “Everyone needs to take this tour. You can’t really understand the situation until you see it yourself.”

Ballot & Voting Information

This is a mail-in election only, and some voters have reported concerns about receiving duplicate ballots or hearing about ballots mistakenly mailed outside the district.

Election Commissioner Penelope Cooper says safeguards are in place to ensure no one can vote twice.

To ensure your vote is counted:

✅ Mail your ballot no later than August 6 to allow time for delivery.

✅ All ballots must be received at the County Courthouse by 5 p.m. on August 12—postmarks do not count.

✅ You can hand-deliver your ballot to the secure drop box outside the east door of the County Courthouse (available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., or anytime before the deadline).

Questions? Call (308) 345-1552 or email election@redwillowcountyne.gov.

Want to Learn More?

The district is encouraging voters to attend the final public tours on July 29 (noon & 6 p.m.) or request a private tour by calling 308-344-4400.

More details, including floor plans and a tax calculator, are available at mccookbond2025.com.

Whether you’re voting yes or no, one message is clear from both sides: get the facts and make an informed choice.