School Board Approves New Hires, Plans Summer Projects

McCOOK, Neb. — New hires and staffing updates highlighted Monday night’s McCook School Board meeting, as the district reported strong progress filling teaching positions ahead of the upcoming school year.

The board approved five teaching contracts:

• Kaylee Eckert was hired as a kindergarten teacher after working as a paraeducator while earning her degree.

• Shaelin Stiver will serve as the special education teacher for McCook St. Pats, a role provided through McCook Public Schools.

• Baylee Brownawell was hired for junior high physical education.

• Andrew Mantzaris will join the high school, filling a position that includes social studies, weights, and wrestling support.

• Reace Anderson was hired as the new 5–12 band instructor.

District leaders said they are encouraged by the quality of applicants and overall staffing progress.

The board also accepted two resignations:

• Carrie Golt is leaving for a position at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

• Kali Curl accepted a staff development role with ESU 15 in Trenton.

In other action:

• The board approved the annual sale of surplus items, which may include buses and equipment.

• A $5,000 donation from Parker Hannifin was accepted for the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

• McCook High School FFA received approval to attend the National FFA Convention in October.

Superintendent Grant Norgaard reported on ongoing school improvement efforts and discussed new state academic goals, which aim for higher math and reading proficiency by 2030.

He also updated the board on legislation:

• LB 1050, related to third-grade reading retention, did not pass.

• LB 803, which increases transparency around property tax requests, was approved, though local impacts are still being reviewed.

Student board member Quinn Taylor, in his final meeting, reflected on the experience and noted the impact of board decisions on the district.

Looking ahead, a partnership agreement between McCook Public Schools and the University of Nebraska at Kearney is expected to be signed April 22, creating a new nursing career pathway for students.

Several summer projects are planned, including HVAC repairs, roofing work, gym updates, and renovations at multiple school buildings.