November 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

November 2026 Student School Board Report

• September brought a close to all our fall sports. Football ended with a first round playoff exit against Blair. Volleyball also came to a close after a loss against GI Northwest at Subdistricts.

• The Powder Puff girls flag football had a fun turnout last Thursday. 

• The "Not Too Far Distant" play at the Fox Theater last Friday had a great turnout, I’ve heard from a lot of the student body that it was enjoyable and fun. 

• Unified bowling started up at the beginning of November, they’re in kearney today for a meet

• Winter sports are starting up soon, girls/boys basketball, swim, and bowling.

• Veterans Day is this Wednesday, all buildings will be celebrating, along with that the choir and band will be performing at the high school that day.

• Districts for Mock Trial are next Monday on the 16th with State Mock Trial to follow.

• One Act has also started up recently, I haven’t heard anything about dates or scores for them yet.

Hayden Uerlling, Parker Nokes, Paiven Terry, Morgan Griffin, and Ethan Boner reported on their experiences at the National FFA Convention. Parker and Hayden highlighted their accomplishments and shared what they learned through the experience. The group expressed appreciation to Nutrient Ag Solutions for contributing $6,500 toward flights and to Timmerman’s for donating funds for a meal. These generous contributions helped make this learning opportunity possible.

Finance Committee Summary — November 3, 2026

Meeting Details

• Date & Time: November 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM

• Location: Conference Room A

1. Financial Audit & Governance Review

• Reviewed primary audit documents, including the financial audit, audit governance documents, management letter, and the MPS audit response.

  Reviewed enrollment and attendance metrics (ADA/ADM) and state aid allocations (TEEOSA).????

  • 20267-2027 State aid Recalculation Current Recalculation Loss Breakdown (-$71,302)

  • The proposed School Financing Review Commission model lowers McCook's 2027-2028 modeled aid to $5,019,565 (a drop of -$335,290 from 2026-2027 certified aid)

2. Negotiations & Benefits

• Evaluated negotiation strategies, benefit summaries, rate structures, and renewal decisions for district personnel and staff plans.

3. District Operations & Facilities

• Security System: Reviewed updates and pricing/specifications for the district security system installation/upgrades.

• Foundation: Reviewed updates regarding district foundation accounts and funds.

4. Transportation & Fleet Vehicles

• 2001 Bluebird Activity Bus: Addressed engine and turbo maintenance/repairs needed for the activity bus.

• Assets & Capital Outlay: Conducted a routine review of depreciation schedules for capital assets.

Negotiations for 2027-2028

First Meeting Tuesday, October 27, 2026

4:00 P.M. IN THE JR. HIGH BOARDROOM

1. The MEA is to make the first offer this year. 

2. Both the board of education and MEA agreed upon this array: 

   1. Adams Central

   2. Aurora 

   3. Broken Bow

   4. Central City

   5. Ogallala

   6. Cozad

   7. Gothenburg

   8. Minden

   9. Grand Island Northwest

   10. Sidney

   11. Holdredge

3. Discussed that insurance will likely be high double digits.

   1. We are slated to know on Friday, October 30 what insurance rates will be.  (They are 13.1% with a raise in deductibles)

4. Meeting dates:

   1. November 10 at 4:00 

   2. November 17 at 4:00

   3. December 1 at 4:00

   4. Potential December 8 at 4:00

Scott Barger expressed appreciation for the partnership between McCook Public Schools and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He also thanked those organizing Christmas on the Bricks for their work to bring staff, families, and the community together.

Amanda Buhr congratulated the cross country and tennis student athletes on their accomplishments. She also recognized the students who performed at the National FFA Convention.

Mike Langan commended the fall sports teams and student athletes for their efforts throughout the season. He also congratulated the FFA members who attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Charlie McPherson thanked everyone involved in planning and presenting the district’s Veterans Day programs.

Jesse J. thanked the FFA members for attending the board meeting and sharing their experiences with the Board of Education.

Joel Bednar recognized Central Elementary staff for developing an initiative to provide a special meal for families in need.

Brady Hays recognized the Optimist Club for its ongoing support of students and the community. He highlighted its YMCA sponsorship, community flag program, support for the Giving Tree, scholarships for high school seniors, assistance with SWNCTA entry fees, and donations to high school and youth golf programs. He also noted that several board members are active in the club.

Jeff Gross praised the "Not Too Far Distance" production, which approximately 650 people attended on Friday. He thanked the individuals, organizations, and charitable foundations whose financial support made the experience possible for high school students. He also reported that the K-12 vertical collaboration day was successful, with productive staff dialogue focused on identifying curriculum gaps, unnecessary overlaps, and areas where intentional overlap supports student learning.