Kingsland handling uncertainties during pandemic

On April 20, the Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting, with Superintendent Jim Hecimovich and board chair Jackie Horsman in the Elementary Conference Room. Other members and staff attended remotely, via electronic means (Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader, as well as Principal Scott Klavetter, and Building and Grounds Director Jason Thompson).
Public thanks was given to Tanya Carlson for a donation of $29.25 to SACC, and for donation of 12 face masks for emergency childcare workers. The board also thanked Kingsland parents, students and staff for their continuing efforts during these unprecedented challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Superintendent Hecimovich said he’s very pleased with how well students, families and staff have adjusted to distance learning, and that morale has been high, but he noted that he senses it’s “starting to crack” as the current situation drags on. He summarized, “People are getting the job done, but they’re hurting.”
Hecimovich also shared a legislative and funding update. Regarding the state legislators, he stated, “Honestly, they have until May 17 midnight before they go into recess. So this could drag out to where we’re not going to have a lot of answers.” And although Minnesota schools are scheduled to reopen in early May, everyone recognizes that that date may be pushed back. Hecimovich also mentioned he’s preparing paperwork in case any staffing furloughs would become necessary, but he stressed, “No decision has been finalized… it’s more of a preparatory move on my part, not that we are furloughing anybody.”
Regarding Kingsland’s transportation needs, Hecimovich stated, “Just so you know, we purchased two new buses. We should be good on vehicles now for a couple years. And we have sealed bids going on now for two buses and a van.” He summarized, “Our fleet should be good, it’s probably the best that it’s ever been.” Speaking of the meals being provided by Kingsland, he said Kingsland continues to deliver over 350 meals per day, and he praised the staff involved. Hecimovich summarized, “Things are going well. Kudos to that entire team.”
Principal Scott Klavetter shared that he has been working hard to reconnect with a small group of students and families that are not responding during this time of distance learning. He added, “I did some house visits, got in touch with a few families… I do have a family or two that I’m asking law enforcement to help me out with… it’s tricky right now… we’ll keep doing the best we can.” When asked how receptive families have been to these visits, he said the majority have been very positive.
Building and Grounds Director Jason Thompson said he and his staff are working hard on a number of cleaning and maintenance projects that would not be feasible if students were in the building on a daily basis.
The board approved one resignation (Christine Rathbun, part-time custodian) and one leave request (Maryanne Meyers, April 1-16). The board’s next meetings will be a “work session” on Monday, May 4 at 6 p.m., and a regular meeting on Monday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Those meetings will most likely be held in the high school conference room, since it is better set up for the technology currently being used.