During their Monday, July 20, meeting the Kingsland School Board discussed the ongoing crow’s nest project.
In June 2025, The Kingsland Athletic Booster Club (KABC) donated $130,000 to the district to construct a new crow’s nest. Since that time more money has been donated toward the construction to total $160,000, which will fully fund the project.
“It was understood that we would work with the donors, the KABC, and be open to their input. Input on this also came from football coaching staff,” Superintendent Scott Klavetter explained.
The plan will use the bones of the existing crow’s nest while giving it a facelift.
“What this plan calls for is replacing the vinyl siding with something called LP Smart Siding. The windows will all be replaced. There will be fewer windows but wider windows. The doors will be replaced, as well,” Klavetter shared. The building will be covered with a steel roof.
JJBK, of Spring Valley, was awarded the project with a bid of $149,000. Their plan is to complete the exterior portion prior to the football season and finish the interior portion after the season. Though, the timing will all be determined by when JJBK can get the permitting for the project.
Solar Project Update
After Solar Connections and Spring Valley Public Utilities met to go over the proposed plans for the solar field, it was noted the transformer box would need to be changed.
The cost of this would be $45,000, according to Klavetter.
“We’ve done a lot of work with Solar Connections, the state and with Spring Valley Public Utilities. After a lot of research they were able to get that $45,000 down quite a bit. They said right away this qualifies for the federal rebate. So you can take a third of the cost off right there,” Klavetter explained.
A Solar Connections representative has worked with the state for the Solar for Schools grant to get these additional costs included into the project scope. They have received positive word that should be able to happen. It was also through this research that Solar Connections found the Kingsland School District is considered a low income district by federal standards, so instead of having the project reimbursable at 30% it now qualifies for a 40% reimbursement. All of this brings the $45,000 down to under $10,000.
Construction Update
Klavetter told the board soft spots were found throughout the parking lots.
It was recommended a layer of gravel be put down then a fabric barrier to create separation. Then another layer of gravel would be put on top of the base. This creates a solid enough foundation to put the new blacktop.
The crew then recommended all the parking lots be constructed the same way to prevent sagging issues. There are funds for the extra costs in the project’s contingency funds.
Everything inside the facility is on track to be completed by the start of August and the outside is still on track to be wrapped up before the school year begins.
Other Business
The board thanked Greg and Rita Malone for their $40 donation to the Kingsland Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in memory of Carol Peterson, as well as Katherine Moeller who donated $50 to the Kingsland Elementary in memory of Carol Peterson.
The milk bid was awarded to Prairie Farms.
The Fuel bid was awarded to Baudoin Oil Company.
The board approved the renewal of the following memberships, the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) for $4,519, Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA) for $1,680, SSC for $1,875, SEMNET for $1,800 a month, as well as the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), SEC and Region V though they are awaiting those bills.
The substitute pay was raised $5 a day while non-licensed work substitutes remain at $15. Student workers will stay the same this year at $13.50.
Grades seven and eight will join grades 9-12 athletic and extra curricular fees of $75.
The school year season passes will be set at $45 for students, $90 for adults and $225 for families. General admission will see no changes.
The 2026-2027 Preschool through 12th Grade Handbook, Kindergarten though 12th Grade Staff Handbook, School Age Child Care (SACC) HandBook, SACC Staff Policies and Procedures handbook were approved.
The board approved the Dean of Students contract.
The Strategic Planning meeting have been completed and approved by the board. “Thank you to all of those people who gave up all of those evenings to put their time into that,” Klavetter expressed.
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