The Kingsland School Board met on May 9 for their monthly “work session.” One of the main topics was the status of administrative changes that resulted from the resignation of Superintendent Jim Hecimovich.
Principal Scott Klavetter has been named to take over as superintendent when Hecimovich’s tenure at Kingsland ends at the end of June. Due to Hecimovich’s current leave of absence, Gary Kuphal is serving as interim superintendent. Klavetter gave an update on the progress in filling other administrative positions.
Regarding this process, Klavetter stated, “It’s been a busy whatever it’s been, a month, here. Beginning with my process, and then moving on to principal and dean, and we’re moving on… with teachers (vacancies).” Regarding the hiring of Deana Dontje to fill the upcoming grade 5-12 principal vacancy, Klavetter said, “Mrs. Dontje… very excited to have her on board. She comes to us with actually a couple years of previous administrative experience. She is currently an assistant principal in Rochester.” Klavetter went on, “The Dean of Students position, I believe I can say publicly, terms have been agreed to. Erin Milz has been offered the Dean of Students position, and has accepted.” Milz is currently a fourth grade teacher at Kingsland.
The unusually cool and wet spring weather has created challenges for Kingsland’s spring sports teams. Athletic Director Laurie Hendrickson summarized, “Yeah, it’s been crazy. We’ve rescheduled a lot of things that are yet to happen. May is going to be busy!” She added that so far, no games have been rescheduled to Wednesdays, but that may yet occur, as a last resort. Her written report included, “THANK YOU to custodial and transportation people for being patient with all of the changes that have happened with games.”
Judy Tart’s Foodservice monthly report included, “Will be using up products on hand as much as possible for the month of May, so as to not carry over an excessive amount of inventory, other than commodities… Will be making plans with Becky for meals for SACC through the summer. Kingsland does not meet the income eligibility requirements therefore meals will be purchased through SACC and will not need to follow any MDE/USDA meal requirements or guidelines.”
Becky Bicknese’s Community Education report gave further explanation about SACC, including, “This year we do not qualify for the free Summer Food Program. Families will be charged $1.50 for breakfast and $2.50 for lunch. These charges will be added to each family’s SACC account at billing.”
Jason Thompson’s Building & Grounds report included, “I’ve been working with Brian Muriel of Garland Companies to correct water drainage issues with the café roof. Garland has submitted a bid for the project with Schwickerts as the contractor. I have been working with the Booster Club for repairs and upgrades to the football complex as well as repairs and upgrades to the baseball fields. I would also like to thank the Booster Club for their help cleaning up April 15 after the wind storms earlier in the week.”
The board gave public thanks for recent donations, including Casey’s General Store ($93.20 to Elementary Student Council, and $26 to High School Student Council), VFW Auxiliary Post 4114 (replacement of US, MN and POW flags), Missy Lund, Jackie Horsman and James Bradley (box lunch donation to Kingsland seniors), and Kingsland School Parents (snacks donated for MCA testing).
Klavetter gave a reminder of upcoming events, including prom (May 7), fifth grade Whitewater Outdoor Education Trip (May 11-13), KES Spring Concerts (May 90), KES Field Day (May 95), end of second semester (May 97) and KPS teacher work day (May 31).
Kingsland’s next school board meetings will be a regular session on Monday, May 16 at 6 p.m.
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