All Kingsland School Board members (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Kyle Rader and Superintendent James Hecimovich) were present at the board’s monthly “work session” meeting on October 7. Principal Scott Klavetter was also on hand, and spoke to the board about an ongoing shortage of paraprofessional staff.
Klavetter said Kingsland continues to face a significant challenge in finding enough paraprofessional staff to fill the schedule. He added that a paraprofessional who resigned over the summer has created a vacancy that’s still not filled, but he has someone in the process of being hired. Even so, he said, “We are in pretty significant need for substitute paras. He said that he’s aware of the budgetary constraints, but also feels the student needs must come first, so he met with Business Manager Amber Uhlenhake, and looked into the cost if Kingsland were to hire a full-time paraprofessional substitute. Because of a roughly 40% special education reimbursement, and an expected decrease in the costs of calling in substitutes, he said the overall “bottom line” cost to Kingsland would be about $8,000. He said if this plan is implemented, that staff person would be offered a regular paraprofessional position whenever one opens. Board members voiced support for this plan.
Superintendent Hecimovich informed the board that he and Jason Thompson will be trained on how to use the new climate-control equipment, adding, “Many times, if I’m here in the evening, and I need to shut down the fans in the café, I’ll be able to do it, versus trying to call him at home… and then I’ll train Scott (Klavetter) and I’ll train others.”
Leah Stier asked, “What are we doing with the boiler license (requirement)?” Hecimovich explained that Jason Thompson knows someone who has the appropriate license for Kingsland’s boiler, and who is potentially willing to help out until Thompson becomes licensed. Hecimovich said he consulted with Business Manager Amber Uhlenhake about the idea of hiring this gentleman, on contract, for three hours per week, to check the boiler as required. This would be for only the winter heating season. The board gave a consensus approval to look into this plan.
Hecimovich updated the board on an issue that was discovered regarding the 2008 facility maintenance project. It was found that one area of the project had not been completed according to specifications, so Kingsland is consulting with the 2008 contractor to see if a settlement can be reached. Hecimovich said if a satisfactory agreement is reached, that would be preferable (and more cost effective) than having it go through legal processes, but he said legal channels will be pursued if necessary. He will inform the board of any progress.
The board discussed MREA (Minnesota Rural Education Association). Horsman and Hecimovich will be attend the annual MREA convention November 17-19, and Horsman asked the board to inform them of any issues the board wants them to delve into at the convention. She said she values MREA due to their focus on rural school areas, since the state looks to close the achievement gaps in other areas, but, “they (the state) never look at the rural crisis…closing the gap, and that’s huge…so I think getting more involved in the MREA is only going to help Greater Minnesota schools, including us.” Because of the MREA convention, the board’s second meeting in November was changed to Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m.
The board reviewed the Operating Levy Communication Plan. There was discussion of having a table set up for absentee balloting during Homecoming, and the board felt this would be best done indoors, to avoid any weather concerns. The next board meeting will be on Monday, October 21 in the Kingsland Cafe. On that evening, a public informational meeting (regarding the Operating Levy) will be held at 6 p.m., with the board’s regular meeting following at 7 p.m. As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.
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