In the first full board meeting since Superintendent John McDonald’s departure, the Kingsland School Board met in regular session July 17, with all regular members in attendance: Doug Plaehn, Deb Larson, Ann Oeltjen, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, and Heather Betts, along with Interim Superintendent James Hecimovich. The board discussed the possibility of leaving the Three Rivers Conference, and joining the Southeast Conference, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.
Members discussed pros and cons, and Athletic Director John Dols stated that a few Kingsland coaches are opposed to the change. But he added that if Kingsland makes this change, most Kingsland teams would have a non-conference schedule against Three Rivers teams, while conference contests would be against Southeast foes, so the competition really wouldn’t change much. Hecimovich pointed out that Kingsland would be the third largest school in the Southeast Conference. After discussion, the board approved the change, with Plaehn adding, “This isn’t official. All we’re really doing is approving the administration to go ask the Southeast Conference.” When Dols was asked his opinion of how likely it is that Kingsland will be accepted, he said, “Pretty decent possibility. They lost Hope Lutheran, so they’re looking for somebody to replace.”
No visitors had signed up to address the board. The board approved the consent agenda items, which included one resignation — Stephanie Hammes, paraprofessional, and two hirings: Stephanie Hammes, ECSE and Scott Klavetter, PK-6 Principal.
Hecimovich gave public thanks to a number of volunteers and donors, including: Pheasants Forever ($500 to the trap team), Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation ($2,500 to STEM Summer School), Ross Heusinkveld (summer volunteer), Valley Lanes donation via KABC (K-3 supply budget, $225 each), VFW Post 4114 ($500 to youth trap team), and to the building and grounds crew for getting everything moved over from Wykoff.
The board approved the 2017-2018 substitute pay (no change from previous year) and the school lunch prices for the upcoming year (lunch prices increase by 10 cents from previous year), as well as the athletic/extracurricular fees (no increases). Also approved with no changes were the preschool fees, school age child care fees, and facility rental fees. Jackie Horsman asked if the board generally waives this rental fee for any groups. It was explained that community youth groups generally can reserve the facility without a fee.
The Policy/PR/Curriculum subcommittee will meet August 14 at 5 p.m., and the Finance/Facility/Personnel subcommittee will meet August 15 at 6 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be Monday, August 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room; the public is welcome.
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