Kingsland approves 2019-2020 calendar

The Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting on March 18.  Members present included Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Superintendent James Hecimovich, and student representative Zachary Queensland.   Board chair Jackie Horsman was absent, so Mundfrom chaired the meeting.

Superintendent Hecimovich shared a summary of the proposed 2019-2020 school year calendar.  He said the state requires 1,020 hours for high school, and the proposed calendar totals 1,068 hours, so there is some “wiggle room” if there are again a lot of cancellations, as has been the case this year, due to the severe winter weather.  He also pointed out that the calendar includes E-learning days for the first five such cancellations; this results in no loss of instructional hours.  Hecimovich summarized, “For next year, I’m proposing 174 days… The calendar will mirror closely what we’ve done traditionally,” including a five-day Easter break (Thursday through Monday).  The proposed calendar has a final school day of May 28.  The board voted to approve the calendar as submitted.

Hecimovich informed the board that, “A couple weeks ago, Scott (Principal Klavetter) and I met with Zumbro Valley, and we are going to have a school-linked mental health program at Kingsland… This is a stand-alone program, it is not our program.  What they will do is have counselors set up, we just need to provide an office.  They will work with families directly, they will do all the billing, and it will be able to provide mental health services right here on school grounds without our families having to travel to Rochester, Austin,… and we can get them the help they need right here.”  He said the only cost to Kingsland will be providing space and phone access.  Referrals will be made by school staff.

The board heard from students Jenna Schmidt and Nora Jahn regarding the senior trip.  Jahn explained the trip was originally planned with a destination of Chicago, but Kingsland did not get a grant that was to have helped pay for some of the activities.  She said, “We gave them (the seniors) the option of either paying another $100 to cover the cost, or changing our class trip and finding a new location, or canceling it.”  She noted the vote was nearly unanimous to change the destination to Wisconsin Dells, so that is the plan.  The trip will be from April 4-6, traveling via school bus, and 28 students are planning to go.  Students will stay at the Wilderness Resort, with planned activities including the waterpark, laser tag, go-karts, and the escape room.  Students will have clear behavioral expectations, and violations may result in a student being sent home early, at the family’s expense.

Hecimovich informed the board that a 2.8% interest rate was offered for the General Obligation Facilities Maintenance bonds, and it was suggested by the Baird agency that Kingsland move forward with that offer.  Hecimovich said the interest rate is “outstanding.”  The board voted to approve the awarding of the sale of the bonds.

Jahn gave the board updates on recent and upcoming happenings in both the FFA and Key Club.  She said the FFA’s pancake breakfast went smoothly, and served around 100 people.  She also informed the board of the Key Club’s upcoming blood drive, to be held on April 16.

Zachary Queensland spoke to the board about Student Council happenings, and also summarized the progress on getting devices to help detect vaping (using “e-cigarettes”) in the school. He explained that each such device costs around $995 initially, plus $150 annually for service.  He said the Student Council has agreed to give $500 toward the purchase of a unit, and will give $150 annually for its service.

Donations were accepted from American Library Association ($500 grant for the media center), Midway USA Foundation ($801 grant for trap team), and State Farm ($500 donation for the Drama Club).

The board approved the bid from Twell Environmental for asbestos abatement, at a cost of $184,666.  The board formally approved the Head Lice Protocol that had previously been discussed.  The next board meeting will be a work session on Monday, April 1 at 6 p.m. in the elementary conference room.  As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.