On December 16, all Kingsland School Board members (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Kyle Rader) were present when the board held the annual “Truth in Taxation” public meeting at 6 p.m. Superintendent James Hecimovich was absent, so Principal Scott Klavetter led the meeting. No citizens attended to ask questions, but business manager Amber Uhlenhake gave the board a general review of the school’s revenue sources and expenditure categories. She pointed out that 82.5% of Kingsland’s revenue comes from state aid, with local taxes accounting for 8.8%. A chart showing where Kingsland’s dollars are spent showed the largest portion (45.5%) going toward regular instruction, with 14.2% going to buildings and equipment, while 13.7% pays for special education. The board formally approved the proposed school tax levy of $2,983,865.76.
Activities Director Reid Olson submitted a written report, which addressed the previous questions about the history of sanding and painting the gym floor. His report stated that a new floor and paint scheme were installed in 2009. His research suggests that the floor could stand to be re-sanded two to three times, and each should last around 10 years. Olson recommends having the gym floor sanded and repainted in July of 2021 or 2022.
Regarding the previously discussed topic of Kingsland advocating for a reduced speed limit on County Road 1, Superintendent Hecimovich’s written reported stated that, “Fillmore County Public Health, through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, has offered Kingsland the opportunity to apply for a radar speed sign. The application was submitted on December 9.” Klavetter said it would be the type of solar-powered sign that flashes a reading showing a driver’s current speed. Regarding efforts to get the lower speed limit approved, Hecimovich’s report said the city and county are discussing the zoning involved, and Hecimovich added, “We’re moving closer!”
Principal Klavetter said the elementary winter concert on December 5 was very well attended, and he added, “I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the community.” The Dairy Queen fundraiser in October netted $133, and another will be held March 23.
The board offered thanks to several donors, including Bloomfield Cloverleaves, Kingsland School Parents, VFW, and the Kingsland Athletic Booster Club. Jackie Horsman also voiced appreciation for the service given by outgoing board member Leah Stier. The board heard reports from students representing the FFA club and Student Council, summarizing recent and upcoming events. Horsman stated, “I would like to add… I did not realize until today, the tens of thousands of dollars that our FFA raises and donates back into our community.” She asked the students to share the board’s gratitude with the entire FFA.
The proposed senior class trip (to South Dakota) was on the agenda, but no students showed up to describe the details of the proposed trip, so the board chose to table the item until January. The next board meeting will be a work session meeting on Monday, January 6 in the elementary conference room. On that date, the board will first have their annual Organizational Meeting (determining a board chair, who serves on each subcommittee and similar roles), and the board’s work session will immediately follow. The board’s regular meeting in January will be held on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.
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