The Kingsland School Board met in regular session December 18, with all members present (Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Leah Stier, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Heather Betts, and Interim Superintendent James Hecimovich). Prior to the regular meeting, the board held the annual truth in taxation public hearing. Although no citizens attended the hearing, Business Manager Amber Uhlenhake gave an overview of Kingsland’s proposed tax levy, as well as revenue and expenditure highlights. The board approved the levy as proposed, at roughly $1.7 million.
In the regular board meeting, the board approved the consent agenda items, including the resignation of Gary Zwart (retiring from his full-time custodian position), and the hiring of Candice Strahl (part-time van driver) and Dustin Tart (full-time custodian). Hecimovich gave public thanks to Todd Davis ($175 Polar Plunge donation to Robotics team), Chris Young (donation of a trombone to the band), and Red Essig (meat and cheese trays for staff). No members of the public had signed up to address the board.
Following a discussion of voter/non-voter approved projects, the board voted unanimously to approve school building bonds to borrow up the $8,125,000 for facility needs. The board also approved revising and submitting Kingsland’s 10-year facility plan accordingly.
The board discussed options for a childcare center. Although board members voiced an understanding of the need, they discussed the risks involved in opening such a center, and Jackie Horsman said she’s not comfortable risking the district’s finances, stating, “These aren’t our funds.” Ann Oeltjen agreed. Plaehn said he’d given the matter thought, and suggested perhaps a separate non-profit entity could be established to operate such a center. This would eliminate Kingsland having fiscal liability, and such an entity could qualify for funding that the district does not qualify for. No action was taken at this time.
Kevin Geer (biology teacher at Kingsland) and three students from outside the district spoke to the board about HOSA, which is an international student organization with a mission of promoting career opportunities in the health care industry, as well as enhancing the delivery of quality health care. They explained that HOSA chapters are active in a number of area schools, and advocated for this at Kingsland. Geer summarized, “What I’m hoping to do is this spring, basically try to get HOSA established… with full membership starting next (school) year.” No action was taken by the board.
Regarding the district’s long-range plans for a superintendent, Interim Superintendent Hecimovich suggested to the board that, “If you’re interested in pursuing one, now’s the time to start having those conversations, so you can get it posted early. Or if you’re going to share with a district, to start talking with neighboring school districts… Or if you so choose and want to keep the current model for a while, that’s entirely up to you. I don’t bruise easily.”
Hecimovich discussed with the board about the need for district rebranding. He stated, “We became Kingsland 25 years ago… a lot has changed.” He showed examples of rebranding that has been done by other school districts in the area. After discussion, the board voted to move forward with a district-wide competition for anyone interested in submitting a logo as part of Kingsland’s rebranding efforts.
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. The board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 2 at 6 p.m. to elect officers and set the committee structure. Due to the Martin Luther King holiday, the next regular board meeting will be Wednesday, January 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. As always, the public is welcome.
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