The Kingsland School Board reviewed a proposed levy during their September 16 meeting. At this stage there are no exact numbers for the levy, but the board was recommended to certify the levy up to the maximum amount. This will allow the school to adjust their numbers up until the final levy is reviewed and set.
“The MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) always encourages certifying the maximum even on the final levy, but if for some reason the board wants to under-certify that is not something that should be decided at the Truth and Taxation meeting. That is something that should be discussed sooner because a lot of these local taxes have equalization or matching aid numbers to them,” Superintendent Scott Klavetter explained. “So you can under levy and save $5 to the local property tax payer, but in saving that $5 you are actually costing the school district $10 because if you don’t levy the local taxpayer you are also forfeiting the state match piece. So that is why they really caution to certify the maximum.”
The proposed levy was approved.
Referendum
The board hosted open houses for business members and community members on September 17 and 20. Members of the board gave tours of the facility while explaining how the proposed plan would impact the school.
The group has presented at the Spring Valley City Council meeting and the Wykoff City Council meeting and are planning to attend more local civic and community meetings as they share information on the upcoming referendum.
Student Update
Future Farmers of America (FFA) students gave the board an update noting they have helped teach students in Student Age Child Care (SACC) about dairy, how to make ice cream and pizza. They worked in various functions during the Fillmore County Fair and participated in the Ag Days parade. Later this month they will attend Career and Development Events in Stewartville. The chapter also plans to hold their nursing home barnyard for residents to meet a variety of animals.
Other Business
The school welcomed new hires Kaitlyn Reed, Love West, Skylee Mesink and Ruby Doely. Eric Mundfrom announced his retirement as the head baseball coach.
The board thanked the Stewie Cruisers who donated backpacks to elementary students, as well as the Kingsland School Parents (KSP) who donated school supplies to elementary students.
The Ag department received the following donations: sweet corn from Bert and Mitch Lentz and Sharon Schmidt, cabbage from Marilyn Erdman, and tomatoes from Scott Mulholland. Kurt Langeslag donated steel sheets.
Due to their large class size an extra paraprofessional was hired to assist with the kindergarten class.
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is looking to expand their coverage from 10th through 12th grade sports to include ninth grade sports, as well. The school districts are expected to vote on the change in October.
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