Due to the Independence Day holiday, the Kingsland School Board met on July 6 for their monthly “work session.” Superintendent Scott Klavetter highlighted the list of staffing updates, which includes new hires Abagail Palkowski (elementary sped teacher), Nathan Carolan (building and grounds director), Collin Boekhoff (elementary teacher), and John Pereda (high school guidance counselor). It was noted that Mike Johnson is retiring from his bus driver position, and Lindsey Gries will be on maternity leave.
Klavetter reported on the gym roof storm damage repair situation. He reported, “The roof was turned in to insurance in early March, with the assumption that the damage was done, as you recall, back in those December storms… We have had multiple roofing companies look at the gym roof over the past couple weeks, and the consensus is that the gym roof will need to be replaced before winter.” He went on to explain that he’s had to push back with the insurance company, because their initial assessment was that the damage was simply due to normal wear and tear due to aging, rather than storm damage. He said the roofing professionals who have examined the roof said there are clear indicators of storm damage, so the insurance should cover the loss. Klavetter will continue communication with the insurance company to “take a second look.”
Becky Bicknese’s Community Education report included that Kingsland received 400 free books for Community Education program, through a “Bookstart grant.” The books will be handed out to preschoolers, ECFE families, and at some of the Community Ed events. The report also said the Washington D. C. trip is July 16-23, with departure set for 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 16.
Jackie Horsman reminded the board that the planned Community Open House/Informational Meeting will be held July 20 at 124 North Broadway. One of the objectives of the meeting is to share information for anyone potentially interested in becoming a candidate for openings on the school board.
The board approved a notice of the filing dates for anyone interested in becoming a candidate for school board. The filing dates are August 2 through 5 p.m. on August 16. Horsman added, “There’s going to be three open seats that are a four-year term, and one seat that’s a two-year term. Candidates can’t file for both; they have to choose whether they want to file for a four-year term, or a two-year term. And I also want to note that also on the ballot this year will be a question if the community wishes to increase their school board by one seat.”
Klavetter talked about the language in Kingsland’s handbooks regarding “E-Learning” which is used on certain days when school is closed, such as “snow days.” He said that because of the variety of software or system used by teachers in various classes, it’s tough to word the practice in a way that fits for every situation. He said, in the elementary, he’s found success using the concept of “teachers, use whatever you want. Whatever you’ve been using in your class.” He suggests that each teacher specify this on their webpage, so students will clearly know what method is used for each class.
The board reviewed data in Kingsland’s Long-term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) Ten Year Plan. A donation of $500 from the Austin VFW to Kingsland’s Industrial Technology Department was gratefully acknowledged.
Kingsland’s next school board meetings will be a regular session on Monday, July 18 at 6 p.m., and a monthly “work session” on Monday, August 1 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.
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