All Kingsland School Board members (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Kyle Rader and Superintendent James Hecimovich) were present at the board’s monthly “work session” meeting on November 4. Principal Scott Klavetter also attended.
Spanish teacher Morgan Jacobson addressed the board regarding preliminary plans for an optional trip to Spain for any interested Spanish language students. These trips are being offered every other summer, and Jacobson said the trip currently being planned would, if approved by the board, be a 10-day tour some time between June 10 and June 27 of 2021. She explained the exact dates are not yet determined, because it’s possible that Kingsland’s trip could be coordinated with that of another school. Jacobson shared details on the safety measures in place, what’s included versus what’s not covered in the cost, and the educational value of such trips. As of October 25, 18 students are enrolled for the proposed trip.
Jacobson said she met with interested students, and researched the most cost-effective options for the various destinations students requested. She explained that, as currently proposed, the Spain trip would have a total per-student cost of $4,010, but with a $200 early-bird discount. Jackie Horsman asked if fundraising will be done to help cover a portion of the cost. Jacobson said she and the students are interested in doing fundraising, but most likely they would sell a service rather than a product, to avoid “stepping on toes” of existing fundraising done by Kingsland groups/teams/clubs.
Board members discussed the need to be sensitive to the economic realities of many families of Kingsland students. Horsman pointed out that $4,000 represents a very high (and possibly prohibitive) cost for some families, even with over a year to plan and save. The board discussed whether or not to set a “cap amount” on such trips, but eventually settled on asking that all such trips be discussed with the board prior to moving forward with any planning. No formal action was taken regarding the proposed Spain trip at this time.
Superintendent Hecimovich informed the board of plans to change the payment system for all coaches so that payment will be made when the season is completed. This change will go into effect at Kingsland for the upcoming school year. He also summarized the business manager’s update, which had been submitted via email by Amber Uhlenhake. Hecimovich said he’s “feeling pretty good” about the upcoming financial audit, adding, “Right now, there are really zero significant findings.”
The board discussed the fact that the referendum ballot wording included an inflationary factor. The board did not originally plan to include any inflationary factor, so the consensus was that if the referendum passes, Kingsland would not levy the inflationary factor, unless it becomes necessary.
The board discussed the option for Kingsland to have a tree included in the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas on Broadway tree event. The event will be December 7 and 8, at Spring Creek Park. Board members agreed it would be worth participating in. There was also discussion about an offer for Kingsland to display student artwork, promotional items, and similar items in an empty storefront on Broadway Street, year-round. The board consensus was to take advantage of this free opportunity. Horsman stated a “thanks” to the downtown businesses for this opportunity. Hecimovich and Klavetter will work on a schedule of what will be displayed when.
The board discussed beginning a “mentor system” in which a current board member will help train an incoming board member. Kyle Rader agreed to be the mentor for whoever joins the board following the November 5 election, as it fits his schedule, stating, “There’s times I’m very busy, and there’s times I’m not.” That person will officially join the board in January, but may come to meetings prior to that time, to observe. Leah Stier will be rotating off the board.
Due to a conflict for Horsman and Hecimovich, the next board meeting will be on Wednesday, November 20 in the Kingsland choir room. As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings
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