Kingsland eliminates some early outs

The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” on March 4, with all members present (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Superintendent James Hecimovich, and student representative Zachary Queensland.

Because of the many days of school canceled due to inclement winter weather this year, Superintendent Hecimovich said some changes need to be made to the school calendar.  He explained, “Here’s what we’re planning to do.  We are looking at, starting on the 13th of March, and taking all of the early-outs through March and April away, to make those full days.”  He said efforts to communicate this to families are already underway.

Head lice protocol was a topic of some discussion.  Principal Scott Klavetter pointed out that the CDC now classifies head lice as simply a “nuisance” rather than a health risk, but he said there remains a stigma regardless.  Kyle Rader suggested that perhaps Kingsland’s protocol should be essentially to just inform and suggest treatment.  He said the school could contact the applicable parents when head lice are noticed on a particular student, and leave it to the family as to how they wish to respond.  No formal action was taken at this time.

The board pondered the pros and cons of including an inflationary factor in the operating levy that will be put to voters this fall.  Several board members voiced their preference to keep the ballot measure as straightforward as possible, to avoid any voter confusion.  Kyle Rader agreed, stating, “Let’s get a victory under our belt” before going back to taxpayers for any further increases which may be needed in the future.  Hecimovich discussed again creating a FAQ flyer to help get the word out to taxpayers regarding what Kingsland will be asking for in the 2019 election.

The proposed Lanning property tax abatement was discussed. Several board members stated they worry such an abatement would set a precedent that Kingsland would regret.  In the end, the board chose to simply not pursue taking action on the abatement.

Hecimovich informed the board regarding the possible ways Kingsland could cut costs if necessary as part of the administrative recommendations for reductions plan.  He stated that there are no recommendations to make reductions at this time, but that very few good options are available if that becomes necessary, adding, “What else can we cut?  We’re down to a two-section school district.”

The board discussed the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) policy.  It was pointed out that the current policy does not allow UAVs at Kingsland events at all.  Hecimovich said there may be special events at which Kingsland would consider allowing a UAV, so he asked the board to consider whether or not they wish to “loosen up” the policy to allow for such exceptions on a case-by-case basis.  The board asked him to draft a revision and bring it back to the board.

Hecimovich shared his annual wellness report on what Kingsland does for students and staff.  He stated, “I wish we could do more, but really it’s an unfunded mandate.”  The next board meeting will be on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room.  As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.