During the Kingsland School Board meeting on March 7, the board discussed the upcoming testing season. Superintendent Jim Hecimovich’s written report to the board stated, in part, “April showers may bring May flowers, but Minnesota brings a hail storm of testing. Both Scott (Klavetter) and I are beginning the early stages of coordinating the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). Although we’re able to use our one-to-one technology and do, carving out spaces within the building can be challenging, particularly for the high school and the 52-minute periods. Thankfully Laura Gudmundson and Tyler Heimermann make space available to our students. Most of the tests take about one and a half hours each to complete. Testing can take up to three weeks to complete.” Hecimovich added, “The high school is also conducting ACT testing for juniors wishing to take it. The test is free to any student on free/reduced meals and all others pay $60 each. We test at the Methodist Church about one block from the school.“
The board discussed the trends seen in the spreadsheet Hecimovich provided about how open enrollment has impacted Kingsland over the past seven years. His reported included, “I can share that over the seven years, we have lost 27 students to open enrollment, approximately 3.8 students per year. Grand Meadow and Stewartville captured 18 out of the 27 students.”
Judy Tart’s Food Service report gave information on suggested ways to spend down some funds. The report stated, in part, “Working on getting spend-down information for MDE done by March 31 deadline. Have a current estimate on $60,000 of equipment i.e.: double stack convection oven (to replace current one), portable salad bar, hands free ice machine (for refillable water bottles), hot water machine (replace unrepairable one), reach in cooler (replace one brought up from old kitchen), and two floor machines used to clean the kitchen and café.”
Becky Bicknese submitted a written report on Community Education. Her report stated, “Preschool Registration Packets have been sent out and are posted in the website. Registration opens for currently enrolled 3/4 year olds on Monday, March 7, and Monday, March 14 for the general public.” The report also pointed out that, for the Washington, D.C. trip, “Parent/Traveler Packing Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, May 15 at 4 p.m.”
Activities Director Laurie Hendrickson’s report included, “Congratulations to our Knowledge Bowl team that advanced to region competition. They didn’t advance, but represented Kingsland well.” She also wished good luck to the basketball teams as they strive to continue into the postseason.
Principal Scott Klavetter discussed behavioral challenges among students, and said, “We’ve definitely seen an increase.” He informed the board that Kingsland has scheduled a two-day training for the upcoming school year, entitled Responsibility Centered Discipline. He shared that, “This program aims to help students take ownership of their behavior and resulting outcomes, leading to positive behavior choices.”
The board reviewed several expected staffing changes. Planned hirings include Mark Eickhoff (JV softball coach), Charles Hughes (full-time custodian), and Brandy Lusk (full-time administrative assistant to the principal). Resignations include Deanna Capelle (retirement as elementary teacher) and Sarah Mlinar (health aide). It was pointed out that the health aide position was only intended to be temporary, to help conduct COVID testing during the pandemic.
Jackie Horsman brought up the topic of whether or not Kingsland should add a member to the board, which has long included six members. She explained that most board have an odd number, to avoid tie votes. The board discussed the pros and cons of changing the board size. Horsman said if the board were to change to seven members, there would be only a minor increase in cost. Horsman added that if the board wishes to consider changing the size of the board, it would need on the ballot of an upcoming election. The voters in the district would then make the final decision on the matter. Horsman explained that when Spring Valley and Wykoff boards combined, it was determined to have three board members from each of the consolidating schools. She summarized, “That’s just how we ended up where we are today.”
The board returned to the topic of the proposed Senior Class Trip. Hecimovich shared in the agenda that “The lodging and bracelets were locked in. The cost per student for the entire trip will be approximately $200. Some fundraising was done.” After discussion, the board formally approved the trip.
The board will hold a special meeting on March 14 for superintendent interviewing training.
The board’s next regular meeting will be on Monday, March 21 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome. Kingsland continues to offer the option for anyone to listen in via Zoom technology.
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