The Kingsland School Board met in regular session on January 23. All members were present (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, student board member Zachary Queensland, and Superintendent James Hecimovich) as well as about 15 citizens on hand to listen.
A large portion of the meeting involved a presentation from Mike Hoheisel and Matt Rantapaa, from the Baird financial advising firm. The presentation showed a number of options for bonds to pay for Kingsland’s needed upgrades included in the 10-year facility plan. Hoheisel summarized that Kingsland could move forward with bonds with repayment over 10 to 20 years, and there are advantages and disadvantages depending on the length of repayment. He said a 20-year repayment allows for a smaller yearly “hit” to taxpayers, but a larger amount of interest, and the likelihood of additional facility upgrades being needed before the 20 years are up, due to the lifespan of the equipment. Likewise, he said a 10-year plan allows for a lower total amount of interest, but a resulting higher yearly cost to taxpayers.
John Dols voiced his opinion, stating, “My personal recommendation is I wouldn’t go over 15.” Jackie Horsman agreed, saying, “We do want to lessen the impact for our taxpayers, but we also want to be fiscally responsible for the equipment and things.”
Maranda Emig added that she doesn’t want to spread the payments out over too many years, but said she feels that 15 years is, “Not kicking the can too far down the road.” Superintendent Hecimovich shared that if any board members are asked why the equipment wouldn’t last as long as it might in a family home, “Keep in mind…this is a commercial building, high usage, equipment runs far more than anything would in a house. You’re running 600 kids through here 173 days a year. Bathrooms, heating, cooling…”
The board voted unanimously to approve the Intent Resolution for the District’s Issuance of General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds, to finance projects in the school’s 10-year facility plan. The total expected cost is roughly $14.57 million over a 15-year repayment.
The board also heard a presentation regarding SEMNET (Southeast Minnesota Network) to provide Kingsland’s internet and phone services. The offer would include an upgrade to new dark fiber, as part of a five-year contract. The presenters showed a variety of potential savings to Kingsland. Hecimovich also said Kingsland could sign up for this now as part of the seven-school consortium, which would create additional savings.
Following the presentation, board members “crunched” the numbers and shared their feeling that because of the initial sign-up cost of $3,600, there would likely be no immediate savings, but Kingsland would likely save money over the long haul. The other major factor would be the better connectivity and systems upgrades. Hecimovich pointed out that if the board doesn’t take this option now, the opportunity would not be available again until five years later. The board voted to sign up with this service.
Zach Queensland addressed the board on the subject of vaping (e-cigarettes). He summarized the vaping trend and health hazards, and asked the board to consider taking steps to address the growing problem. Hecimovich agreed that it’s a problem at Kingsland, and at every other school. Kingsland will look into having a speaker come to educate students and faculty on this issue.
The board heard from Noella Lund, representing the Vote Yes for Kingsland group. She said the group is striving to get information to residents of the school district, regarding the upcoming operational levy in November 2019. She added, “We will be meeting monthly, rotating between Tuesday nights at Wykoff United Methodist Church, and Wednesday nights in Spring Valley, by renting a classroom at school. The meetings are expected to be the week following the school board meetings.”
Hecimovich shared a significant accomplishment by student Renee Ann Lechner, who was notified that she has been accepted at the West Point Academy. Hecimovich said it’s an incredibly competitive process to enroll at West Point, and that he’s very proud of Lechner.
The board voted to terminate the probationary employment of Eaen O’Byrne, effective January 15. The next board meeting will be a work session on Monday, February 4 at 6 p.m. in the elementary conference room. As always, the public is welcome at all open meetings.
Photo by Rich Wicks
