Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” on May 3, with all members participating. Athletics and Activities Director Mark Fitzpatrick and Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via Zoom technology.
Mark Fitzpatrick stated that at Kingsland sports and activities, many spectators are attending without wearing a mask. He asked for the board’s input on how to handle this situation. He estimated that on average at outdoor games, about 30% of spectators are showing up with a mask, and he said although he tries to encourage masks, it is tough to enforce.
Fitzpatrick went on the say that many spectators are assuming that masks are optional at Kingsland’s outdoor venues, based on statewide changes in pandemic guidelines. But, he explained, the school’s athletics function under Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules, which still require masks on all spectators.
Maranda Emig suggested that Kingsland provide Mark with a supply of masks that he can offer to spectators who show up without a mask. Hecimovich said, “You’ll probably find most of them left (their masks) in their car, …they just conveniently leave them in their car when they’re coming to watch ballgames.” Hecimovich suggested that Kingsland should stress that this is not a Kingsland decision, it is the MSHSL rule.
Building and Grounds Director Jason Thompson’s written report included, “May 4th we have our State Fire Marshal inspection. I feel we are in good shape as IEA had done a mock OSHA inspection last fall and I believe we addressed all of the noted items.” His report also noted that building materials have been received for the new composite picnic tables which Mr. Mymerman and his students will be working to finish up.
Principal Scott Klavetter informed the board, “Preschool graduation will be held Friday, May 21 at 2:30 p.m. We will use the same gym setup as our K-6 concerts earlier that day, and guests will similarly be limited to two per student.” He also reported, “As we feared, the challenges in getting free and reduced lunch forms turned in this year due to meals being free for all students appear to have impacted our Title I and Title II grant allocations for next school year.” He stated that Title I is projected to lose roughly one-third of the grant amount received this year, and Title II is projected to also have a large cut compared to this year. The board discussed the need to be tireless in efforts to inform families of the need to fill out the forms for free/reduced lunches, regardless of whether families believe they will qualify.
Regarding Kingsland’s learning model, Hecimovich said, “We are projected to be in a very safe zone in a couple of weeks…so I feel we’re pretty confident… that we can start moving for full in-person on the 17th of May. Very exciting!”
Hecimovich also updated the board on the Southeast Educational Minnesota Consortium (SMEC) Summer Academy being offered this summer. He reported it provides “a wealth of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, better known as STEAM. Transportation will be provided from our school to the Academy sites and back again.” Sessions will run June 14-24, July 19-29, and August 2-5.
Community Education Director Becky Bicknese’s written report included that “Soccer started April 20 and has been going very well. We will be holding a babysitting class partnered with 4-H June 8 from 12-4 p.m. Driver’s training will be held online Monday-Friday, June 14-25, from 1-4 p.m.”
Hecimovich gave an update on food service. He said that Kingsland continues to receive commodity food products, adding, “I think you’ll hear the kids complain a lot because it’s always chicken, chicken, chicken. Well, unfortunately, that’s what the government keeps giving us… and those commodities are a huge savings for food service.” He also gave credit to Judy Tart, saying that she found “a heck of a deal” on storage of frozen commodity items. The Kingsland Board’s next meeting will be Monday, May 17 at 6 p.m.
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