By Andrew Darling
The Kingsland School Board met in regular session on the evening of May 15. In attendance were board members Kyle Radar, Gary Broadwater, Carmen Anderson, Cindy Seabright, Steve Tammel, Pam Freet and Superintendent Scott Klavetter. After roll call was completed, Kyle Radar led the room in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting’s agenda was approved with no additions. The school year is finishing up on a generous note; many new donations were acknowledged. Cindy Seabright donated $100 to the upcoming eighth grade Whitewater trip: Mettler Chiropractic and Rubin Mechanical each gave $700 to the Kingsland soccer program, $340 was given to the school library by the class of 1970 in memory of Diane Sikkink, Chevrolet of Spring Valley donated $500 to the robotics club, Sunshine Foods gave $100 worth of candy for May Day baskets; Faith United Methodist Church gave $735 to the SACC program; VFW Post 4114 gave $90 and VFW Auxiliary 4114 gave $215, both going to the Washington, D.C. trip; Shanda Kim with Century 21 donated $300 to Community Ed to purchase licenses for movies; Kingsland School Parents (KSP) gave $398 to Community Ed for movie licenses; the booster club is giving a generous $25,000 for a community walking path; and Spring Valley Area Community Foundation worked with SMIF to donate $15,000 to the community walking path.
A Kingsland student and her mother spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. The student requested that, even though she won’t be graduating, that she be able to join her classmates during the upcoming graduation ceremony. Superintendent Klavetter said that there may be rules in place for this scenario, and would follow up with her soon.
The student council was present at the meeting to give their report. Permission slips have been rolling in for the upcoming eighth grade Whitewater trip. Students are looking forward to it. The student council also invited the school board to attend the 13th annual Decades Day.
During the buildings report, Klavetter relayed that there was a patch failed on the gym roof. It was repaired quickly and didn’t cause any significant damages. The gym roof is scheduled to be replaced in June.
The new bus was picked up earlier in the day. The company that sold the bus provides DOT inspection, which will suffice until the next regularly scheduled DOT inspection.
Business updates were given.Expenses and revenue are tracking with the adopted budget. The school remains as fiscally responsible as ever.
There’s a varsity-only softball and baseball game scheduled for Wednesday, May 24. The game was postponed from last week due to rain. Klavetter added that they avoid games on Wednesday nights when possible, because many students have church events on Wednesday nights.
Superintendent Klavetter also reported that he’s been in touch with a local contractor to design a new logo for the Kingsland Knights. He suggested that they could get several designs to choose from and put it to a vote amongst the student body. There was some discussion that if the timing worked out, they could put a new logo on the gym floor. Board member Anderson suggested that they could sell advertising space on the gym floor. Board member Radar said he would check if that’s allowed with the MSHSL. The gym floor is set to be replaced in July.
Teachers union negotiations have been scheduled for May 18. It was noted that the MSHSL will officially recognize boys volleyball starting in 2024. A list of evaluation points have been prepared for the superintendent review. Radar put together a preliminary list of points and said that if any board members wished to add anything they could communicate that with him. Interviews for the principal position for grades 5-12 were completed. Of the nine applicants, one will receive the position once a contract has been approved at the next board meeting. The board unanimously approved 26 candidates for graduation. They also approved the school’s fifth grade teacher’s tenure. He will transition from a probationary period to a continuous contract. The board also took time to approve a bid for the track replacement. The project was awarded to Uland Brothers Inc. The cost of $46,945 will be mostly covered by state funds and donations from the booster club and Spring Valley Area Community Foundation. Finally, the Kingsland school board voted to approve of a contract with ICS building inspection. The company will perform inspections to ensure that facilities may remain in working order. It would also provide recordkeeping for projects and associated costs. The contract only lasts for one year, with options to renew after that first year.
The next work session meeting is scheduled for June 5 at 6 p.m. in the elementary conference room. The next regular board meeting will be held June 26 at 6 p.m. in the same location.
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