By Patrick Andrews
The first agenda item on the August 21 Kingsland School Board meeting, following roll call and pledge of allegiance, was an acknowledgement of thanks to Essig Agency, who donated $100 to the Kingsland Backpack Program. This program provides weekend and non-school day meals to families in need.
The board briefly discussed the school’s bus driver situation; in summary, the school has enough drivers to transport all the students, but as Superintendent Scott Klavetter put it, “not enough to breathe easy.” Shifting around substitute drivers would be necessary at current staffing numbers, and Mr. Klavetter said it would be easier on students and staff to have all full-time drivers.
Mr. Klavetter also announced that all teaching and paraprofessional positions are filled for the coming school year. A new CTE teacher will be working towards a Tier 1 teaching license, a temporary certification for individuals with prior subject matter expertise, but not necessarily experience in teaching. This would contrast Tier 3 or 4 teaching certificates more typically held by teachers who followed a conventional route, acquiring a four-year education degree before working as a teacher.
Carmen Anderson, the current school board clerk, announced her resignation effective September 1. Reasons she cited for the resignation included trying to finish her degree and spending time with family. The position of clerk will be filled by school board member Steve Tammel, who agreed in the same meeting to take up the post. He will be slated to fill the role until January 2025; the position will be up for election November 2024.
The board briefly reviewed the issue of resurfacing the gym floor. After unforeseen issues arose, the group contracted to resurface the school’s gym floor and was unable to complete the work before the beginning of the school year. Fortunately for the school, the party who agreed to perform the resurfacing work will wax the gym floor free of charge, and next summer, honor this year’s bid price for the resurfacing job.
New hires include the following: Betty Niemeyer – food service worker; Annie Aldrich senior class advisor; Richard Kemper – junior class advisor; Andrew Schroepfer – student custodian; Valarie McConnel – 7-12 Art; Joshua Swanson – Industrial Technology; Kelly Opseth – Junior high volleyball coach.
Resignations include the following: Linda Erickson – food service worker; Peggy Swenson – media paraprofessional; Valarie McConnell – special education paraprofessional; Cecil Addison – special education paraprofessional.
The board reviewed two bids for the school’s milk contract: one from Prairie Farms, and one from Kemps. Prairie Farms being the less expensive bid, the board awarded them the contract, and their products will be served for the upcoming school year. It should be noted that the board is required to select the least expensive bid provided said products meet the school’s food service standards.
The board also reviewed two bids for the school’s fuel contract, one from Kwik Trip and one from Baudoin. Baudoin, with whom the school has a “long-standing relationship,” offered the less expensive bid and was awarded the contract.
A new full-time food services director for Kingsland Schools has been hired. Christie Mabe, who has previous food service experience including work for Mayo Clinic Rochester, will be filling the role. The job, a year-round salaried position, will free up time for two other individuals currently performing food service-related tasks for the school.
The next regular board meeting will be held Monday, September 18 at 6 p.m. in the Kingsland Elementary School Conference Room. The next work session will be held Wednesday, September 6 at 6 p.m. in the same location.
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