The Kingsland School Board agreed upon an Operating Levy PR Plan during their regular board meeting on September 17. Board members present included Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Heather Betts, Leah Stier, Tiffany Mundfrom, and Superintendent James Hecimovich. Jackie Horsman was absent.
Superintendent Hecimovich summarized that as part of the PR plan, Kingsland will share statistics, publish information via newspapers and flyers, participate in Facebook live discussions, Blackboard Connect, and hold community “question and answer” forums. He added, “And then tying our levy to something tangible like developing our trades program here at the high school. We’ve done a great job of addressing kids going to college, but 60% of kids graduating from schools in Minnesota will either go into the trades, through a certification program of two years or less, or straight into work.”
The board discussed the Memoradum of Understanding (MOU) for HOSA (formerly Health Occupations Student of America, but now known as Future Health Professionals). The board voted to move forward with the MOU.
Hecimovich informed the board about the proposed Cooperative Athletic Agreement for GMLOKS. He stated, “All member schools feel that this is a good agreement at this point.” The board voted to approve it as proposed. Business Manager Amber Herbrand addressed the board, encouraging them to certify the maximum levy authority as presented. The board unanimously voted to do this.
As part of the consent agenda items, the board approved a number of hirings (substitute van driver Phillip Bussman, JH volleyball assistant Megan Hendrickson, substitute paraprofessional Brenda McRoberts, theater director/drama club advisor Sarah Kohn, crossing guard Kayla Duxbury, and head dance team coach Becky Bicknese), resignation of van ride-along Mari Blanchard, and “lane changes” for Alyssa Humpal, Kayli Hareldson, Angela Forland, Baily Mahowald, and Amanda Lorentz.
Superintendent Hecimovich gave public thanks to SFM Mutual Insurance for a $2,269.50 Slip & Fall Safety Grant, Booster Club for new choir folders, and Royal and Lynne Dempewolf for donating drainage/seedling trays and starter plots to the ag department.
Rachel Hanson and Jenna Schmidt spoke on behalf of the FFA, and updated the board on recent and upcoming FFA happenings. The board also heard from the Key Club, including information about their upcoming events (fall lock-in October 5, blood drive October 23, and haunted house October 27, 5-7p.m.).
The next board meeting will be a “work session” on Monday, October 1, at 6 p.m. in the conference room. The next regular board meeting will be Monday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. As always, the public is welcome.