The Kingsland School Board met September 19 in regular session. All members were present: Doug Plaehn, Deb Larson, Kristin Beck, Troy Asher, Gwen Howard and Ann Oeltjen, along with Superintendent John McDonald. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda items, including resignations/hires/lane changes of several employees. The board then heard public thanks given by Superintendent McDonald. He acknowledged Nathan O’Connell, Logan O’Connell, William Dean, Wesley Dean, Charlie Emig, Katie Emig, Gladys Emig, and Chuch Emig for helping Maranda and Luke with tech setup. He also thanked Polly Lentz (library volunteer), Valley Christian Center (donuts, milk and juice during staff inservices), Spring Valley American Legion Post 68 for donating 80 Constitution books, and VFW Post 4114 ($250 donation to the Kingsland Youth Trap Team).
Troy Asher gave an update on the Finance/Facilities/Personnel committee, and Deb Larson gave a recap of the Policy/PR/Curriculum committee. Superintendent McDonald informed the board of plans regarding the ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), Multiple Measurement Rating, and ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Regarding ALICE, he stated, “We have inserviced our staff, now we’ll be working with our students.” He also pointed out that Ed Krueger has been selected as Kingsland’s newest Wall of Honor inductee, and added that Ed was a 1916 graduate of Wykoff, and is now memorialized at Ed’s Museum.
The board shared info on the Staff Development Plan, including funds to be received through the Title II grant. The Plan also includes Kingsland’s “World’s Best Workforce” plan, Strategic Plan, and areas of focus. Deb Larson then shared info on the upcoming referendum plan. She said the PR committee had considered “twelve to fifteen strategy options” of ways to inform the public about the referendum, and will primarily use brochures, along with other means. She said the school board’s special meeting on Thursday, September 22 is to inform the public in regards to the upcoming referendum.
Superintendent McDonald shared info about the proposed property tax levy for 2017. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to certify the levy at the maximum amount. The board also set the annual Truth in Taxation meeting for 6:01 p.m. on December 19, before the regular board meeting that will be held at 6:30 on that date. The board then discussed the Root River Contract Agreement. Superintendent McDonald said that Mr. Armogast has recommended that Kingsland approve a one-year agreement. He said the agreement includes Lanesboro, Chatfield, Fillmore Central and Kingsland, and that each school shares costs involved for the Level Four program (mental health services). Gwen Howard spoke up, stating, “I just want to make sure that the board next year is on top of this, because from my understanding this could change.” McDonald replied, “That’s an excellent point. In visiting with Mr. Armogast today, we looked at the calendar and decisions have to be made. So we’ve already marked on our calendar to review this in the spring. By that time, we’ll have a very good idea of our needs.” After discussion, the board voted to OK the agreement (Gwen Howard voted against).
The board approved the proposed agreement between the Kingsland School Employees Association and Kingsland School Board, calling for a salary and benefit cost increase of 5.27% over a two-year period. The next regular meeting of the board will be Monday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m.
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