KSD Board Report
November 2022
Message from Trustee Grant
Patrons,
Our bond election is less than two months away! I would like to encourage you to request a mail-in ballot. March is a very busy time and voting by mail is one way to make sure your vote counts!
In case you missed it, the bond on the March 14 ballot would provide:
Bus Annex - Part 1
Maintenance needs
✨ If approved, the tax rate would not increase.
✨ The tax rate is expected to drop as the district will not ask for a renewal of our supplemental levy.
At this month's meeting, we heard a report (see below) from planning experts asked to review our enrollment, our building capacities and what the future could hold if growth continues. He confirmed what we know: our elementary and high school spaces are full or over capacity. Middle school space is not far from being filled. If the bond passes, it will help us #growingforward.
The bond projects also would provide the added benefit of increasing the gyms and practice space desperately needed in our community for youth and community sports and activities.
If you need more information please email me at jdgrant@kunaschools.org or visit the school district website: www.kunaschools.org/bond
Watch the meeting recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqtlHJYOd7Q&t=1641s
The sound quality is poor on the video. The district is working to improve it.
The highlights
▶️ Strategic Plan work shows promising results in early math, literacy & writing
▶️ Expert reviews cost of impact of new homes on school district
▶️ Ross chosen as national showcase school
▶️ Celebrations
- Hubbard students thank trustees
- Kuna Way Award
- Alpha Delta Kappa donates $400 for shoes
▶️ Other action & reports
- Board tables policy to allow for more collaboration
- City, district leaders working on growth proposals
Board OKs continued collaboration with city on fiber for internet, new easement
Facility rental update
Board elects leaders, sets meeting dates for year
Consent agenda
Strategic Plan work shows promising results in early math, literacy & writing
Superintendent Johnson; Hubbard Elementary School Principal Justine Burgess and Teacher Bre Martin; Indian Creek Elementary School Principal Kimberly Barker; and Curriculum Coordinator Kelly Walton updated the Board on work on the Student Learning Pillar of the District's Strategic Plan.
In addition to efforts in AVID and full time kindergarten, new efforts are under way to create a system-wide approach to improve student outcomes including:
- K-3 Literacy pilot at Hubbard showed strong growth in student skills
- 3-5 Math strategies at all elementary schools show gains in teacher knowledge and skills with students testing again in February
- K-12 writing expectations and practices
Expert reviews cost of impact of new homes on school district
In July, the Board approved a plan to ask developers -- the district cannot require -- to offset the impact of new homes with a per household contribution to mitigate the consequences of the development.
Many developers questioned the Board's calculations. The district contracted with planning experts from TischlerBise to review the Board's Voluntary Capital Mitigation Fee and provide a analysis to trustees.
Some key points Colin McAweeney of TischlerBise shared with the trustees in a video report include:
- Enrollment analysis shows elementary and high school learning spaces are over capacity. Middle school will be over capacity in two years.
- Analysis of approved growth shows enrollment continuing to increase and schools will grow increasingly crowded without new learning spaces.
- The per student cost of new learning spaces is from $58,208 to $77,108
➡️ Review the presentation here.
Ross chosen as national showcase school
This month's school spotlight was Ross Elementary School. Principal Michelle Tripp shared that four years ago the school began implementing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies to support students in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading.
The school's success will be showcased for the community in April and for educators across the nation in November.
During the board meeting, Ross students shared original poems and explained why they wanted to become part of the school’s leadership team.
CELEBRATIONS
Hubbard students thank trustees
January is National School Board appreciation month. Trustees were presented with posters from Hubbard Elementary School students thanking them for their service.
Alpha Delta Kappa donates $400 for shoes
Trustee Nixon presented Superintendent Johnson with the check for shoes for children in need. The donation was from the organization of retired and active teachers of which Trustee Nixon is a member.
Kuna Way Awards
During the school year, the Board recognizes individuals with the Kuna Way Award based on nominations from parents, staff, students and the community. January honorees are:
- Darci Adams, Crimson Point Elementary
- Debbie Ryan, Crimson Point Elementary
- Mary Sue Messinger, Reed Elementary School
- Jessica LeFlore, Kuna Middle School
- Brenna Erickson, Preschool - Hubbard Elementary
- Karey Sparks, Kuna Middle School
- Teala Stewart, District Support Staff - Transportation
- Rod Canoy, District Support Staff - Transportation
- Mr. Ayers, Mr. Braly, Mrs. Noe, Mrs. Cisneros, Mr. Jefferies, Ms. Massey, Ms. Schumacher, Fremont Middle School
- Matt Beers, Crimson Point Elementary School
- Christy Hall, Reed Elementary School
🗳️ Nominate someone for the Kuna Way Award here.
Other action & reports
Board tables policy to allow for more collaboration
Trustees tabled a first reading of an update to Policy No. 644 Controversial Issues to allow for more collaboration on updating the policy. A group of parents asked trustees to update the policy and other policies and provide draft changes. Trustees thanked parents for bringing forward their concerns and proposals. Superintendent Johnson will update the Board on the review process at the February meeting.
City, district leaders working on growth proposals
Trustee Johnson shared that district and city leaders and attorneys are meeting regularly to discuss managing growth and proposals to change state laws to support the needs of students and schools. Superintendent Johnson noted that the district/city efforts was recently reported by the Idaho Press.
Board OKs continued collaboration with city on fiber for internet, new easement
Director Jason Reddy shared that the district and city work closely on fiber optic cable and conduits needed for internet access for schools and the community.
Facility rental update
Director Brian Graves shared that work continues on the district's facilities rental process.
Board elects leaders, sets meeting dates for year
By law January is the Board's annual meeting and as part of that work, trustees decided to continue with:
- Trustee JD Grant as Board Chair
- Trustee Joy Thomas as Board Vice Chair
- Deann Greany as Board Clerk
- Elmira Feather as Treasurer
Trustees approved continuing to hold its regular meetings in 2023 on the second Tuesday of the month -- with the exception of June which will be moved to June 6.
Notices of meetings will be posted at the following locations: district office, website and Facebook page and Kuna Post Office, Kuna City Hall, and Kuna Library.