KSD Board Report
Message from Trustee Thomas
Kuna patrons,
We pride ourselves on offering many ways for our community to be involved in the Board's work. This involvement happens through surveys, in-person study circles, and committees.
This month, the Board approved forming a new group to make recommendations on our policies (see information below). We're looking for volunteers to serve on the Policy Committee. If you are interested, please apply using this link.
Our next board meeting will be on March 14, which also is the same day as our bond election.
One of the best ways to be involved is to VOTE. Below are the three options.
⬇️ Voting options. Click image for details ⬇️
Vote by mail request ballot by March 3
Vote in-person early Feb. 27 to March 10
Vote in-person election day March 14
Watch the meeting recording at https://youtube.com/live/5ljoGZ8M5Ko
The highlights
▶️ Reading proficiency rebounding, exceeding pre-pandemic levels
▶️ Strategic Plan Update: Organizational Strength pillar focuses on employees
▶️ Crimson Point's TLC program makes difference for students with unique needs
▶️ Board takes innovative approach involving parents to help update policies
▶️ Celebrations: Kuna Way Awards
▶️ Other actions: Consent agenda, communications, printers
Reading proficiency rebounding, exceeding pre-pandemic levels
Superintendent Wendy Johnson shared that reading proficiency levels in kindergarten through third grades are exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The pandemic disrupted learning for two and half years as schools closed and students and staff were often absent from the classrooms for quarantine or illness.
Last spring, three of the four grade levels tested outperformed spring 2019. She shared that data from this year's testing also shows strong growth in literacy skills. (Data from state tests is shown below. Charts were updated from Tuesday's board meeting to correct labels on the charts.)
📺 Watch this part of the meeting here.
K-3 performance on the Idaho Reading Indicator
Strategic Plan Update: Organizational Strength pillar focuses on employees
Chief Financial Officer Elmira Feather and Director of School Support Services and Human Resources Brian Graves updated the board on Strategic Plan work in the area of organizational strength. They shared that work is under way in three areas related to the district's employees:
- Recruitment and retention efforts
- Compensation and benefits
- Workplace to thrive
➡️ Review the presentation here.
📺 Watch this part of the meeting here.
Crimson Point's TLC program makes a difference for students
Crimson Point Elementary School Principal Alex Jensen was joined by parents Dixie Horn and Jennifer Cleveland and teacher Jennifer Sanders (see video below) to share and celebrate the success of students in the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) program at the school.
What is TLC? This program offers academic, emotional, and behavioral support to eligible students within a highly structured and closely supervised environment. Students who receive support from the TLC program are placed in the general education classroom to the greatest extent possible. In this setting, students are supported by paraprofessional/Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS) support who will redirect or intervene when necessary.
The goal of the TLC program is to keep students in the least restrictive learning environment so each student can develop academic skills and interpersonal skills which align with their grade level peers. TLC programs are located at Crimson Point Elementary, Kuna Middle School, and Kuna High School.
📺 Watch this part of the meeting here.
Board takes innovative approach involving parents to help review policies
Trustees approved the formation of a committee to make recommendations to the Board on its policies. Director Graves shared that staff and parents have identified several policies that should be reviewed and updated. He and Superintendent Johnson outlined options for the policy work by using a committee including parents, a student, administrators, and teachers. Director Graves shared that as he researched what processes other school boards use it was uncommon for parents and students to be involved.
Trustees approved a committee consisting of two board members, an elementary school administrator, a secondary school administrator, an elementary certified employee, a secondary certified employee, a Kuna Education Association representative, a parent of an elementary student, a parent of a middle school student, a parent of a high school student, and a student.
▶️ Review the presentation here.
📺 Watch this part of the meeting here.
CELEBRATIONS
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. February honorees are:
- Steve Garner, Fremont Middle School
- Lindsey Choate, Hubbard Elementary School
- Travis Edwards, Kuna/Swan Falls High School
- Jennifer Patterson, Kuna/Swan Falls High School
- Michelle Ritter, Ross Elementary School
- Glenna Rasmussen, Ross Elementary School
- Erin Roach, Silver Trail Elementary School
- Charlotte See, Silver Trail Elementary School
- Sam Kresge & Melissa Roper, Kuna Middle School
- Tania Briseño, Reed Elementary School
- Amanda Peterson, Reed Elementary School
- Sally Gann, Indian Creek Elementary School
- Jessica Toth, Kuna Middle School
▶️ Learn more about the nominees here.
🗳️ Nominate someone for the Kuna Way Award here
📺 Watch this part of the meeting here
Other action & reports
Consent agenda
Trustees approved:
Printer services
The board approved moving forward with a Request for Proposal for Printer Services.
📺Watch this part of the meeting here.
Communications
Kuna High School was recognized for its support for the University of Idaho. Read the resolution.