KSD3 News
Weekly Update from Superintendent Wendy Johnson
4.14.2023
In this update:
- ✋ Get involved in shaping Kuna's future as we work to address growth
- ⛏️ Digging into law changes impacting schools:
- State switches from funding all students to funding some
- Class of 2024 graduates will be first to benefit from Idaho Launch
- Updates to 30-year-old school transfer law. Reminder - deadline is April 30 to apply.
- In case you missed it:
- 🚑 Grant funds new ambulance simulator
- 🗾 Partnership creates cultural exchange for our students & Japanese peers
- ☀️ Earn some money for summer by substitute teaching now
- 🚗 Driver's Ed instructors sought
- 🗓️ Looking ahead in our schools
✋ Get involved in shaping Kuna's future in the face of growth
Kuna families
After our unsuccessful bond election, one of the reasons we've heard was a concern about growth. Some community members are upset at unchecked growth, and their "no" vote was intended to send a message to slow down. These folks actually support new schools but felt this was the only way to influence growth.
The bond's failure, however, is not changing decisions about growth. We're seeing approvals by Ada County, and this week one more development was annexed, despite our testimony and feedback that we cannot serve the children these new homes will bring.
If you are concerned about growth, I encourage you to get involved with our Growth Committee. This committee meets virtually once a month. Its work is facilitated by Danielle Horras, our Director of Strategic Partnerships.
The committee meets again Thursday, April 27. Here's the link with more information.
⛏️ Digging into law changes impacting schools
State lawmakers finished their session and we've been learning more about what law changes that start in July mean for our families and staff. Below I have info on four areas and we will be sharing more about other changes in future updates.
State switches from funding all students to funding some
Lawmakers returned to funding your children's education based on their attendance at school vs. enrollment. This change means instead of funding 100% of students, we expect to receive funding for 92% of students because children get sick. When we get funding for a smaller percentage of students, adding teachers to manage our class sizes in our fast growing community makes it challenging.
➡️ How can you help? Next year, we ask that families limit children's absences to days they are sick. Whenever possible, please schedule medical and dental appointments for times when school isn't in session.
Class of 2024 graduates will be first to benefit from Idaho Launch
- Earlier this school year, Idaho Gov. Brad Little met with our students at Swan Falls High School to talk about his Idaho Launch proposal. He was successful in getting lawmakers to expand the program.
The first to benefit will be this year's juniors who graduate in 2024. The program will provide graduates with $8,000 to apply toward community colleges and workforce training providers.
➡️ Here's a link to a news story on how the program is shaping up.
Updates to 30-year-old school transfer law; deadline is April 30 to apply
For 30 years, our district has offered parents the option to apply to transfer or enroll their child in a school different than the one assigned to their address. (Note: The deadline to apply for first consideration in the 2023-24 school year is April 30. Learn more at this link.)
Lawmakers updated the law to allow us to provide additional opportunities to seek a transfer during the school year, and we appreciate that they reinforced that districts also take steps to avoid overcrowding schools that are at capacity. Look for updates next school year, after the law takes effect this July.
Family grant continues; parents sought to state council
Lawmakers continued the Empowering Parents Grant program for another year. This program provides grants from $1,000 to $3,000 to families to pay for education support services.
➡️ More information about these grants is posted online here.
The Parent Advisory Council for the Empowering Parents Grant program will advise the State Board of Education on ways to implement, administer, and improve the Empowering Parents Grant program. Parents are sought to serve on this Council and the deadline to apply is April 30.
In case you missed it
🚑 Grant funds new ambulance simulator
Thanks to a Leading Idaho grant our EMT program at Swan Falls High School was able to install an ambulance simulator. This learning tool is unique among Idaho high schools.
We recorded a short video and it was featured in local media, too.
🗾 Partnership creates cultural exchange for our students & Japanese peers
🗓️ Looking ahead in our schools
For details please check our online calendar at www.kunaschools.org
- April 17 - Superintendent Advisory Council
- April 19 - Incoming Kindergartner Open House
- April 27 - Growth Committee (Virtual Meeting)
- April 27 - AVID showcase Ross Elementary School
- April 28-29 - Kuna FFA Plant Sale
- April 30 - Deadline to apply for open enrollment for 2023-24 school year
- May 1 - Policy committee meeting
- May 2 - Negotiations meeting
- May 3 - All day negotiations meeting
- May 3 - KHS Senior awards
- May 4-6 - Act III Productions "Blood & Sequins," 7 p.m.
- May 9 - Kuna Board of Trustees meeting
- May 9 - Kuna Middle School concert
- May 10 - Calendar Committee meeting
- May 11-13 - KHS Choir Spring pops concert, 7 p.m. Kuna High School
- May 12 - No school students - teacher in-service
- May 15 - KHS Spring Orchestra concert, 7 p.m. Kuna High School
- May 16 - Kuna Middle School Band concert, 7 p.m. , Kuna Middle School
- May 18 - KHS Spring Band concert, 7 p.m., Kuna Middle School
- May 18 - KHS Visual Art Exhibition, 5 to 7 p.m., Kuna High School
- May 24 - Class of 2023 Elementary Graduation Walk
- 🎓May 24 - Initial Point High School graduation
- 🎓May 25 - Early release K-12; Kuna High/Swan Falls high school graduation
- June 1 - Last day of school
- June 5 - Policy Committee meeting
- June 6 - Kuna Board of Trustees meeting first Tuesday * change from second Tuesday