KSD Board Report
January 2022 Update from Your Zone 4 Trustee Kim Nixon
Message from Trustee Bruce
You're invited to participate in a Jan. 31 Study Circle
There is a study circle happening at the end of the month. You can sign up to join the discussion that will be lead by your trustee. Here's the information:
Earlier this school year, the Board paused finalizing our strategic plan after hearing mixed feedback about one of the five areas of the plan called safe and Inclusive schools. Some feedback expressed concerns and others supportive.
One of our roles as a Board is to set the vision and direction for the district in collaboration with our community and staff.
In January, the Board is inviting its patrons to participate in study circles so trustees and staff can listen to our community to help finalize the safe and inclusive schools area of the strategic plan.
In the study circle format, participants are part of a small group of 8 to 10 people. This allows for all participants to have a voice and to listen to others around this topic.
Study circles will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31 at Swan Falls High School, 7300 S. Linder Road, Meridian, ID.
The plan is to group participants with their trustee, who would facilitate the discussion. This could change depending on how many want to join us. We will offer an online option if enough individuals sign up for it.
If you are interested, please use this link to register:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KSDJan31SignUp
Registration closes 5 p.m. Jan. 26.
I hope you will join me on Jan. 31. I look forward to listening to you!
Illness Decision Tree
You'll see in the section on the COVID operation plan, below, as a board we decided to change the 10 days to 5 days. That should be reflected within the decision tree.
I think it should be noted that if your child is just home sick without COVID-19 symptoms, they are allowed to return to school once they are feeling better or been fever free for 24 hours. You can always feel free to reach out with any questions. I am here to answer them for you.
Below is a recap of the Jan. 11 meeting following the order of the agenda. Note: The swearing-in of trustees was moved to after the Pledge of Allegiance. The video of the meeting is posted here.
Pledge of Allegiance
I was sworn in as a trustee and will represent Zone 3 on the Board. Kim Nixon also was sworn in and will represent Zone 4. We both were elected in November to four-year terms.
Communications & Celebrations
Idaho School Boards Association Awards
Superintendent Johnson reviewed the gold, silver, and bronze awards earned by trustees and the leadership award to the entire board from the Idaho School Boards Association reflecting our participation in training and other activities during 2021.
January Kuna Way Awards
Trustees recognized Marci Durrant and others with the Kuna Way Award. Seeing a need to help distribute gifts and food boxes for more than 200 needy families in our community in December, Marci stepped in to help. Thank you, Marci!
Want to nominate someone for the Kuna Way Award? Click here.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Johnson and her team are providing video reports to the Board about how our schools are supporting students whose learning was impacted by COVID disruptions, and how one-time federal funds are boosting this work. This month's report focused on our middle schools.
OTHER REPORTS
School Board Outreach
Communication Director Allison Westfall shared information about the reach of our first Board Report newsletters. She and Superintendent Johnson reviewed plans for a study circle planned for Monday, Jan. 31. If you would like to participate please fill out the sign up at the start of this newsletter.
Expulsion process & alternative
Assistant Superintendent Kim Bekkedahl and Kuna High School Lead Building Administrator Dave Beymer reviewed the district's suspension and expulsion process. They shared that student behaviors resulting in formal evidentiary hearings and potential expulsion are rare but have increased this year. Mr. Beymer provided details on a new learning option that will be provided for students who, for discipline reasons, are not in school. during the second semester.
Budget Update
In November, Chief Financial Officer Elimira Feather shared that state funds for school districts could be negatively impacted by decisions made by the Legislature. She shared in this update that state decision makers are beginning to address the concerns identified by districts and the outlook for KSD's 2021-22 state revenue is improving
CONSENT AGENDA
The Board approved its Consent Agenda with the exception of the Personnel Report which was addressed after the Executive Session later in the meeting. Items approved at this time included:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS, DISCUSSION, AND/OR ACTION ITEMS
Joint meeting with Kuna City Council
Superintendent Johnson shared as a follow up to the December meeting conversation about meeting with the City Council about growth that she met with Mayor Stear. A joint school board and city council meeting to discuss growth is being planned for March. Possible dates include March 7 or March 10.
Update on KSD’s COVID operational plan
Superintendent Johnson in her update shared:
- A number of unfilled positions continues in transportation, child nutrition, and maintenance and custodial areas. In addition, January has seen an increase in unfilled substitute requests.
- The new voluntary testing program is helping to rule out COVID and helping students and staff return to school and work faster.
After discussion among staff and trustees clarifying proposed changes to the district's illness decision tree, the Board approved it. Superintendent Johnson said the changes will reduce quarantine times. She agreed the graphic was confusing and the district would work to clarify it.
NEW BUSINESS, DISCUSSION, AND/OR ACTION ITEMS
Reorganization of Board of Trustees
The first regular meeting in January is the Board's Annual Meeting where it sets officers, meeting dates, etc. for the Board. Trustees:
- Elected J.D. Grant to continue as Board Chairperson
- Elected Joy Thomas to continue as Board Vice Chairperson
- Appointed Elimira Feather as District Treasurer
- Appointed Cairlissa Morgan as District Clerk.
- Reviewed and signed the Code of Ethics
School Board Meeting Resolution
Trustees approved the time, date, and place for its regular monthly meeting. The Board will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm to be held at Kuna Jt. School District Office Conference room: 711 E Porter Street. Regular meeting dates for 2022 will be:
- Feb. 8
- March 8
- April 12
- May 10
- June 14
- July 12
- Aug. 9
- Sept. 13
- Oct. 11
- Nov. 8
- Dec. 13
Designation of Public Places for Posting Notices
Trustees approved the following posting locations for meeting notices:
- School District Office
- District Website
- District Facebook
- Additional location if open to the public Kuna Post Office, Kuna City Hall, Kuna Community Library
Policy
Our board typically has three readings of policies before they are officially adopted and implemented. Multiple readings gives us the time for input and edits that may be needed.
The Board approved the first reading of the following policies:
Executive Session
In accordance with Idaho Code, the Board adjourned into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. After it returned to public session, the Board approved the Personnel Report.
Next Regular Meeting
February Regular Meeting
Tue, Feb 8, 2022, 06:30 PM
Kuna School District, 711 East Porter Street, Kuna, ID, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Hello Patrons!
It is now my time to start the four-year term I was elected to back in November. As you know, I’m here to represent the community. To bridge the gap between the district and the parents. To be that voice! I’m very honored that you chose me to represent you. I look forward to serving the community.
My husband Chris Bruce also serves within the Kuna community. He serves as a Councilman for the City of Kuna.
There is a passion here to serve!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. You can contact me at knbruce@kunaschools.org