KSD Board Report
Board won't levy emergency tax for growth; will use federal funds
Superintendent Wendy Johnson shared that the district's enrollment has grown nearly 2% and gained more than 100 students from a year ago. The growth would qualify the district for a one-time emergency property tax of more than $642,000. The Superintendent said rather than use the emergency tax, the district will use one-time federal funds and grants.
➡️ Review enrollment data here
➡️ Review information about emergency tax here
📺 Watch this part of the board meeting here
Schools' gyms, fields also serve as community's parks, recreation sites
Director of School Support Services Brian Graves reported on the use of the district's fields, playgrounds, gyms, and other buildings to support City of Kuna, community-based non-profit youth sports groups, for profit-youth sports groups, and more. He outlined which groups pay for use and the rental process. He noted the first priority are school activities. The district will be working to research fees used by other school districts to update Kuna's policies.
➡️ Review information about community use of district facilities here.
📺 Watch this part of the board meeting here
Senior projects change; work continues to update graduation requirements
Swan Falls and Kuna high school Principals Robbie Reno and Dave Beymer reported that after working with parents and staff they restructured the senior project required of all 12th graders to graduate.
They shared that the work to update graduation requirements started last spring will continue this year. The goal is to bring a recommendation to the school board to consider later this school year.
Trustees provided feedback about senior math requirement and ensuring students graduate with financial literacy skills.
➡️ Review the presentation slides here
📺 Watch this part of the board meeting here
Grant funds more positions to serve students
Assistant Superintendent Kim Bekkedahl shared the district was awarded an Idaho Department of Health & Welfare grant for more than $362,000 to help fund a variety of new positions such as an additional nurse, social worker, and counselor to serve students. Positions will be advertised and Kim will work with school leaders to identify where to place these key support personnel.
➡️Review the grant award letter here
📺Watch this part of the meeting here
Celebrating staff, students, parents for exemplifying the Kuna Way
During the school year, the Board recognizes individuals with the Kuna Way Award based on nominations from parents, staff, and the community. September's awardees are:
- Parent Melanie Phillips for her work to change our driver education program. (See video above.)
- Kuna Middle School students Landin Toothman, Alex Toothman, and Addyson Martin
- Kuna Middle School teacher Adam Branstetter
- Hubbard Elementary School teacher Nichole Backhaus
- Hubbard Elementary School aide Jade Aberasturi
➡️ Find out more about the honorees here.
🗳️Nominate someone for the Kuna Way Award here.
📺Watch this part of the meeting here
Kuna board's legislative proposals get important endorsement
The Kuna school board is seeking changes to Idaho law to allow for impact fees for schools and other changes. As part of that work, it is seeking support from the Idaho School Board's Association (ISBA).
Under good of the order, Vice Chair Joy Thomas shared that ISBA's executive board reviewed the proposals submitted and gave all of them a "due pass" recommendation.
Next step? Trustees across Idaho will attend regional meetings this fall (Swan Falls will host one of the sessions in October) to learn more about Kuna's and other school board's proposals for changes.
In November, school board members vote on whether to support the proposals. Those approved will become part of ISBA's lobbying efforts with the Legislature.
➡️Review the ideas here.
📺Watch this part of the meeting here.
Physical conditioning program helping reduce injuries
Two years ago, the district implemented a strength and conditioning program for students. KHS Principal Dave Beymer shared that participation in the program has grown considerably with students making progress in key areas. He also shared that injuries have dropped significantly among athletes.
➡️ Review the presentation here, it begins on slide 6.
📺Watch this part of the meeting here
Other action from the September meeting
The Board
- awarded Cascade Enterprises the bid for the Hubbard Elementary School Replacement Project
- made note of a communication to the board regarding district policy
Next Meeting
October Meeting
Tue, Oct 11, 2022, 06:00 PM
Kuna School District, East Porter Street, Kuna, ID, USA
Hello Patrons!
The meeting was a lot of discussion all detailed in the newsletter.
Our community continues to grow, but we found ways to use funds we all ready have in place instead of an emergency levy to accommodate those needs. We continue to try to work with legislators to get impact fees for schools while trying to work with city council to implement ways to work together.
There was discussion around senior projects and how to make it more effective. That will be worked on and presented next year. The strength and conditioning program that was set in place has reduced injuries and helps our students in athletics. Brian Graves went over our facilities fees to research where we can improve or make adjustments. The district was awarded a grant to help fund new positions at our schools.
If you ever have any questions about anything in the meetings or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It is always good to come to a meeting to hear it In real time. My email is available to you knbruce@kunaschools.org
Have a great week!