#KSD Reimagine
Update from Kuna Superintendent Wendy Johnson
9.24.2021
In this update:
- Thrilled to do normal things in a challenging time
Good news coming on your school property taxes
- COVID Student and Staff Data Dashboards
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Thrilled to do normal things in a challenging time
Despite the challenges COVID presents, we are thrilled to have completed nearly a month of learning for students. Our teachers are digging into assessment data to understand where students are in their learning and what impact last year's disruptions may have had.
We're also excited for our fall traditions to return. They showcase your students' talents and help build our community connections.
It was thrilling to see our homecoming tradition resume last week and for our community to come out in support of our student athletes -- Go Kavemen!
And, we looking forward to other traditional activities returning:
- This Saturday, the Kuna Gold Band and Guard competes in Caldwell at 11:30 a.m. and Kuna's own invitational set for Oct. 2.
- On Monday, the 22nd Annual Kuna FFA Alumni Scholarship Auction will be held. There's more information below.
- KHS drama students will perform "Barefoot in the Park" 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5-6.
Good news coming on your school property taxes
Lost in the resurgence of COVID in our community and the conversations about mitigation strategies, was great financial news for our district.
Board pays down some bond debt early, saving $2.27 million
This summer our Kuna Board of Trustees approved paying off about $6 million in bond debt early. The long term savings from this "defeasance" is estimated to be $2.27 million.
No emergency levy enacted
I shared in a previous newsletter that our enrollment is up. It has increased enough that the Board of Trustees could collect an emergency levy to offset the cost of growth.
As we reviewed our federal funds and our careful management of our state funding, the Board determined that we could manage this growth within our existing financial resources -- without collecting this one-time, temporary tax.
Expect the school property tax levy to decrease
Last spring, when voters renewed our two year Levy for Learning at the same amount, we shared that we expected our school tax rates to remain the same or decrease.
We've filed information with our counties assessors offices. Preliminary indications are there will be a significant drop in your school tax rate. We'll share more in October.
Developer to donate 10.5 acres for schools
Our Board directed us to work with developers of new subdivisions to secure partnerships that reduce the cost of building new schools to serve additional students.
On Sept. 13, the Board approved a land donation of 10.5 acres for a school in proposed Seasons Creek subdivision. We appreciate developers making this investment in our schools rather than having to ask taxpayers to pay for land for new schools. This donation is contingent on the development becoming a reality.
School Board election Nov. 2
In Idaho, recent legislation changed school board elections to "odd" number years in November.
By law, elections for the five trustee positions are staggered so an entire board will not be on a single ballot.
Which Board of Trustees positions are on the November 2, 2021 ballot?
Trustee Zones 3 and 4 are up for election. Individuals elected would begin their four-year term in January 2022.
Who is running for the positions?
Zone 3 Candidates
- Sallie McArthur
- Eleanor Hurst
- Kyrsti Bruce
Zone 4 Candidates
- Kim Nixon
- Mike Ambler
Who can vote in the election?
Only registered voters who live in Zone 3 or Zone 4 may vote for the individuals running for trustee for their zone.
Idaho allows individuals 18 and older to register to vote on election day.
We've reached out to the candidates to get more information and will share when complete.
Superintendent Wendy Johnson
Email: ksdcommunications@kunaschools.org
Website: www.kunaschools.org
Location: 711 East Porter Street, Kuna, ID, USA
Phone: 208-922-1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kuna-Jt-School-District-No-3
Twitter: @Supt_Wendy_J