KSD3 News
Weekly Update from Superintendent Wendy Johnson
1/27/2023
In this update:
- π€ Working together to reduce the impact of growth on our taxpayers, our kids
- πͺ Continuing the conversation & work to help support our kids
- π Superintendents' Council discusses facilities, calendar & policy process
- ποΈ Looking ahead in our schools
π€ Working together to reduce impact of growth on our taxpayers, our kids
As I've been speaking with many parents and patrons about the bond, several have asked how our work is going with impact fees. (Idaho does not require developers to pay impact fees for schools.)
More than five years ago, our school board took on the David vs. Goliath fight of trying to change state law to provide impact fees for schools. They've gained the support of all the school boards in Idaho for this change -- but convincing state lawmakers remains a challenge.
In the spring of 2022, the Board met jointly with Mayor Stear and the Kuna City Council to discuss how we could work together.
It's been nearly a year since that meeting, and I appreciate that we've formed "Kuna Partnership for Kids." Under this partnership, Mayor Stear, Trustee Russ Johnson, KSD's Director of Strategic Partnerships Danielle Horras, Director Brian Graves, Principal Robbie Reno, our attorneys, and I meet most weeks.
We've drafted proposed changes to the law and are working to find legislative support.
While we know that impact fees won't solve all of the issues with keeping up with growth in our community, we do want to do whatever we can to offset the costs as much as possible to our patrons.
β‘οΈ How can you help? We'd appreciate it if you would contact your state lawmakers to encourage them to change the law to allow schools to receive impact fees. Find your lawmaker at this link.
πͺ Continuing the conversation & work to help support our kids
The past two days, our secondary students and our community heard a powerful message from former Drug Enforcement Agency officer Rocky Herron about helping our students choose their future.
He shared information about the challenges -- social media pressure, higher potency drugs, easy access to drugs, and more -- that our youth face that are impacting their mental health and well-being.
Some feedback we've received from parents about the presentations:
β"My 13 year old, who is usually not one to sit and talk a lot about school, had SO much to say about Rocky speaking to them. I feel like I played it off as just really interested and a chill mom but in my head, I was so so excited. For my teen to have a want to lead the conversation with the family about this focused topic was amazing. The speakers just have been so great to get their message across. It was a nice moment and I'm glad they made the effort to come to schools."
β"This was a great presentation! I like how he didnβt sugarcoat things and showed these kids the real facts."
"βThis was an amazing assembly. All the students around me had their eyes opened, and some of us had tears flowing. Thank you for bringing this to our district."
β"My kids said it was very powerful. Tonightβs parents' night was awesome. I learned a lot I didn't know."
β"My daughters are in high school and said 'Wow, Mom I knew there were drugs, but I didn't realize all the different kinds. It's so sad what drugs can do to babies that broke my heart."
β‘οΈ What's next? These presentations are thanks to the work of our Superintendent's Advisory Council. These dedicated volunteers urged us to help parents and our community understand the pressures on our youth. They also wanted to make sure our community has access to information about resources to support families. This important collaboration is also a part of our strategic plan. The council and staff working on these projects will meet to plan the next steps of this effort.
β‘οΈ Getting help. Last week, I shared information on a new Student Family and Assistance Program (SFAP) offered by BPA Health and Central District Health Department. This free program can be accessed at 833-935-3816 or https://www.bpahealth.com/sfap-home/
πΊ Where to watch the presentations
We appreciate E3 Church providing the streaming of presentations for the community and Kuna High School. Links below.
π Superintendents' Council discuss facilities, calendar & policy process
Earlier this year, the group brainstormed topics to discuss. This meeting was focused on facilities and the school calendar and schedule. Their feedback will be provided to committees working on these concerns. Many solutions to issues are identified in the March 14 bond.
We also shared the idea to start a Policy Committee to assist the board to update existing policies and consider new policies. A board policy committee typically involves staff and board members.
With input from the Superintendent's Advisory Council members and educators, I am envisioning something a bit different that would be a collaboration among board members, parents, teachers, staff, and possibly some students to review and make recommendations to the board.
The board will discuss the idea of a Policy Committee in our February 14 board meeting.
β‘οΈ What's next: The Superintendent's Advisory Council meets on Feb. 27 at Kuna Middle School and will discuss student supports and school culture.
ποΈ Looking ahead in our schools
- Jan. 31 - Kuna Middle School parent group bond information meeting, 6 p.m.
- Feb. 2 - Kuna Community Classified teaching certification information night, information above
- Feb. 7 - Negotiations meeting
- Feb. 8 - Calendar Committee meeting
- Feb. 8 - KHS Valentines Variety Show
- Feb. 14 - Kuna Board of Trustees meeting
- Feb. 16 - Kuna Chamber of Commerce - March 14, 2023 Bond Presentation, 11:45 a.m.
- Feb. 16 - Virtual Community Meeting March 14, 2023 Bond Presentation Q&A
- Feb. 20 - No School: President's Day
- Feb. 23-25 - KHS Musical Monty Python's SPAMALOT
- Feb. 27 - Kuna College & Career Fair
- 5 to 6:30 p.m. Parents & Students - 5th-8th grades
- 6:30 to 8 p.m. Parents & Students - 9th-12th grades
- Feb. 27 - Superintendent's Advisory Council meeting
- March 1 - Facebook Live - March 14, 2023 Bond Presentation Q&A
- March 2 - All district choir concert
- March 3 - Last day to request a mail in ballot
- March 4 - HOSA Daddy Daughter Dance
- March 7 - Negotiations meeting
- March 7 - All District band concert
- March 8 - Calendar Committee meeting
- March 8 - Freshman Pathways Showcase Night
- March 13 - KHS Spring Choir Concert
- March 14 - KHS Spring Orchestra Concert
- March 14 - Election Day
- March 14 - Kuna Board of Trustees meeting
- March 20 - Superintendent's Advisory Council
- March 27-31 - Spring Break