Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Superintendent, School Board Discuss Safety

More than 30 people packed into the two-hour Kimball School Board meeting on Monday, July 13, at the Kimball Jr/Sr High School.

Five of the six board members were present with Lynn Vogel absent but on a phone connection, although unable to vote on agenda items. Due to a conflict, Carrie Tabor, also a school district employee, was unable to vote on approval of the board bills and on the treasurer’s report.

The board bills were approved for payment, 4-0, but the motion to approve the treasurer’s report failed with Cook voting nay and Vogel absent, Tabor abstained, and Cornils, Norberg and Shoup voted aye.

A lengthy discussion was held in reference to a presentation from First National Capital Markets.

It was explained that over the next year they would provide budget analysis/budget projections, facility audit and comprehensive planning for the board and the superintendent. Later in the meeting the contract with First National Capital Markets was approved for Year 1 for $15,000.

In other business, New Superintendent Trevor Anderson held a healthy discussion and asked for guidance from the board on safety measures at school, in athletics and in the area of transportation. No decisions were made but a variety of topics were discussed as everyone is aware that the situation is fluid and changes weekly.

Anderson is in close contact with Panhandle Public Health District for direction on the COVID-19 situation.

Anderson also indicated that he wanted to delay the start of school for one day to give an additional day of in-service to teachers to provide information and training.

A Mary Lynch elementary teaching contract was approved for Mark Head.

The next regular school board meeting is August 10 at 6:30 although the board will be getting together for a work session tentatively scheduled for July 29.