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

Supply Chain Delays Slow HVAC Upgrades At Schools

Supply chain issues continue to plagued the HVAC project at both Mary Lynch and the Kimball Jr/Sr High.

The Kimball School Board heard at its regular August meeting that neither building is expected to have air conditioning by the start of school, although according to Jacob Hurla from Community Building Solutions, Labor Day is the next target date for the arrival of key components for some of the HVAC systems.

Aug. 31 will end the school’s fiscal year and Superintendent Trevor Anderson’s financial update reported that 70.38% of the budget has been spent with 8% of the year remaining. Therefore, 29.62% of the budget has not been spent. The current cash balance in the General Fund is $2,582,772.

In addition, Anderson’s update reported that all of the ESSER I, II and III funds have been expended by the end of this fiscal year. “The ESSER funds were used for cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, Chromebooks, enhancing wireless connectivity, online curriculum for students, interactive panels for all classrooms, and HVAC renovation currently ongoing at the facilities.”

The board approved the amended VALTS agreement and as well as a fee change for adult lunches. The state Department of Education recommended the increase for adult lunches, and the price went from $3.75 to $4.25. This was the only 2022-23 fee change.

In other action items, the board reviewed and approved with no changes the School Wellness Policy 505.07, which provides curriculum, instruction, and experience in a health-promoting environment to instill habits of lifelong learning and health.

Jennifer Griebel was appointed to the Kimball Public School Board to fill the board vacancy. Albert Hargreaves was elected as the new vice president due to the vacancy left by the resignation of Matt Shoup.

On the school board’s meeting calendar is the NASB Area Membership in Gering on Aug. 29.

The board budget work session is Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Kimball County Transit Service.

On Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. is the Tax Request Hearing followed immediately by the budget hearing in the meeting room at the Kimball County Transit Service. The regular board meeting will be Sept. 12 following the tax request and budget hearing.