Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Survey Results Favorable, But Much Remains To Consider
Results from the survey on whether Kimball Public Schools should move to a four-day school week were shared with the Kimball School Board at its meeting on Monday evening.
The results from students, staff and parents were favorable, although lots of questions remain before any decision will be made.
Superintendent Trevor Anderson stressed that the school district wants to do what would be best for the students of Kimball County.
During the public comment period, Laura Perry spoke on the issue. Perry favored the four-day week, but was concerned that 15.4% of the student population faces food insecurity.
The discussion on the four-day school week will continue, and options will be investigated.
Good news was shared about how well the school district did in the state ratings.
The AQuESTT rating for the Kimball district was released in November by the Nebraska Department of Education, and the district was rated as a “great” district. Mary Lynch was rated as a “great” school, the Junior High achieved an “excellent” rating, and the High School was considered “good.”
Anderson commended the students and staff for their efforts over the past year toward achieving the ratings.
Anderson’s financial update reported that 19.62% of the budget had been spent, with 25% of the fiscal year completed. The current cash balance in the General Fund is $2,416,899.85.
Principal Amanda Culek reviewed events at Mary Lynch. On December 20 is the annual Holiday Family Style Breakfast, and the Elementary Christmas concert is on December 19.
As the year winds down and the holidays are just days away, Jr. High/Sr. High Principal Danielle Reader said that the students and staff will attend the Goodhand Theatre on December 20 for a movie, and then their traditional family-style lunch will complete the day.
In action items, the board approved the audit for 2022-23. Trevor Schuessler from Rauner & Associates, P.C. presented the fiscal year audit and answered questions from the board. Over the past four years, Schuessler said that the Kimball district has improved its financial stability, and audit recommendations have been accepted by the district.
The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2024, in the KCTS meeting room.