We are disappointed that a June 7 annexation of a subdivision was approved despite our concerns presented to the city in their formal process. The district is asking the City to reconsider its decision. (See full letter below.)

At our June 14 school board meeting, we took action to support our work to advocate for our current and future students and our taxpayers by:

• investing in staff to represent our students' needs at every city meetings and to meet with developers;
• increasing funds for legal services that may be needed;
• pursuing changes to allow us to collect impact fees and other legal changes.

The Board does not oppose growth. We do believe that developers should help offset the impact of growth on our schools.

At the our June meeting we discussed topics for planned meeting with the City Council later this month. After the meeting, however, scheduling conflicts led to the meeting being canceled.

We encourage you to keep up on new developments in our community and reaching out to our city leaders to share your thoughts:

• Mayor Stear

• Greg McPherson, Council President

• Chris Bruce, Council Member

• Warren Christensen, Council Member

• John B. Laraway, Council Member

📺 WATCH THE DISCUSSION OF THE LETTER TO THE CITY

📺 WATCH THE DISCUSSION OF THE UPCOMING MEETING WITH THE CITY

The Board finalized plans for next year with the approval of the Master Agreement with teachers and 2022-23 Budget.

Some highlights:

• The state Legislature is providing more funding for schools with the increases earmarked for teacher, early literacy programs and employee health insurance.

• The funding allows for the district to improve pay of employees in this highly competitive job market.
• The teacher salary schedule will be increased by 4% resulting in average pay increases of about 6% depending on the individual teacher's experience and education.
• In addition, teachers who returned to work for us will receive a one-time $1,500 stipend.
• The district also will fund Year 2 of a four-year plan to improve our classified staff pay (office staff, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, etc.)

In 2022-23 Budget, the district will continue to follow Year 2 of a three-year plan to use federal pandemic funds to support students' learning needs and communicate with families. Highlights include:

• Continue 10 extra certified staff to help close learning gaps among students
• Add one K-5 Spanish-language certified staff member to help close learnings among English learners
• Provide substitute support for special education staff
• Continue five health aides
• Continue three instructional coaches
• Continue leadership stipends for teachers
• Launch a alternative and diversion program for grades 6-12 called "Bridges"
• Add a social worker
• Continue financial incentives for substitutes

📺 WATCH KUNA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION MASTER AGREEMENT PRESENTATION

📺 WATCH THE 2022-23 BUDGET PRESENTATION & HEARING

Superintendent Johnson shared that open administrative positions at schools and the district office were filled. She reviewed an updated school and district leadership chart for 2022-23.

📺 WATCH THE SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT

Assistant Superintendent Kim Bekkedahl shared there is new law enforcement leadership for School Resource Officers Sgt. Brian Keen. She is meeting with Sgt. Keen and Kuna Police Chief Mike Fratusco discussing the needs of schools and ways to increase SRO presence at our schools. The district will benefit from having Sgt. Keen dedicated to Kuna schools instead of sharing the position with another school district.

📺 WATCH THE REPORT ON SROS

Vice Chairman Joy Thomas updated the trustees on work on resolutions (proposed changes to in law or state policy) to submit to the Idaho School Board Association's membership for support. To date, she has secured a legislator to sponsor three of the five proposals. In July, the Board will consider proposals on:

• Allow school districts to access Impact fees from new development
• Restore state funds that were cut for technology, staff, professional development, and curriculum
• Improve funding for classified staff pay
• Count students who earn a GED toward a high school's graduation rates
• Update Statute 67-6513

📺 WATCH THIS DISCUSSION

Trustees approved the consent agenda which included:

• May 10, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes
• Accounts Payable
• Personnel Report
• School Financials
• Budget Status Report
• Early Graduation Request
• Public Records Request
• Trip Requests
• Project Tracker
• Community Development Tracker

• Bond Projects - Director of Student Services Brian Graves shared that a recommendation on the use of the last of the 2017 bonds will come after costs are finalized for projects previously approved by the Board
• Milk Bids - Trustees authorized the district to bid for milk and dairy products.