As we greet an influx of new students, our district is in a unique position. I am happy to report that we are able to use one-time federal funds instead of an emergency property tax to help with the increased costs that come with more students. (More on that below.)

Earlier this month, I appreciated the opportunity to hear from patrons at the community meeting on work under way to update our 10-year Capital Plan and to identify which projects to consider asking voters to support. It was important to me to hear from community members. I appreciate the community members who came and participated in the evening activities. Due to the growth in our community the board will need to plan ahead for the increase of new students. If you haven´t had a chance to provide feedback, please feel free to use the following link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KSDCapitalPlan2022

Superintendent Wendy Johnson shared that the district's enrollment has grown nearly 2% and gained more than 100 students from a year ago. The growth would qualify the district for a one-time emergency property tax of more than $642,000. The Superintendent said rather than use the emergency tax, the district will use one-time federal funds and grants.

➡️ Review enrollment data here

➡️ Review information about emergency tax here

📺 Watch this part of the board meeting here

Director of School Support Services Brian Graves reported on the use of the district's fields, playgrounds, gyms, and other buildings to support City of Kuna, community-based non-profit youth sports groups, for profit-youth sports groups, and more. He outlined which groups pay for use and the rental process. He noted the first priority are school activities. The district will be working to research fees used by other school districts to update Kuna's policies.

➡️ Review information about community use of district facilities here.

📺 Watch this part of the board meeting here

Swan Falls and Kuna high school Principals Robbie Reno and Dave Beymer reported that after working with parents and staff they restructured the senior project required of all 12th graders to graduate.

They shared that the work to update graduation requirements started last spring will continue this year. The goal is to bring a recommendation to the school board to consider later this school year.

Trustees provided feedback about senior math requirement and ensuring students graduate with financial literacy skills.

➡️ Review the presentation slides here

📺 Watch this part of the board meeting here

Assistant Superintendent Kim Bekkedahl shared the district was awarded an Idaho Department of Health & Welfare grant for more than $362,000 to help fund a variety of new positions such as an additional nurse, social worker, and counselor to serve students. Positions will be advertised and Kim will work with school leaders to identify where to place these key support personnel.

➡️Review the grant award letter here

📺Watch this part of the meeting here

During the school year, the Board recognizes individuals with the Kuna Way Award based on nominations from parents, staff, and the community. September's awardees are:

• Parent Melanie Phillips for her work to change our driver education program. (See video above.)
• Kuna Middle School students Landin Toothman, Alex Toothman, and Addyson Martin
• Kuna Middle School teacher Adam Branstetter
• Hubbard Elementary School teacher Nichole Backhaus
• Hubbard Elementary School aide Jade Aberasturi

➡️ Find out more about the honorees here.

🗳️Nominate someone for the Kuna Way Award here.

📺Watch this part of the meeting here

The Kuna school board is seeking changes to Idaho law to allow for impact fees for schools and other changes. As part of that work, it is seeking support from the Idaho School Board's Association (ISBA).

Under good of the order, Vice Chair Joy Thomas shared that ISBA's executive board reviewed the proposals submitted and gave all of them a "due pass" recommendation.

Next step? Trustees across Idaho will attend regional meetings this fall (Swan Falls will host one of the sessions in October) to learn more about Kuna's and other school board's proposals for changes.

In November, school board members vote on whether to support the proposals. Those approved will become part of ISBA's lobbying efforts with the Legislature.

➡️Review the ideas here.

📺Watch this part of the meeting here.

Two years ago, the district implemented a strength and conditioning program for students. KHS Principal Dave Beymer shared that participation in the program has grown considerably with students making progress in key areas. He also shared that injuries have dropped significantly among athletes.

➡️ Review the presentation here, it begins on slide 6.

📺Watch this part of the meeting here

The Board

• awarded Cascade Enterprises the bid for the Hubbard Elementary School Replacement Project
• made note of a communication to the board regarding district policy

• approved, its consent agenda including
• August 9, 2022 Board Meeting Minutes
• Accounts Payable
• Personnel Report
• School Financials
• Early Graduation requests
• Budget Status Report
• Project Tracker
• Community Development Tracker
• Bids for Sports Medicine storage shed