The Kimball teachers group voted 35-1 to take a one year pay freeze. This puts them in step with the administration group and with the classified employees who are also subject to a pay freeze for the coming academic year.
The freeze is brought about by a $633,000 cut in Kimball Public School funding for 2010-2011.
The teachers group benefit package will cover the increase in health insurance cost and teachers movement in the school district’s step/grade pay scale is not restricted.
Under the new wage agreement, pay scale for a school nurse could be increased if the nurse has a degree. The professional growth policy will also be reviewed.
Repair work at Mary Lynch Elem. School is underway. Needed painting at the school has been deferred several times but is now underway, with Superintendent Unzicker and his wife Susan, Technology Director Travis Terrill and Buildings/Grounds Director Duane Keller installing new windows around the main entrance and wielding paint brushes.
The hail storm of May 24 caused some damage at Mary Lynch. Four contractors were asked to bid on repair costs, with BAC being the sole responder.
BAC bid $31,277 to do certain work on the north and south sides of the school, plus some work around the main entrance. The bid figure is approximate as some details remain to be negotiated.
Much of the repair work will consist of covering front and bottom of exposed beams with PVC coated aluminum. Sides of the beams will be covered with vinyl. Window frames will be covered with the PVC coated aluminum.
Funds yet to be determined from a pending insurance adjustment plus some money from the Building Fund will be used to pay for the repairs.
The present windows and doors are responsible for considerable heat loss in winter. Significant savings on heating should be realized from the window improvement work.
The office entry foyer will be modified and improved.
The Unzickers are donating their labor to the good of the cause.
Troy Unzicker said, “It’s for the kids.”
The board passed several policies and made first reading of others.
The board reaffirmed the policy that requires eight semesters of attendance as a requirement for high school graduation.
The board also acted on policies concerning dating violence, tuition students, contracting for services, vehicle driver requirements, community relations, wage and deduction information, admission requirements, student attendance, student health, academic content standards and minutes of meetings. They also made changes to the student handbook.
The resignation of Pre-K teacher Susan Keller was accepted and the employment contract of Katherine Robinson (teacher) was approved.
Civics Teacher Jeri Ferguson reported that her students had composed and sent letters to the governor and the state senator discussing the state’s financing of public education. No replies have been received to date.
Next board meeting will be July 12 at 7:30 p.m. in City Council chambers.
