Kimball superintendent Jim Wagner met last week with Ben Fox, a Kimball alum and president/CEO of Legacy Building Solutions north of Kimball.
Fox suggested the possibility of Legacy donating a tension fabric building to the district, to house a fitness center and/or wrestling area. (This would in turn free up areas in the school to accommodate more Industrial Arts programming.)
Talks are very preliminary, and the size and configuration of the building are nowhere near agreed upon. We do know that the proposed building would be attached to the high school along the wall of the new gym, and possibly wrap around that corner in an ?ÄúL?Äù shape. The roof would slope away from the brick of the high school.
A tension fabric building, according to Fox, would easily last 20 to 30 years. It is well insulated and energy-efficient. Legacy?Äôs international headquarters and all their manufacturing buildings are tension fabric buildings (located just off Hwy. 15, north of Kimball).
The cost to the district ?Äì for a concrete slab, electrical and plumbing, permits, etc. ?Äì would be about $150-200,000. The value of the donated building, which would be manufactured to specifications, would be about the same.
Much discussion needs to happen yet on this topic, including how to pay for the school?Äôs portion of the cost. Anyone interested and able to donate professional services can contact Wagner at the Kimball district office. Ideas and donations will be welcomed.
Kimball superintendent Jim Wagner presented to the school board a possible donation to the district: a custom tension fabric building from Legacy Building Solutions. Staff photo by Jean Doran Matua.
Future of P.I.E.
Carrie Lyrek addressed the board about P.I.E. (Partners In Education), the elementary parent group. She reminded the board that P.I.E. just approved last week to spend about $1,400 on needed books and seating for the elementary library, plus a set number of books for each student. They contributed $8,000 for 20 iPads this year, and will purchase another 10 iPads next year.
As much as they contribute to the schools in Kimball, the future of P.I.E. is in doubt. The core members of P.I.E. have kids who will be moving up to the high school next year. New people are needed to step in. (P.I.E. meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday each month, in the ES library. They next meet March 13.
Robotics
Coach Kevin Kieke reported to the board about the Robotics team. Two weeks ago they won the state title from among 200-some teams. Some of the schools with whom they competed, he pointed out, have Robotics as part of their curriculum.
The world competition is April 19 in Louisville, Ky. The trip has been planned economically, with the team driving down, making one overnight stop along the way, and staying in a house rented through Air BNB (instead of hotels and eating out). There is a GOFUNDME page for the team, and some donations have already been pledged (Harvest Bank for one). Donations will be welcomed.
Kieke explained that he set up the Robotics team like a small business, with 25 distinct positions.
Other business
Wagner reported that whooping cough, flu, and colds are going around at the elementary school.
MDE has not yet approved of the school?Äôs early-start calendar for 2018-19.
Wagner presented the pros and cons of College-prep and AP (Advanced Placement) vs. College in the Schools at the high school. Kimball uses College-prep and AP, but those fees will double by 2021, to $36,000 per course per semester. AP is preferable, because the credits are accepted nationally. CIS may be more economical, but acceptance of CIS credits are at the mercy of individual colleges.
Wagner also discussed continuing to pay part of the community billboard on Highway 15, and changing it to reflect Kimball?Äôs growth. The billboard costs $2,500 a year, which is split with the Chamber.
The Governor?Äôs proposed budget may mean an additional $121 per pupil for FY 2018, and another $124 in FY 219.
Minutes of the Feb. 15 school board meeting can be found on page 11.