Last week, the Minnesota Department of Education granted approval for Kimball Area Public Schools to start classes a week earlier than most other schools in the state. The request was made on the basis of last year?Äôs better test performance with more instructional days before state testing. ?ÄúThe Kimball Area School District has shown excellent academic gains,?Äù Commissioner Brenda Cassellius wrote in her approval letter. The authorization to start classes before Labor Day is good for three years, school years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20.
At its March 15 regular meeting, the Kimball School Board approved of the senior class taking off the last three days of school (contingent on all successfully completing coursework and assignments).
The board approved the resignation of Tracy Nelson, who has been out on extended leave, and Laurel Hunt, who has been on a phased retirement and will now retire at the end of this school year. Ms. Nelson?Äôs position as Ag Ed Instructor will now be filled permanently.
The board approved spring coaching assignments: Softball: Eric Primus (head), Gary Riess (Asst.), Whitney Hunt (Asst.), Brooke Merten (8th), Barry Strand (7th); Baseball: Adam Beyer (head), Blake Boran (Asst.), Zach Dingmann (JV), Jay Klein (8th), Jordan Schleper (7th); Track: Brianna Barrett (Asst.), Chris Rossman (Asst.); Golf: Zach Boser (head), Gerry Bahe (Jr. High).
Based on increased enrollment numbers, Kimball will now compete in sports in 2A. Activities Director Byron Westrich has petitioned the MSHSL for Kimball?Äôs football to remain in Class 1A; if granted (which is not very likely), that waiver would be for two years only. Spring sports are starting up well with 130 out for track (65 from Kimball), 45 in trap, and numbers are good for softball, baseball, and golf.
The Senior Class Day of Service will be spent April 19 in Champlin, packing food for charity. May 3 is Senior Night; they will attend a Twins game (vs. Oakland), and have a whole section to themselves.
Superintendent Jim Wagner continues to try to get a meeting with Sen. Michelle Fischbach and Rep. Jeff Howe regarding school funding.
They have settled on a plan for a 4,700-sq.-ft. building to be added to the school, essentially extending the Wirth Gym toward the west. This will be used for wrestling during that season, batting practice in the spring, and may be available for other purposes at other times of the year. The building is being donated by Legacy Building Solutions (Ben Fox). The wrestling boosters are working to raise funds for concrete and electrical work, and other needs.
The current concession stand will be replaced with a new one, with a 9-seat Press Box on the second floor (with no more roof access). The new building will be up to current code. Cost will be less than $50,000.
The Kimball Schools will have a booth in the April 1 Kimball Community Expo. P.I.E. (the elementary parent organization) will be invited to join them. Come by and check them out during the Expo.
(See full minutes of the school board meeting on page 11.)
The next meeting of the Kimball School Board will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 19.