School Matters 10/28/2024

October 2024

• Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, presented the final 2024-25 Budget and school district tax levy for approval. Hansen indicated the most notable changes in the levy were due to higher equalized value than anticipated, as well as an unexpected increase in enrollment numbers. She also revealed that despite an increase of 30% in private school vouchers, the overall tax rate will decrease again this year. Hansen shared that private school vouchers continue to have a significant impact on the tax rate; over the last ten years, the portion that has gone to private schools is $4.9M where the public school’s portion has increased by less than $1M over the same time period. Tax details can be found on the District website on the Business Services page. Changes in the budget include fund 10 revenue and expenses, as well as special projects budget, cooperative program budget and the community service budget. The Board voted to certify the levy in the amount of $17,740,981, which is a $408,000 decrease from 2023, and to approve the revised 2024-25 budget. Hansen's presentation can be found in the meeting agenda in Boarddocs.

• Bob Mayfield, Superintendent, presented the 2024 School Violence Drill reports for approval by the Board. The reports are required annually and are prepared by Matt Bumgardner, Assistant Principal at Kimberly High School, and Safety Coordinator for the District. The Board approved the reports as presented.
• Bob Mayfield, Superintendent, presented the first reading of changes to policies 2131 - Educational Outcome Goals and Expectations; 3431/4431 - Employee Leaves; 5330 - Administration of Medication - Emergency Care; 6423 Use of District Credit Cards; 8500 - Food Services; 8510 - Wellness; 8531- Free and Reduced Priced Meals; 8540 - Vending Machines; 8600 - Transportation; 8660 - Transportation by Private Vehicle for District - Sponsored Activities or Trips.

More information about this meeting, including agendas, approved minutes and policy changes can be found on Boarddocs. For more information about upcoming board meetings, go to the District website.

Upcoming Board Meetings:

November 11, 2024

November 25, 2024

December 9, 2024

As a Semifinalist Benjamin has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Semifinalists are selected based on their excellent performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Commended students Jax, Colton, Tyler S. and Tyler V. represent more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the high scorers and are recognized for their outstanding ability and potential for academic success. Although Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates for Special Scholarships offered by corporate sponsors.

Eighteen Kimberly Area School District students have been selected for the 2025 All-State Choirs by the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association (WCDA). The All-State Choir celebrates some of the state's best young singers. The event is open to students from fourth grade through college and is part of the WCDA Conference in January. Students are chosen based on director nominations and should be trustworthy, skilled musicians who demonstrate academic prowess, intrinsic motivation, and focus in rehearsal. Congratulations to the students listed below for pursuing excellence in the arts!

The All-State Choirs will perform in January; the public is invited to attend. More information can be found at https://www.wischoral.org/all-state.

MAPLEVIEW

Lorraine Haase

Ruby Kuchler

Allison Kunst

Nora Meyer

Bentley Neils

Gracelynn Schmidt

WOODLAND

Jacob Gralapp

Cora Lang

Connor Lindenstruth

Nancy Jo Wilson

JRG

Addysen DePrycker

Zachary Mentzel

Fletcher Retzlaff

Sofia Riabov

KHS

Aiden O'Rourke

Winter is right around the corner. If weather conditions dictate that there will be no school or a delayed start, a decision to keep the schools closed is usually made by 6:00 a.m. Parents with students in school receive a direct call, text and/or email from our autocall system through Infinite Campus since that is the fastest way to communicate with thousands of parents at one time.

As a reminder: If you have a new phone number or email address, please update your information in the Infinite Campus parent portal or contact your school’s secretary to update the portal. Weather alerts and school closings are sent as “General Notifications.” Announcements are also sent to local T.V. and radio stations. Our website and Facebook page are not our primary way to communicate closures. Please listen to the auto-call messages or tune in to local media outlets rather than calling the school directly.

Kimberly Area School District
425 S. Washington St
Combined Locks, WI 54113
Phone: (920) 788-7900
Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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