School Matters 9/23/2024

2024

• Matt Bumgardner, Assistant Principal at Kimberly High School and Safety Coordinator for the District, presented and the Board approved the District’s Safety Plan for 2024-25. In his presentation, Bumgardner shared the areas of emphasis for the upcoming year, and detailed two new sections in the plan, including Large Event Emergency Plans, and an updated Threat Assessment Process.
  
• Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, requested and the Board approved the District’s bank depositories for 2024-25. The approved depositories include Associated Bank, the Wisconsin Local Government Investment Pool, WISC (Wisconsin Investment Series Cooperative) and BMO Harris Bank/PMA/Wisconsin OPEB Trust.
  
• Bob Mayfield, Superintendent, presented policies to the Board with technical changes. These changes do not alter a policy's intent, but rather enhance the quality and/or consistency of the policy. Technical changes do not require Board approval per bylaw 131.1.

• Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, reviewed the District’s 2023-24 financial performance and provided information on the development of the 2024-25 budget. She began by highlighting District and student achievements. Hansen underscored the fact that Kimberly Area School District is a high-achieving and low-spending district; the lowest spending in the region and significantly lower than the state average. Hansen indicated that the estimated property tax mill rate is expected to decrease this year. The full Budget Hearing presentation can be viewed in Boardocs.

• Hercules Nikolaou was nominated by the electorate to chair the 2024 annual meeting.

• A motion to accept the recommended guidelines for the annual meeting was approved by the electorate; minutes from the 2023 meeting were also approved.

• Mary Pribbenow, Board President, addressed the assembly by sharing an excerpt from a book. Although the writing was dated, she stressed the timeless relevance of its message regarding character. Pribbenow highlighted the vital role of education in shaping the future and explained how the District's belonging statement fosters character development in students. She also noted the District's increased focus on ATODA (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse) programs, emphasizing that student participation in these initiatives will further cultivate character. Reflecting on the District’s culture of Continuous Improvement (CI), she assured that the Board would continue to support policies promoting ongoing progress. Pribbenow also reaffirmed the Board's commitment to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. She concluded by expressing gratitude to Dr. Mayfield for his many years of service in the District and as Superintendent, praising his leadership and strong character.

• Bob Mayfield, Superintendent, addressed the assembly expressing pride in the community, students, and staff that make this an exceptional school district. He emphasized that Kimberly is a low-spending, high-achieving district, that excels in academics, arts, and co-curriculars. Mayfield pointed out that the Kimberly Area School District supports students, staff and the community by listening to concerns and addressing them. He cited a long list of accomplishments over the past year, including student achievement, facility improvements, and program additions. Mayfield indicated that although taxes continue to go down, financial challenges for the District may lie ahead. The District must find a way to manage financial challenges caused by declining enrollment, which directly affects revenue, in addition to increasing insurance costs, and other expenses. In closure, Dr. Mayfield reflected on his time as Superintendent and the accomplishments the District achieved during that time. He stated that he is most proud of realizing his goal of balancing academics, arts, and co-curricular successes. He then thanked the Board of Education for their unwavering support, recognizing them for the amazing work they have done together, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the District for 17 years, and pledging to be a "Proud Papermaker" for life.

• Becky Hansen, Executive Director of Business Services and Sustainability, presented the Treasurer's report, found on page seven of the annual meeting booklet. The report was approved by the electorate.

• The electorate approved a motion to maintain Board of Education salaries at the same level for 2024-25 and to authorize reimbursements. Board members receive $3,050 annually and officers receive $3,150 annually.

• The District’s tax levy in the amount of $17,697,222 was presented to the electorate by Board President Mary Pribbenow and adopted. The final budget and levy will be presented for final approval at the Board of Education meeting held on October 28, 2024.
  

• The date of the 2025 annual meeting was set for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:15 p.m.

• No old or new business was brought forth, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

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:

October 14, 2024

October 28, 2024

November 11, 2024

We are thrilled to invite you to the grand unveiling of our new, student-built construction and welding addition! This project has been a labor of love and learning, and we couldn't be more proud of our students who brought it to life.

Join us Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Get all the details on the formal invitation.

JR Gerritts Middle School students recently participated in the annual Run for ROCKS (Recognizing Our Committed Kids) event. This event is the first of many ROCKS events throughout the school year. The run/walk began outside of JRG and followed a two mile path to the upper pavilion at Sunset Park where participants gathered for a picnic celebration. During their Annual event, students (and even a few families) came out to get active and enjoy the outdoors. ROCKS is a group of students who are committed to taking positive steps to remain tobacco, drug and alcohol free. It was also an opportunity for students to support their classmates and their school and to act on their beliefs that life is better without alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Looking for more information on how to start a conversation with your kids? Check out our website for resources on alcohol, drugs, and vaping.

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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