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District

Thank you volunteers; addressing a rumor

Posted Date: 9/09/24 (6:30 PM)

Kim Bekkedahl
Kim's Corner
Update from Kuna Superintendent Bekkedahl
September 9, 2024
Members of junior ROTC carry US Flag for ceremony
Policy and law enforcement stand saluting flag
student fans dressed in red white and blue at a football game
Kuna families & community

It was great to see a wonderful turn out for the 3rd Annual Military and First Responder Appreciation Night at the Kuna High School Friday. Thank you to the organizers!
high school football player with his elementary school mentee
The Tribe helps connect our students
New this year is “The Tribe,” a mentoring program that partners younger students with members of the Kuna High School football team. It’s great to see these positive connections being built among our youth and shout out to new head coach Beau Smith for launching this program
Several adults and children making repairs on a school playground
Community volunteers spruce up campuses
We also appreciate the work of volunteers Saturday at Silver Trail, Ross, and Reed elementary schools. Dozens of volunteers from the Kuna Idaho East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as part of a day of service spruced up the campuses! 
Cheerleader megaphone
Celebrate our teachers, staff
Our staff loves serving our students and families. Want to help us celebrate them?
Cartoon figures whispering with words Rumor Patrol
Rumor Patrol: No district administrative cuts?
We want to address a rumor that no cuts were made in district administrative positions or pay. This isn’t true.

What’s happening? 

The district is adapting to a nearly $6 million reduction in funding over two years.

The first year of cuts of about $3 million and we implemented this school year. Those cuts included eliminating five district administrative positions including: Director of Strategic Partnerships, Communication Specialist, Office Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, and when I assumed the superintendent’s role I kept many of the responsibilities from my previous position.  

The duties of the positions eliminated were spread among district administrators and directors. Titles were changed to assistant superintendent for two district administrators reflecting the expanded roles and responsibilities, pay for those individuals did not change. All district administrators and directors received no pay raise for 2024-25. 

The second round of proposed cuts totaling more than $3 million starting in the 2025-26 school year were reviewed with the school board in August.   

At that meeting, the board approved a supplemental levy for voters to consider on Nov. 5 to maintain 37 teachers, add 6 teachers and fund some technology and textbook replacements. Legal disclosure: The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $65.48 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.


 
Looking Ahead
  • Sept. 10: School Board meeting
  • Sept. 27: Homecoming football game 
  • Sept. 30: Kuna FFA Auction
  • Oct. 4 & 7: No School (Students)
  • Oct. 8: School Board meeting
  • Oct. 10: Middle School Fall Parent Conferences
  • Oct. 11: Deadline to pre-register for Nov. 5 Election 
  • Oct. 16-18: Elementary Parent Conferences
  • Oct. 21-Nov. 1: Early in-person voting for the Nov. 5 Election 
  • Oct. 24: High School Fall Parent Conferences
  • Oct. 25: Deadline to request a mail in ballot for Nov. 5 Election
  • Nov. 5: Election Day
  • Nov. 12: School board meeting
 
In case you missed it
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