Hunsaker exits board, local ranchers donate meat for meals

The Kimball Board of Education began their regular meeting with an exit speech from longtime board member Jared Hunsaker and heard about a new program that bridges the local ranching community and school district.

Hunsaker, whom the board honored for five years of service, is exiting his position on the board early as he and his family will be moving out of state. His board position would not have come up for re-election until 2020.

"I appreciate you guys and the efforts you have made. I think the board, right now, is awesome. I think we have a wonderful mix of personalities, likes and dislikes," Hunsaker said. "I just want to thank you guys, both as professionals, and as my friends. I consider all of you guys my friends and I appreciate that."

With Hunsaker's exit, board member Carrie Tabor was nominated for board treasurer and Heather Norberg as secretary. Both were elected into those positions at a special board meeting called for the purpose of filling those positions.

Director of Food Services, Danessa Terrill, reported to the board that the district will begin the Farm Bureau program, Farm to School, which has met with some success in neighboring Banner County.

"Local ranchers from our community will donate a beef to our school, we will have that processed into ground beef, mostly, and that will feed our kids in the school district," Terrill said.

Farm Bureau is facilitating the beef donations, according to Terrill, and she will work with Kimball superintendent Marshall Lewis for rancher recognition.

"Our first beef goes up (for processing) August 18," Terrill said.

Four applicants will be interviewed for the open board position during a special board meeting scheduled for Monday, August 22. The next regular board meeting will be September 12 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.