District focuses on auditorium renovation

The Kimball Board of Education considered additional renovation to the Harry E. McNees Auditorium, built in the 60s, at the recent board meeting.

Part of the renovations have already begun, and been completed, as Kimball High School Principal Eugene Hanks reported that the stage at the auditorium is finished.

Hanks added that Gene Mohr's residential construction class plans to complete the baseboard around that stage.

With the work that has already been completed, further renovation is required, including lighting, seating and the back doors, according to Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Elizabeth Owens.

"What we are considering is a committee to look at everything the auditorium needs," Owens said. "I think the board is well aware that the auditorium is in need of several items."

She continued that replacing the back door would enable props to be moved in and out easily and added that lighting and seating is likely original to the building.

"Considering our budget, which is quite tight, this may be a long-range plan for us. It may be a renovation that will take place over three or four years," Owens said. "But what we can do, as a committee, is look at all the things that need to be done, prioritize those and set target dates for each of those."

The district missed the opportunity to host the district contest for One-Act plays, but the set-up at the auditorium doesn't allow for smooth transitions as it lacks a staging area.

"Bridgeport hosted it, and then we hosted the track meet by ourselves – which we are supposed to co-host with Bridgeport," Hanks explained. "Their facility is set up better to accommodate One-Acts."

Owens added that potential renovations may open up new funding opportunities.

"That's another thing that will be good if we can all come together and decide on what we want to achieve and how much it is going to cost for each piece," Owens said.

The board also heard from Jamie Soper, Special Services Director that Challenge Day was an incredible experience for students and staff.

The district is currently considering ways to maintain the positive impact throughout the school year.

"I have thank you notes galore on my desk, and these kids just spill on the impact this had on their life," Soper said.

Other discussion before the board includes:

*Intervention period is having a huge impact with a reduction of students on the intervention list from 68 last year to just 20.

*99 percent of the students at the junior and senior high school participate in the random drug testing, with just one student not participating.

*Kimball School Board received the NASB Presidents Board Award.

*Kimball Schools received recognition of accreditations and approval of Early Childhood Program.

*Three new Kindergarten students moved into the district last week.