School Board, Student Settle

The Kimball School Board met in regular session on Nov. 15, and under discussion items, a notice of settlement claim was read regarding injuries that student Derek Kauffman sustained.

The notice reads as follows:

“Kimberly Kauffman and Steve Kauffman individually and on behalf Derek Kauffman asserted a claim for damages arising from injuries Derek Kauffman sustained from an accident that occurred on April 22, 2021, while Derek Kauffman was a student at Kimball Public Schools and a settlement was reached. A full release of liability has been executed in exchange for a lump sum settlement of $800,000 which will be paid by NASB-ALICAP, Kimball Public School’s risk liability pool. A copy of the settlement agreement will be available upon request at the meeting.”

There was no discussion after the statement was read, and no one asked for a copy of the agreement.

Other discussion items included information on the superintendent evaluation, board self-assessment, and the annual review of KPS Safety and Security Plan.

Esports is now officially an extracurricular activity at Kimball High School. The board approved Esports and also approved using federal funds to purchase eight computers, which will be used for Esports but also used during the day for students in specific classes.

Action items on the agenda were the approval of Kenneth Smith to fill the board vacancy left by the resignation of Albert Hargreaves. Smith had a previous engagement, and his absence was excused.

With the absence of Hargreaves, the board elected a new vice president, Jennifer Griebel.

In an update on the school improvements, Jacob Hurla from Community Building Solutions reported to the board that he could see the finish line for the HVAC project. Last week and this week were huge in gaining on the heating units and overall project. Hurla said, “There is lots of noticeable progress.”

The switchgear continues to be a problem, as it was delayed again, but is scheduled to be shipped on Dec. 3. Hurla estimated that the project is 97% completed.

Principal Amanda Culek provided her written report to the board members and explained many of the items. Mary Lynch had 95.4% of parents attending Parent-Teacher Conferences. The increase in attendance was due in part to parents choosing an available time.

Culek announced students and teachers of the month. During October, awards were presented, including honor rolls and perfect attendance, but the Life Skills Honor Roll was a big hit as 77 students in K-6 received this special award.

Many other activities are going on at Mary Lynch, and a special five-week tutoring session for 42 Mary Lynch students will begin soon to help improve reading.

Assessment director Heidi Chesley reviewed the first set of test scores with the board. The test scores have not been released to the public.

The next meeting for the Kimball School Board will be on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kimball County Transit Service building.