Kenowa Hills board adopts operating norms, approves summer tax levy and $16,732 truck-lift purchase

Kenowa Hills Board of Education members voted unanimously Nov. 27 to adopt new board operating norms, approve a resolution to levy 100% of summer taxes in 2024, and authorize a $16,732.50 lift purchase for a district box truck.

The actions came during the board’s regular meeting at Kenowa Hills High School. Member Courtade moved to approve the agenda at the start of the meeting; Member Danielle M. S. Roberts supported the motion and the board approved it 7-0.

The board then approved the Consent Agenda on a motion by Member LaBotz, seconded by Member Courtade. The consent package included the Oct. 9 Committee of the Whole minutes, the certified staff personnel report, and several policy additions and revisions: Policy 1540 (Administrative Staff Reduction/Recalls), Policy 2370.01 (Online/Blended Learning Program), Policy 7217 (Weapons), Policy 7540.03 (Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety), Policy 8305 (Information Security), and Policy 8531 (Free and Reduced Price Meals). The motion passed 7-0.

On Report #23-058, Member Courtade moved and Member Danielle M. S. Roberts supported adoption of the proposed Board Operating Norms; the board approved the norms 7-0. Member LaBotz moved, with Member Courtade supporting, to adopt Report #23-059, a resolution indicating Kenowa Hills will continue to levy 100% of summer taxes in 2024; that resolution also passed unanimously. Later the board approved Report #23-060, authorizing purchase of a new lift system for the district box truck from Hoekstra Equipment using Capital Projects funds for $16,732.50; Member LaBotz moved and Member Courtade seconded, and the motion passed 7-0.

The board noted that Superintendent Hopkins and district staff would follow up as necessary on any items requiring further administrative action. The meeting also listed upcoming dates including a Dec. 11 special meeting for the superintendent evaluation, a Dec. 18 regular meeting at the middle school and a Jan. 8 organizational meeting at the administration building.

Votes at a glance

• Approve agenda — Motion by Member Courtade; second Member Danielle M. S. Roberts; vote 7-0 (approved). • Consent Agenda (minutes, personnel report, policies 1540, 2370.01, 7217, 7540.03, 8305, 8531) — Motion by Member LaBotz; second Member Courtade; vote 7-0 (approved). • Adopt Board Operating Norms (Report #23-058) — Motion by Member Courtade; second Member Danielle M. S. Roberts; vote 7-0 (approved). • Summer tax levy resolution (Report #23-059) — Motion by Member LaBotz; second Member Courtade; vote 7-0 (approved). • Box truck lift purchase, Hoekstra Equipment, $16,732.50 (Report #23-060) — Motion by Member LaBotz; second Member Courtade; vote 7-0 (approved).

The board adjourned at 7:45 p.m.