Kenowa Hills board approves drinking-fountain purchase and three schools-of-choice resolutions

The Kenowa Hills Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 24 approved a $47,339.45 purchase of new drinking fountains and water-filling stations funded by the Filter First Grant, and adopted three schools-of-choice resolutions laying out the district’s enrollment participation for 2025–26.

Member Courtade moved to approve the Filter First purchases, and Member Gustinis supported the motion; the board voted 5-0 to carry the action, using Report #25-018. Finance Director Gilchrist was present for the facilities item. The board separately approved the consent agenda, which included the Feb. 10 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes.

On enrollment policy, Superintendent Hopkins had previewed that schools-of-choice items would be on the evening’s action calendar. The board approved a resolution to opt out of the State Schools of Choice Section 105 program for 2025–26 (Report #25-020) and, by separate votes, approved participation in the Kent ISD Collaborative Schools of Choice Program (Report #25-021) and the State 105c Schools of Choice Program (Report #25-022). Each resolution was moved by Member Courtade, supported by Member Gustinis, and approved 5-0.

The board also approved a City of Walker request to strike delinquent personal-property taxes (Report #25-019) by voice vote, 5-0. No public comments were received during the meeting. President LaBotz adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m.

Next steps: the board listed future meeting dates, including a Committee of the Whole workshop on March 10 and regular meetings through May 19.