The KASD meeting celebrated accomplishments and secured funding
The KASD (Kane Area School District) Board of Directors convened recently, where Superintendent Jeannine Kloss highlighted the success of Esser-funded (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) after-school programs. These initiatives, along with musical productions across various buildings, catered to the needs of over 200 students.
Among the diverse range of programs offered were Mindful Movement, spearheaded by Stephanie Chapman, aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being. Tracy Pierson led the Coin Club, providing students with an engaging platform to learn about numismatics.
Janine Smith and Mary Tunall coordinated the Rubik's Cube program, challenging students' problem-solving skills. For those inclined toward fitness, Darcy Fisher and Brandy
Schimp led the Kids of Steel Running Club, promoting health and endurance.
Tutoring sessions, crucial for academic support, were organized by Shannon Darr, Steve Bogel, and Jonah Davis, ensuring that students received personalized assistance. Josie Feikls guided aspiring writers through the Creative Writing program, nurturing their literary talents.
The rhythmic beats of the drumline resonated under the guidance of Henry Sobieski, providing students with an outlet for musical expression. Lastly, Kelly Johnson, Christa Buck, and Josie Feikls oversaw the reading competition, fostering a love for literature and critical thinking skills among the participants.
During the meeting, Kloss expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you to these faculty members and all of the advisors and coaches who supervise after-school op
portunities for our students." She emphasized the significance of these programs, acknowledging their role in keeping many students engaged in school and teaching them valuable lessons about community participation.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge Teacher Appreciation Week during the meeting, remarking, "This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. I just want to, once again, thank all of the individuals in our organization who are working to provide meaningful experiences for our students." She expressed pride in the Kane Area School District's resilience in overcoming the challenges of recent years. With confidence in the dedication of the faculty and staff, she stated, "I am so proud of the Kane Area School District and the way that we continue to work our way back from the challenges of the past few years. With the faculty and staff we have, I have little doubt that we will continue to move forward in the most positive way.”
Kloss took a moment to acknowledge Tracy Pierson's retirement after her 29 years of dedicated service. Pierson's departure from Kane Elementary
was met with a heartfelt sentiment, as Kloss expressed that Pierson's presence would be deeply missed. Kloss commended Pierson for her exceptional teaching abilities, noting that she not only imparted knowledge but also cultivated an environment where students felt cherished and secure, all while maintaining high standards and promoting accountability. Kloss concluded by stating that Pierson is undoubtedly deserving of this new phase in her life.
She extended her congratulations to Josie Feikls on her retirement after 18 years of dedicated service. Kloss praised Feikls for her ability to nurture talent and creativity in her students, acknowledging that Feikls has helped students discover abilities they might not have realized otherwise. Kloss expressed a sense of change for the middle school, acknowledging that Feikls's presence will be deeply missed. She concluded by wishing Feikls all the best in her future endeavors.
Kloss also reflected on Teacher Appreciation Week during the meeting, expressing gratitude toward the individuals in the organization who strive to provide meaningful experiences for the students. She conveyed
her pride in the Kane Area School District, noting its resilience in overcoming challenges faced in recent years. Confident in the dedication of the faculty and staff, she expressed optimism about the district's future, stating, "I am so proud of the Kane Area School District and the way that we continue to work our way back from the challenges of the past few years. With the faculty and staff we have, I have little doubt that we will continue to move forward in the most positive way."
The board of directors proceeded with their approvals, unanimously passing the first reading of Policy #202, titled "Eligibility of Nonresident Students," as presented.
The board of directors approved several key items, including the Success for All Foundations 2024-25 Service Plan amounting to $11,300, the 2024-25 Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit Nine Contract and Board Resolution for Support Services, and an Affiliation Agreement with the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work effective for five years. Additionally, they approved the Beacon Light Linkage Agreement for 2024-26, The Guidance Center's Project RAPPORT for
2024-25, and a Tuition Agreement with New Story for the 2024 Extended School Year. They gave their approval for the 2024-25 Dickinson Center Mental Health Specialist services contract for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools at $4,068 per month.
Furthermore, the directors approved the 2024–2029 Zito Voice Contract at $10,677 annually for five years. They also approved several software packages: Rubrik, providing one year of software and support totaling $3,754; Kami, offering
one year of software and support for a total of $3,461; Brain Pop, providing one year of software and support at a cost of $2,900; CBT Nuggets Training, offering one year of training software and support priced at $1,198; and Acadience/voyager Sopris Learning, providing one year of software at a cost of $3,889.
The directors also gave their approval for the bids pertaining to RFP (#2024-04) for the HS Stem Lab Renovation Project as presented: a general construction bid of $10,986 from Allied Systems, Inc., an
electrical bid of $17,600 from Allied Systems, Inc., and a flooring bid of $29,180 from Rhino Flooring of St. Mary's.
They approved two quotes totaling $343,358 from Pave Care LLC for the High School Paving Project.
The directors approved the $3,000 bid from American Athletix for the annual inspection of the middle and high school gymnasium bleachers, along with the high school sports complex bleachers. Additionally, they approved the Seneca Highlands Co-op bids totaling $47,643.