Welcome to the Kirtland Schools’ Key Communicator e-newsletter. We hope to use this tool as a two-way form of communication to share the good news going on in our classrooms, and also provide you with facts in the event of negative situations. We hope you will act as informal communications liaisons with the community and let us know what you’re hearing so we can proactively provide you with the facts of what’s happening in your schools. Thank you for your support!
KIRTLAND LOCAL SCHOOLS UPDATE 4/4/23 The Board of Education meeting on April 3, 2023, started with recognizing students and staff. Mrs. Denton (grade 5) and Ms. Hedger (intervention specialist at KMS) earned continuing contract status in the district and Mrs. Filla was approved for the full time guidance counselor position at KES. Louka Babic was also recognized for being a state qualifying wrestler. Superintendent Report: Mr. VanArnhem reported to the Board and community: He emphasized that safety continues to be at the forefront of daily operations. Drills, procedures and physical measures are in place The district has a variety of programs in place to support students Students, staff, and families- if you see something suspicious or concerning, say something immediately to school staff/administration or law enforcement. We have an SRO on campus; we also have had an increased police presence from KPD on campus interacting with students throughout the school year. Quarterly safety meetings take place with the school district staff, Kirtland Police Department and Kirtland Fire Department.
Students from the Kirtland Key Club attended the Ohio Key Club District Leadership Conference in Columbus this past weekend where they participated in leadership workshops and service projects. Kirtland won first place for their promotional video submission. Club president Maya Hill was named "Distinguished Club President." Liz Aranavage and Maya Hill won 1st and 2nd place in the Oratorical contest. Ohio District Key Club scholarships were awarded to Mia Osborne, Liz Aranavage, and Maya Hill. They were a part of creating 6108 meals for the Syria and Turkey earthquake victims A very sincere thank you to Kirtland Kiwanis for their ongoing support to help make this trip happen for our students!
Our theater group has been working hard on their play, “Pirates, Papers and Plunder.
The Kirtland Local Schools will be on the ballot for a renewal levy on May 2nd. The ten year emergency operating levy generates around $1.5 million each year and is approximately 10% of the total budget. No new taxes. This levy will go towards daily operating expenses like: Direct Classroom Instruction Student Services (ie-Nurses, Counselors, Media Specialist) Well-Rounded Extracurricular Programs Safety and Security Transportation for grades K - 12
Mr. VanArnhem will be delivering the State of the Schools at the Community Center on April 25th at 12:30 pm. Mr. VanArnhem shared that on March 23, 2023, he was made aware that there were concerns with the design for the rainwater management system that will be underneath the turf field. This proposed design will add a significantly increased cost and add additional construction time to the project. An independent civil engineer was immediately brought in for consultation after this concern was brought to the district’s attention. The district is being proactive to find solutions to improve the scope of the work, drive down the cost and keep to the project timeline.
Highlights of Board Action: The Board voted to approve a backup system for the district Google drives and also the purchase of 200 student chromebooks to keep with the replacement cycle of devices. ___________________________________________________________________________ The Kirtland Local Schools are known for academic excellence and strong community support, and have been recognized nationally and statewide for educational achievement. The district also maintains a long tradition of distinction in a variety of extracurricular activities. The Board of Education provides open and thoughtful fiscal management of the community’s investment in the school district’s high quality educational program by ensuring every dollar spent benefits students and the community. The Kirtland Local School District is located in Lake County and serves the City of Kirtland and most of the Villages of Kirtland Hills and Waite Hill, and small portions of Willoughby and Chardon Township. Board notes and agendas can be found on the website at www.kirtlandschools.org. |