The Knoxville School Board met in regular session Thursday. The board approved a resolution to approve the official Abstract of Votes from the special school facilities improvement vote on March 3rd, approved a resolution to formally close all school buildings, cancel all school-based activities, and waive the 1,080 instructional hours in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in conjunction with the State of Iowa’s recommendations. They approved an employee emergency leave proposal to create paid employee emergency leave available to all employees from March 23rd through April 10, 2020. The board approved a budget guarantee resolution that will levy property tax for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the regular program budget adjustment. Superintendent Cassi Pearson told the board the budget guarantee allows districts a one year window to maintain the previous years funding so districts can make plans on how to make cuts. Pearson says it was recommended to every school district in the state to pass the resolution, so if the district fits certain criteria they can access the funding next school year. 

They approved the 2020-21 certified budget for publication. As well as set a public hearing for April 13th, 2020 for the 2020-21 certified budget hearing. 

The district also announced Thursday, they will be providing free meals to all students starting Monday March 23 through Friday, April 10th. The program will be extended if school remains closed longer than this timeframe. The meal sack will contain both breakfast and lunch. Pick up will occur in the student parking lot of the high school from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM. Parents and or students are asked to use the west entrance on Willetts Drive only. The pick up lanes will then exit onto Madison Street. Students do not have to be in the vehicle. Parents are asked to fill out a quick survey to help with headcounts by click here: https://forms.gle/CRdSrbqUJuv34jSu7