The Exira-Elk Horn/Kimballton School Board held a Public Hearing Monday evening, on the 2018-19 Budget. Superintendent Trevor Miller told KJAN News there were no comments from the public during the session. He said the tax asking for the coming school year is $12.09/per $1,000 taxable valuation, which is a little higher than expected, due to the budget guarantee which covers decreased enrollment, and, the General Obligation Bond. Miller says it’s still a decent tax rate compared to some of the districts around them. The tax is an increase of $1.42/per $1,000. After the Board approved the Budget, they discussed and approved several legal matters related to the bond, which was simplified for their approval, by work conducted through the District’s Attorneys.

Miller said also, the Exira-EHK Board approved renewing a contract with Marne-Elk Horn Telephone Company (METC) as the district’s telephone and internet provider. The Board also discussed matters pertaining to Transportation, such as the number of routes and what they will look like during the coming school year. He said they talked about ways of finding new and/or substitute drivers to replace those who may be retiring. The job of finding those drivers he said, is becoming more difficult due to scheduling and the hours.

And, the Board approved a reduction-in-force due to realignment of the buildings and decrease in the number of students, which resulted in the reduction of one-teacher from the staff.