Kiowa School Board In Their Own Words

Kiowa School Board Statements

1. “People who don’t vote for the new school bond debt are uneducated and uninformed.”1
2. “We need to have teacher buy-in no matter what system is put in place. Shift an “F” from 65% to 59%. Right now the administration is focusing on communication with students and parents.”2
3. “The question by the Board was where are we going to come up with any money for a waiver? We should just put in for a straight waiver and then change it later if we can.”3
4. “Since we failed the bond, the District needs to explain to BEST what we will do differently in order to secure the bond. Suggestions include that we give something back to the community by lessening the tax burden. We also can ask the BEST board for a waiver. Can we come up with some cash for the BEST Board to match? For every million we can raise, this drops one mill to the taxpayers. We must strengthen the community’s support. Why did people not support the bond?”4
5. “The District will be working with local developers on a “tax” on commercial businesses that come in.”5
6. “We need to fight tooth and nail to get the bond passed for a new school!”   “I believe every child should be able to get a free education.” “We only need to convince 4% of the voters to pass the new school tax bond.” 6
7. “Ms. Holmes felt she could use the student’s legal name on files but have a spot for preferred name. Should we notify parents on the preferred name? What happens if District does not adopt this? What are we doing fi the student wants to use a different bathroom. Last year we had this situation and we made special accommodations for the student.”7
8. “...we are required by state law to increase our mill by one mill every  year until we reach 27 mills. However, the District will not receive any more money as the State will take the money. All Board members stated Aye.”8
9. “Hargreaves re-assured staff and families of students that the administration and board will work for them to be successful through the 2025 grant process.” “We will not be 0-4. We are not giving up.”9

1Aug. 9, 2023 school board meeting my personal notes of comments by board President Bev Durant.

2Kiowa School Board minutes, Jan. 15, 2025, p. 5, VII(c), Eligibility for sports.

3Kiowa School Board minutes, Jan. 15, 2025, p. 5, VII(e), Eligibility for sports.

4Ibid, p.2 V.  Best update.

5Ibid.

6Superintendent Hargreeaves, public school meeting Aug. 23, 2023. My personal notes of the meeting.

7Sept. 18, 2024 school board meeeting minutes, p.5, VII(g).

8School board meeting minutes Dec. 13, 2023 p.6, IX, C.

9Ranchland News, Nov. 21, 2024, p.1 Administrators Encouraged.