KINGMAN – The future of Palo Christi Elementary, changing attendance zones and a new principal were issues addressed during the Feb. 12 meeting of the Kingman Unified School District (KUSD) governing board meeting. District officials are in the very early stages of considering seeking voter approval of a multi-million dollar bond issue to refurbish the historic elementary school in downtown Kingman.
“Acquiring the funds necessary to remodel Palo Christi would no doubt require the approval of voters for a bond at either a special or general election, a potentially risky and costly proposition,” Rice said. “I’d also like to argue that we as a district don’t need Palo Christi to meet our enrollment demands.”
Board member Jenny Shumway also said she is against bond considerations. Superintendent Roger Jacks said he is inviting bond and political consultant specialists to present to the board during their March 5 meeting. He said information they provide may help the board reach a bond-related decision in April.
The District also plans to change attendance boundary areas to shift students to alleviate crowding at some school buildings. Those changes, to be implemented at the start of the next school year, will be presented during a parent information town hall meeting scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 at Hualapai Elementary School.
The board also approved a committee recommendation to transfer Scott Taylor from Manzanita to Lee Williams High School where he’ll serve as principal at the end of June. “I’m thrilled with the opportunity,” Taylor told board members. “I’m looking for a new challenge and I love what Lee Williams has to offer. It’s an amazing school with an amazing staff and I feel very fortunate to be chosen.”
Taylor succeeds Gretchen Dorner who is being promoted to Superintendent as Jacks retires. – Dave Hawkins
