The Exira-Elk Horn Kimballton School Board, Monday night, went over the 2019-20 Certified Enrollment numbers, and approved an Early Retirement Plan for the 2019-20 School Year. Superintendent Trevor Miller told KJAN News the Certified Enrollment numbers are essentially unchanged from last year. Miller said their actual count – which school funding from the State is dependent on – was 422.3, down from 427.21, or down 4.91 students this year. He said actual number of “Butts in seats” (students the District is serving), is 372.9, compared with 377.41. That’s a decline of roughly 4.51 as of Oct. 1st. Miller said they actually gained five students after the count was certified, so they are about where they thought they would be.

He said they would probably be down 10 or 11 student next year because of graduation. They’ve set their budget over the past few years in anticipation of the drop. The Board also approved the District’s Certified Annual Report (CAR). Miller said the good news is that their General Fund is up $300,000 from the start of last year to the end of last year, which was also factored into the budget.

In other news, the Exira-EHK Board also approved an Early Retirement Plan. They will offer 75% of salary for Certified and Classified Staff. 11 personnel are eligible, who if they elect to take Early Retirement, will received 75% of their salary next July, A meeting will be held next Monday to plan and set the dates for eligible staff. After that, those personnel have 45 days to make their decision, which allows the District the opportunity to begin the search for replacement staff. Miller says about three-or four veteran teachers who have served the District for anywhere from 25-to 30 years, and the District wants to reward them for their time.

Miller also reminds District patrons to get out and vote during the City/School Elections, on Nov. 5th.