The KISD board of trustees is from left: Ronnie Anderson, Rick Mann, Paul Lanham, Stephen Szymczak, Georgan Reitmeier, Steve Smith, Jim Cain and Bill Pilkington.[/caption]

Big decisions made in 2015

Bond approval The board approved the projects for the $498.1 million bond referendum, which was approved by voters in May. The bond package includes funding for High School No. 5, Intermediate School No. 10 and Elementary School No. 33.

French Elementary School zoning With French Elementary School opening last August, the board approved new zones for district elementary schools, which affected Hassler, Kuehnle, Metzler, Mueller, Northampton, Schultz and Zwink elementary schools.

Pay raises Because of a projected $32 million increase in property tax revenue, the KISD board funded a 4 percent salary increase for its staff and increased the employer contribution to employees enrolled in the TRS Active Care health plan.

Top issues for 2016

Superintendent search With Superintendent Jim Cain set to retire at the end of the school year, the board is tasked this year with appointing his replacement.

Attendance zone boundaries Committees have helped the district craft new zoning plans to accommodate Mahaffey Elementary School—set to open in 2016—and High School No. 5—set to open in 2017. Residents can provide input on the zoning options, which are available on the district’s website, through Jan. 29. The board will vote on the zones at its Feb. 8 meeting.

Academic performance The district continues to strive for academic achievement despite significant growth, changing demographics and an increasing number of economically disadvantaged students.