District halts Kanab High School HVAC project due to presidential administration cuts
- Tracy Hiscock
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the first reimbursement for the Kanab High School (KHS) HVAC project in the amount of $200,696.52, it was announced at the April 8 meeting of the Kane School District. This amount was spent for architectural plan preparation for the project, to replace the outdated coal fire boiler system with high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rooftop units and controls at KHS.
During an online meeting held on April 7, along with other DOE Renew America’s Schools grant recipients nationwide, the district was informed that the current presidential administration is continuing to cut key staff employees, including those who have been overseeing this grant program. The grantees were advised to halt all project expenditures, due to severe uncertainties as to the future of these grants, which were created under the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The school district had planned to go out to bid in mid-March 2025, but has not. It will wait, as advised, to hopefully be able to determine if the DOE grant funds of $5.7 million, awarded to the district, one of only 24 schools districts in the country, will still be given. Business Manager Cary Reese immediately notified the architectural firm to halt all work on this project and to bill the district for all work done in April through April 7. It was noted that Kane District was fortunate to have its first expenditure on the project approved for reimbursement, and that some other grantees are not being reimbursed for their expenditures, some of them substantial.
The Guidance Counselors of Kanab Middle School (KMS), (KHS) and Valley High School (VHS) gave comprehensive reports on their schools’ counseling programs during the work meeting. The board also recognized the 2025 Sterling Scholars from Valley High School, presenting them each with a $100 check for their participation. During the public comment part of the meeting, a group of KHS students addressed the board. seeking to start a tennis club/team, to begin in the fall of 2025. They noted that over 20 students are interested. The board is supportive of providing more opportunities for students, and Superintendent Ben Dalton noted the need to gather information on the number of interested students, possible cost of busing and more, to facilitate this as a new student activity.
Superintendent Dalton commented on the success of the Concurrent Enrollment Program. He noted that last semester Kane District students earned over 1,200 college credits. Welding, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Cosmetology programs are also available to district high school students. Dalton reported that district 3rd Grade Reading scores are above the state average.
Dalton gave a legislative update to the board. He reported that the governor vetoed Senate Bill 37, which would have required that local property tax funds be routed through the state general fund, rather than going directly to the school districts. The State Auditor, State Board of Education, the Utah School Boards Association, and the Utah School Superintendents Association were all opposed to the bill, for many varying reasons.
The Utah Legislature passed House Bill 381, which now requires Utah high school students to complete a one-credit course on American Constitutional Government and Citizenship for graduation, increasing the total social studies requirement from 3.0 to 3.5 credits. This bill also removes the requirement of a simple Civics exam. House Bill 447 expands the types of courses that can qualify for art credits.
Dalton also updated the board on Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) actions. Esports will start as a sanctioned activity next school year. The season will be from January to April. The UHSSA recently voted to raise ticket prices for its events beginning in the fall of 2025.
The school board approved Student Activities Policy FF involving extracurricular activity and student conduct, School Trust Land Plans, Policy GA Public Information Program Public Records, Policy GAA Government Data Privacy and one overnight request for the VHS Golf Team. It approved the hiring, subject to a successful background check, of the following persons: Nicolai Fischer as a teacher at Lake Powell School, Chelcie Cox (VHS Fitness Room Supervisor) and Tracee Heaton and Julie Nelson as substitute teachers. Congratulations to all.
