District overview
Kim School District 88
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
Who runs Kim School District 88 and how is it paid for?
Kim School District 88 is a very small rural district in Las Animas County with about 25 students. A five-member elected board (President John Cranson) meets monthly, usually on the third Tuesday, with Superintendent Chris Locke and the business manager Kacie Crowder. Funding comes from the state per-pupil formula, local property tax and a bond; the board said the district has both a general fund levy and a bond levy. The board's small size means single items such as a $5,000 shot clock or a $7,500 audit are discussed in detail.
Health costs
The CEBT renewal rose 13%; one-person PPO cost went from $938 to $1,038 a month. The board agreed to pay $1,107.40 for full-time staff for 2026-27 and a health stipend of 75% ($830) for others.
Superintendent pay
The 2026-27 superintendent contract includes an 8% increase and was approved 5-0 on May 19, 2026.
Audit
The board approved John Cutler to do the 2025-26 audit for no more than $7,500.
State requirement
Colorado House Bill 25-1135 required a student cell phone policy; the board adopted JICJ on May 19, 2026.
The minutes reviewed do not include the adopted budget totals; the FY27 budget resolution was discussed on June 16 but its figures are in attachments that were not readable.
Where the district stands
Major projects
Student cell phone policy (JICJ)
adopted May 19, 2026The board reviewed state-required options in March, held the first reading in April and approved the second reading in May. A Colorado Sun interview about cell policies was on the June agenda.
- Policy options reviewed (HB 25-1135)
- First reading, tabled to May
- Approved 5-0
Funding
No cost stated
Building and equipment upkeep
ongoingThe board approved air conditioning and a toilet replacement at the staff house (up to $6,500), a $2,600 shot clock, banners, propane and fuel bids, and discussed painting the school and septic systems.
- Shot clock purchase approved
- Staff house air conditioner and toilet approved up to $6,500
- Air conditioning reported installed; propane and fuel bids
- Painting the school discussed
Funding
District funds (shot clock $2,600 plus up to $6,500 for the staff house work)
Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Built from board agendas and approved minutes posted in the district's public Google Drive folders (November 2025 to September 2026) and the district website.
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