HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-2014 Minutes Regular MeetingDr. Charles J. Shackett, Superintendent Marjean McConnell, Deputy Superintendent
3497 North Ammon Road, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401 (208) 525-4400 Fax (208) 529-0104 www.d93schools.org
Board of Trustees Annette Winchester Kip Nelson Amy Landers Brian McBride Jeff Bird
Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Regular Meeting
May 14, 2014
7:00 PM
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Winchester called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Those Board members in attendance were Chairperson Annette Winchester, Vice-chairperson Kip Nelson, Treasurer Amy Landers, Trustee Brian McBride, and
Trustee Jeff Bird. Others in attendance were, Superintendent Chuck Shackett, Deputy Superintendent Marjean McConnell, Director of School Improvement and
Technology Scott Woolstenhulme, Director of Human Resources Shalene French, Chief Financial/Operations Officer April Burton, Community Relations Liaison
Wendy Norman, Principal Doug McLaren, Director of Operations Todd Hicks, Director of Plant Facility/Purchasing Roger Hill, Energy Education Specialist Don
Trauntvein, Principal Terri Beseris, Principal Lanie Keller, Principal Jeanie Johnson, Principal Elisa Saffle, Principal Heath Jackson, Principal Ken Marlow, Principal
Tom Gauchay, Principal Oliver Roberts, Principal Dan Page, Principal Kent Patterson, Principal Brady Johnson, and Board Clerk Valerie Messick.
III. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors
Chairperson Winchester welcomed the following boy scout, Wyatt Loftus from Troop 414, Julie Briggs, Brenda Curtis, Rodd Rapp, Jared Stutzman, Brian
Stutzman, DeVere Hunt, Yvonne Mollher, Megan Busath, Quin Briggs, Stephanie Gifford, Dale Mortimer, Ryan Loftus, Paul Fairbourn, Jeff Fullmer, Tami Barber,
Emilee Barber, Trisha Anderson, Layne Barber, and Becky Foster.
IV. Amend the Agenda
Chairperson Winchester read the motion and order to Amend and asked for a motion to amend the Agenda as stated.
MOTION: Amy Landers made the motion to amend the agenda as stated. Kip Nelson seconded. The vote was 5 in favor with 0 opposed and 0 abstentions Motion
passed.
V. Consent Calendar
A. Minutes of previous meetings
1. Executive Session 04-09-2014
2. Regular Meeting 04-09-2014
3. Work Session 04-16-2014
4. Executive Session 04-23-2014
5. Work Session-Special Meeting 04-23-2014
6. Executive Session 04-30-2014
7. Work Session 04-30-2014
B. Accounts Payable
$6,114,065.09
C. Capital Construction Projects Report
D. Proposed Contracts
1. Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
2. Galusha, Higgins, Galusha
E. Conditional Employment
Amanda Allen Falls Valley Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Abby Annis District Office Payroll Clerk 4/14/2014
Lori Biggs Bonneville High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Christopher Boettcher Summit Hills Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Nielsen Burch Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 8/25/2014
Melissa Cline Hillview Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Hannah Collins Falls Valley Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Kimberly DeArton Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 8/25/2014
Rebecca Denning Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Alisha Doty Cloverdale Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Lizet Flores Custodial Department Part-Time Custodian 4/21/2014
Valerie Flygare Telford Academy Classroom Aide 5/5/2014
Janette Gambrel Ucon Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Brooke Goddard Rocky Mountain Middle School Teacher 8/25/2014
Jessica Gomez Ucon Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Cori Green Woodland Hills Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Caytlyn Griggs Maintenance Department Summer Grounds Crew 5/7/2014
Susan Grover Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 8/25/2014
Erica Harris Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Taff Hathaway Falls Valley Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Angela Haynes Discovery Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Sarah Hendry Falls Valley Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Leslie Hill Fairview Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Pamela Hodge Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Katie Killpack Iona Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Myriam Lopez Bridgewater Elementary ESL Para 4/7/2014
Shannon Lords Hillview Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Daniel Lundquist Woodland Hills Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Ashlee Maes Hillview Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Brett Patterson Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Laurise Price Ammon Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Elizabeth Rice Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Claudia Rivas Falls Valley Elementary Playground Assistant 5/6/2014
Jessica Roadhouse Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Bobbie Roberts Woodland Hills Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Brenda Stegelmeier Fairview Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Sheryl Stetz Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 8/25/2014
Jared Stucki Maintenance Department Maintenance Personnel 4/1/2014
Spencer Trauntvein Maintenance Department Summer Grounds Crew 6/9/2014
Catey Walton Iona Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Jessie Ward Rocky Mountain Middle School Teacher 8/25/2014
Richard Ward Maintenance Department Summer Grounds Crew 5/7/2014
Kaye Lynn Warner Bonneville High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Kelly Warren Bonneville High School Part-Time Cook 4/22/2014
Michelle Watson Cloverdale Elementary Teacher 8/25/2014
Kirstin Wheeler Hillcrest High School Teacher 8/25/2014
Lyle Woolstenhulme Maintenance Department Maintenance Personnel 4/14/2014
F. Resignations and Terminations
Kari Augustus Mountain Valley Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Robin Barklund Hillcrest High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Kellie Bell Woodland Hills Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Burton Berrett Bonneville High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Burton Berrett Bonneville High School Boys Basketball - Varsity Asst. 6/6/2014
Matthew Bowles Custodial Department Custodian 4/30/2014
Mary Campbell Fairview Elementary Elem Media Para 6/5/2014
Stacy Campbell Fairview Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Brenda Chamberlain Food Service Department Cook 6/5/2014
Scott Coats Hillcrest High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Michael Corbett Hillcrest High School Counselor 6/6/2014
Emilie Cornell Hillcrest High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Deborah Davis Sandcreek Middle School Special Ed Para 4/18/2014
Jared Emfield Lincoln High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Arlene Fullmer Food Service Department Cook 5/8/2014
Brandi Garcia Special Services Department BI/PCS Paraprofessional 4/23/2014
Josh Graham Technology Department Technician 4/30/2014
KaDee Greer Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 6/6/2014
Michelle Hadley Ammon Elementary Early Childhood Para 5/6/2014
Kimberly House Cloverdale Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Tess Larcade Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 6/6/2014
Heather Lassle Falls Valley Elementary Special Ed Para 4/11/2014
Keith Leppert Hillcrest High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Terri Liddle Falls Valley Elementary Playground Assistant 5/9/2014
Carrie Mackowiak Falls Valley Elementary Title One Para 4/18/2014
Katie McKeown Mountain Valley Elementary Resource Room Teacher 6/6/2014
Lindsey Merrill Special Services Department School Psychologist 6/6/2014
Arli Olson Falls Valley Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Lori Orme Food Service Department Manager 5/8/2014
Jill Patton Woodland Hills Elementary Principal 7/21/2014
Kathy Perry Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 6/6/2014
Whitney Prince Ucon Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Lisa Richards Mountain Valley Elementary Counselor 6/6/2014
Tyler Richins Hillcrest High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Tyler Richins Hillcrest High School Assistant Football Coach 6/6/2014
Tyler Richins Hillcrest High School Assistant Wrestling Coach 6/6/2014
Jessica Riding Rimrock Elementary School Teacher 6/6/2014
Megan Schiers Falls Valley Elementary Title One Kindergarten Teacher 6/6/2014
Donalyn Skidmore Bridgewater Elementary Playground Assistant 5/6/2014
Sara Storms Cloverdale Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Crystal Taylor Falls Valley Elementary Playground Assistant 3/26/2014
Michael Thayer Custodial Department Custodian 4/29/2014
Brittany Thomas Mountain Valley Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Jagoda Urban Klaehn Bonneville High School Teacher 6/6/2014
Valerie Waite Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 6/6/2014
Rein Weil Sandcreek Middle School After School Music Para 4/14/2014
Karlene Welker Rocky Mountain Middle School Computer Lab Para/ ISAT Coordinator 3/28/2014
Shelley Williams Food Service Department Cook 6/5/2014
Heidi Winchester Hillcrest High School Teacher 6/6/2014
G. Retirements
Linda Bate Summit Hills Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Lorraine Bolton Iona Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Leslie Bonney Woodland Hills Elementary Special Ed Para 6/5/2014
Marlene Grimmett Sandcreek Middle School Media Specialist 6/6/2014
Judy Herbst Iona Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Loa Jenkins Bridgewater Elementary Early Childhood Teacher 6/6/2014
Jackie Lowry Hillview Elementary School Elem School Secretary 6/13/2014
Carolyn Moore Falls Valley Elementary Teacher 6/6/2014
Janet Rawson Mountain Valley Elementary Special Ed Para 6/6/2014
Judith Rosenberg Transportation Department Bus Driver 12/20/2013
Marcia Snowden Sandcreek Middle School Teacher 6/6/2014
Brenda Storer Hillview Elementary School Resource Room Teacher 6/6/2014
Susan Watson Bonneville High School Teacher 6/6/2014
H. Transfers
From: To: Effective Date
Alta Brundy Cook at Food Service Department Playground Assistant at Rimrock Elementary
Brandy Garcia BI/PCS Para at Cloverdale Elementary BI/PCS Para at Mountain Valley Elementary
Denise Hope Cook at Food Service Department Menu Planning Clerk at Food Service Dept.
Laurie May Tracker at Hillcrest High School Bookkeeper at Hillcrest High School
Kenneth McKeown Autism Para at Discovery Elementary Autism Para at Summit Hills Elementary
William Stewart Teacher at Mountain Valley Elementary Teacher at Summit Hills Elementary 8/25/2014
Ted Stillman Special Ed Para at Tiebreaker Elementary Special Ed Para at Ammon Elementary
Megan Wilmot
BI/PCS Para at Mountain Valley
Elementary BI/PCS Para at Cloverdale Elementary
I. Alternate Graduation Requests
1. Hillcrest High School Students
2. Lincoln High School Student
3. Bonneville High School Students
4. Technical Careers High School Students
J. Early Graduation Requests
Hillcrest High School Student
K. Hillcrest IEP Route to Graduation
L. Bonneville IEP Route to Graduation
M. Proposed Stipend Assignments
Terri Guymon Bonneville High School Ballroom Dance Advisor
Matt Look Hillcrest High School Head Volleyball Coach
John Tucker Bonneville High School Head Basketball Coach
N. Emergency School Closure - Woodland Hills - May 9, 2014
O. Trip Requests
1. BHS Spanish Club/FHLA to travel to Hogle Zoo/Aquarium in Salt Lake City Utah - May 17, 2014
2. Bonneville and Hillcrest Music Students to travel to Boise - May 2, 2014 to May 3, 2014
3. Bonneville High School HOSA to travel to Orlando Florida - June 23, 2014 to June 29, 2014
4. Hillcrest High School HOSA to travel to Orlando Florida June 24, 2014 to June 29, 2014
5. Bonneville FCCLA to travel to Boise April 10, 2014 to April 12, 2014
6. RMMS National History Day Qualifiers to travel to Washington D.C. June 15, 2014 to June 19, 2014
7. SMS Honors Western Hemisphere-Honors Language Arts to travel to Washington D.C. June 14, 2014 to June 19, 2014
8. RMMS Honor Society to travel to Lava Hot Springs June 2, 2014 to June 2, 2014
P. Approve Bus Bids
Q. Approve Surplus Items
R. Approve Hillcrest High School and Bonneville High School use of football equipment for summer programs
S. Approve Bonneville Education Foundation Member Recommendation
Chairperson Winchester asked if any Board member would like to remove any item from the Consent Calendar to the regular agenda. Mr. McBride had a question
regarding the trip requests. The Spanish club had no indication about needing District funding. If it is not checked, they don’t need any District funding. Mrs.
Landers had a question regarding the bus bids. She wanted to know why the document was showing bids from two different places. Mr. Hicks explained that the
low bid was indicated as the one the Board is requested to accept. The document is showing both bidders. He always tries to solicit bids from all three national
companies. One declined because of the specifications. Mr. Hicks always includes all information so the Board is well informed. Chairperson Winchester asked if
there were any other questions from the Board. Hearing none, she then asked if there would be a motion with regard to the Consent Calendar.
MOTION: Kip Nelson made the motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Brian McBride seconded. The vote was 5 in favor with 0 opposed and 0
abstentions. Motion passed.
VI. New Business
A. Recognize Bonneville High School Art Students - Heath Jackson, Dale Mortimer
1. Amber Knighton - Best of Show - Helen Aupperle Art Awards 2014
2. Rebecca Hansen - First Place - Congressional High School Art Competition – Congress Simpson's District
3. Nicole Cushman - Marie Walsh Sharpe Award
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Jackson and Mr. Mortimer to introduce the Bonneville High School Art Students to the Board. Mr. Jackson stated that it is a
privilege to introduce Mr. Mortimer. His students have had a great year in the fine arts area and they have earned many awards. He then turned the time to Mr.
Mortimer to introduce his students to the Board. He had the three girls come forward and bring their artwork. Nicole Cushman is a junior and won the scholarship
from Marie Walsh Sharpe. The foundation is in Colorado Springs and they put on a two-week workshop. .They take 60 students from the Continental United States
and she qualified as 1 of 4 from the Intermountain West. They pay all their expenses. It was a great honor to participate in that workshop. She showed her piece of
artwork. Rebecca Hanson won the Congressional Award and her work will be displayed in the Nation’s Capital for a year. The theme is “Idaho the Great
Outdoors.” Rebecca showed several of her pieces of art since the winning piece is on its way to Washington D.C. Amber Knighton is a senior. She entered the City
of Idaho Falls Inner City Contest for seniors only. She won Best of Show and a $500 award. Amber also showed several pieces of her artwork. These are gifted
and great students and they all have a at least a 3.8 GPA as well.
B. Recognize Jared Stutzman - High Country Conference player of the year and 4A State Player of the Year - Heath Jackson and Coach Brian Broaddus
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Jackson to introduce Jared Stutzman to the Board. Mr. Jackson stated Jared is an outstanding basketball player and young
man. He has received recognitions for all four years that he has played varsity basketball for Bonneville High School. He is the leading scorer with more than 1250
points and has never missed a game. He led the Bonneville Bees to the state tournament and they received the 3rd place trophy. He has received several
recognitions. He has been named the Post Register Area Player of the year, High Country Conference Player of the Year, and the $A State of Idaho Player of the
Year. This has been an outstanding season for a great young man. He will continue his basketball career at the University of San Francisco, after returning from
his LDS Mission. Mr. Jackson appreciates Jared as a role model and the fact that he has taken the opportunity to lead on and off the court.
C. Recognize Coach Brian Broaddus - High Country Conference Coach of the Year - Heath Jackson
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Jackson to introduce Coach Broaddus to the Board. Mr. Jackson stated that Coach Broaddus wasn’t able to be in attendance
tonight. He has been an outstanding coach for Bonneville basketball the last two years. Mr. Jackson reported that Coach Broaddus has accepted a new job in
Oregon so he can be closer to his family. He was named the High Country Conference Boys Basketball Coach of the Year this past year. Mr. Jackson appreciates
his efforts and direction in guiding the basketball program and will let Coach Broaddus know of the Board’s appreciation.
D. Classified Employee of the Year - Todd Hicks
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Hicks to present the Classified Employee of the Year to the Board. Mr. Hicks stated that it is a privilege to present the classified
employee of the year. They had 22 nominations. He then introduced Robyn Love. She has been with the District for 22 years. She has an Associate’s degree and
has a lot of accomplishments. She is an aerobics instructor as well as involvement in Sounds Choir. There were too many to mention. Mr. Hicks worked with her in
the late 80s and could always go to Robyn for guidance. Mr. Jackson stated that he appreciates the opportunity to recognize an outstanding employee. Robyn has
given guidance and direction to him this first year as a new principal. She has been a great support and made the job a smooth and easy transition. She supports
the students and is in attendance at all their activities. She is an intricate part of the school. We really appreciate Robyn. Mr. Hicks presented a few tokens of
appreciation. He presented a bouquet that was created by the assistant to the Director of Operations. Mr. Hicks also presented a plaque and a monetary award.
He stated that her packet is well done and includes a list of her many accomplishments. Robyn stated that she is honored to be chosen and appreciates the
support and thanked everyone for thinking of her. This is the best District in the world. She sees the kids often in other venues and they come to say hello. It is
great to get to know that you make a difference. She introduced her husband Dennis, son Jeremy and wife Tiffany, daughter Adrienne, and three of her 24
grandchildren who were in attendance to support her tonight.
E. Recognizing Renaissance Model and Master Classroom Certifications - Scott Woolstenhulme
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Woolstenhulme to present the Model and Master Classroom Certifications to teachers. He stated that we are excited to
recognize the teachers for the 2nd year. These 54 teachers have achieved Master level or Model level in their classrooms. He introduced Brenda Curtis and Julie
Briggs who will introduce the principals who will in turn introduce teachers from their building. Ms. Curtis stated that teachers who received this award are super
heroes. The program shoots out assignments so the teacher has to teach different lessons during the day. There is great effort and time involved to get the kids
trained to use the program. Ms. Briggs recognized those who are on the national honor roll. They each receive a tee-shirt and a banner for their classroom. Many
have a collection in their classrooms that celebrates the success they have had. Mr. Art Hood qualified in 5 of the 6 areas. There were 125 tee-shirts earned
District-wide. She thanked the teachers for helping students grow. Ammon: Courtney Clark qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Bridgewater, Terri Beseris:
Tonya Simms qualified for AR Model. Cloverdale, Jeanie Johnson: Lora Bogt, Patricia Dixon, LaFay Obehansley, and Pamela McMullin qualified for AR Model,
AR Master, AM Model, and AM Master. Connie Ferguson qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Katharine English qualified for AR Model. Julie Brooks a nd
Aubrey Hobbs qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Discovery, Ken Marlow: Janet O’Rullian qualified for AR Model, AM Model, and AM Master. Sherry
Martineau and Heidi Patience qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Karlie Olsen qualified for AR Model and AR Master. Fairview: Beverly Fox and Char Dawn
Willis qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Brett Bird qualified for AR Model and AM Model. Andrea Anderson Binggeli qualified for AR Model, AR Master, AM
Model, and AM Master. Heidi Campbell qualified for AM Model. Falls Valley: Lauralee Page qualified for AM Model and Am Master. Hillview, Elisa Saffle: Mark
Sorenson qualified for AR Model. Donna Adcock qualified for AR Model and AR Master. Jolene Anderson and Sasha Jamison qualified for AM Model. Iona, Oliver
Roberts: Terry Croft qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Teri Hargraves and Catey Walton qualified for AM Model. Judy Herbst qualified for AR Model and AR
Master. Mountain Valley, Lanie Keller: Joni Mosher qualified for AM Model. Patricia Zaranek qualified AR Model and AM Model. Kaylene Bernard qualified for
AR Model. Rimrock, Dan Page: Nicole Brinton, Aleah Ramos, and Patricia Suitter qualified for AR Model, AR Master, AM Model, and Am Master. Jeanelle Coyne
qualified for AM Model, Am Master, and MFIF Model. Carmen Manges qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Deborah Melander qualified for AR Model, AM
Model, and AM Master. LeeAnn Smith qualified for AM Model, AR Master, and AM Model. Art Hood qualified for 5 of 6 areas, AR Model, AR Master, AM Model,
AM Master, and MFIF Model. Julia Abbott qualified for AR Model and AR Master. Summit Hills, Tom Gauchay: Terrina Crow qualified for AR Model. Kendra
McLaren qualified for AR Model and AR Master. Tiebreaker, Kent Sawyer: First year teacher, Melissa Harp qualified for AR Model, AR Master, and AM Model.
First year teacher, Mariann Virgin qualified for AM Model and AM Master. Paulette Durfee qualified for AR Model. Woodland Hills: Jeanie Cousin qualified for AR
Model, AR Master and AM Model. Penny Hart and Daniel Lundquist qualified for AR Model, AR Master, AM Model, and AM Master. Douglas Rakel qualified for
AM Model. Debbie Bolkcom, Scott Taylor, Jared Adams, and Gerrolyn Anderson qualified for AR Model and AR Master. Ucon, Brady Johnson: Nadine Ball
qualified for AR Model and AR Master.
Brenda Curtis thanked the Board for the opportunity to celebrate our teachers and their hard work. Ms. Briggs announced that they and the teachers will move to
the TCHS multipurpose room where they will continue to celebrate these achievements.
F. Hillcrest High School Symphonic Band to report on their trip to Disneyland
Chairperson Winchester asked Ms. Busath and the Hillcrest Symphonic Band to present a report of their trip to Disneyland. Ms. Busath thanked the Board for
having them present tonight. Kendra Peterson, junior that plays flute, Jake Stenclayo sophomore that plays clarinet, Megan Ball junior that plays clarinet, Mike
Clingler sophomore that plays alto saxophone. Mrs. Busath showed a video about the experience in Disneyland. They went during spring break. They attended
performances and workshops and thanked the Board for their support of the trip and approving their travel request. They competed with schools across the West
were they play three pieces and were judged. Then the judges were able to work with the students. The students were able to work with recording artists in a
recording studio. Michael Clingler reported on the large group activity at Fullerton College. They got the opportunity to perform and be judged. It was difficult but,
they earned 4th place and received a silver ranking. The bands are judged on 100 points. So, 80-89 points equaled a silver medal. They competed against schools
with 2000 plus students. They had the opportunity to perform in Disneyland on stage in Frontier Land Megan Ball reported on that experience. It was great to
perform on the stage. They had a good audience and many staff members came and talked to them about the music and it was a great performance. They were
impressed with how the band sounded. They had the opportunity to participate in a back stage workshop with Disney professionals. The kids were taught about
listening and performing. They all had headsets and listened to their own performance and then put it with sound tracks. The band was able to perform in the
recording studio. Kendra Peterson reported on the backstage experience. This was the most nerve racking part because everything was classified and you
couldn’t take pictures backstage. It ended up being a great experience. They got to choose the music they wanted to play to certain clips. They were able to use all
the professional equipment. It was awesome to put the headphones on and experience what real musical professionals are doing. It was a wonderful experience to
listen to yourself when they played it back. This experience helped her to see what would happen if she went on in musical career and what she could accomplish.
They had free time in the park and got see some of the Disney performing groups and experienced an evening light show called world of color in California
Adventure. They had a great time with friends and families and that helped the group to play better and understand each other’s musical interpretations better.
Jake Stenclayo reported on fun in the park. It was amazing and was impressed with the world of color. They also went to California Adventure Park this more of a
theme park. Ms. Busath stated that they just wanted to show the Board what they had done and thank the Board for approving the trip. The last clip was from Lion
King Workshop sight read music and performed it and recorded it with the clips.
Chairperson Winchester thanked Ms. Busath and the students for thinking of the Board. No one has ever brought anything back to them and she appreciates that.
Chairperson Winchester called a recess and stated that anyone who was at the meeting for the recognitions could leave during the recess. She also asked anyone
who would like to speak during public input to please place their name, address, and topic of discussion on the Request to Appear before the Board form.
Chairperson Winchester then moved the Math Adoption and Proposed Policy for Suspension after Public Input.
Kip Nelson stated that he has had conversations with patrons and Jed Zurker asked Mr. Nelson to convey concerns that there is not enough feedback on SBAC
testing. Mr. Zurker is concerned that parents are not able to opt out of the testing and he feels that anything from the federal government should be scrutinized
carefully. He also feels testing should be done at a local level.
VII. Public Input
Policy #1550 Public Input will provide an opportunity for any Board Member, administrator, staff member, student, or patron to raise issues of interest. The Board
will receive such input without comment, except to ask germane questions of those speaking. Comments should be limited to three (3) minutes. The Board will
take no action relative to any items during the meeting, but may direct the Superintendent to consider such an item at a subsequent meeting.
Chairperson Winchester opened the floor to public input and stated that she will announce names in the order they appear on the REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN
PUBLIC INPUT form. She asked each person to come forward to the microphone. Each will have the floor for a maximum of three (3) minutes. If individuals would
like to give the Board more information than time permits, they were asked to reduce concerns to written form and send them to the Board Clerk. She also stated
that written comments must include the person’s name, address, and telephone number.
Chairperson Winchester asked those who participate to:
State their name and address for the record,
Face and address the Board,
Be respectful, we are all volunteers and we are all people. It has been a long year
Not personally attack or address Board members or administrators,
Please express concerns that we can help with, and
Be nice and play well
She stated that the Board is happy to hear from patrons.
Name Address Concern
Ryan Loftus
Dawn Clements
10265 B, Dorian Ave.
Idaho Falls
9851 N. 27 E. Idaho Falls
Playground at Ucon Elementary – contacted Mr. Pymm gave a list of patrons that share the same concern. There was an incident
that was a safety concern and apparent lack of supervision. Because of that, the children are not able to use the entire
playground. They are crowded between the North track and the school building. That leaves four acres of playground that is
largely unused. The curtailment of activities is based on one parent. There other opinions besides that one parent. We want our
children to be able to run and play and enjoy the grass. We are here to help and want to be part of the solution. A couple of planks
of the platform are that we have a wonderful conflict manager program. They do a great job on the playground helping control any
conflicts that arise. Second we have a duty aide and she does a great job and that is sufficient to allow kids to go and play. The
second plank is that we have a long history of kids using the field and playing and there has not been a big problem. We love the
school and support Principal Johnson.
Chairperson Winchester will turn the concern to Dr. Shackett to look into.
Trisha Anderson
1975 Spencer Lane,
Ammon
Concerned about the proposal to limit the rights of parents to opt-out of the SBAC Testing. There are Supreme Court rulings that
support the rights of parents to direct the education of their children. The 14th Amendment protects the rights of parents to make
decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. There are a lot of parents that are concerned about the
SBAC testing and other standardized tests. This kind of policy that cuts parents out will give a big reason why we shouldn’t trust
you.
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Woolstenhulme to explain the state law regarding participation in testing. We’ve had a number of parents request to opt out of the SBAC. At that
time, we had directive from the State Department of Education and the State Attorney General stating that as a District, we cannot opt out of Common Core Instruction or SBAC.
That left some gray area because they had not addressed individual students and we did allow a significant number of parents to opt out the field test this year. Since that time, we
have researched this more closely and we found out that there is a State Board of Education Rule regarding participation in State mandated testing. By Idaho Constitution, the State
Board of Education has the responsibility to generally govern education in Idaho. Their rule is 08.02.03.111.04 and states that all students in Idaho Public Schools in grades K-12 are
required to participate in the comprehensive assessment program approved by the State Board of Education and funded. So just like we are required to have our students complete
the graduation requirements or to have our teachers meet the certification requirements approved by the State Board, we are required to have all our students participate in the
testing program approved by them. So if we don’t have a Board Policy that reflects that, there is a possibility of creating some misunderstanding with our patrons that our Board
policy doesn’t necessarily follow the State Board Policies. We need to make sure that we are referencing those policies and following them. We have had a number of parents opt
out of not just SBAC but any testing related to common core. That really handicaps our teachers understanding of whether the instruction is effective. Chairperson Winchester asked
if the State Board Policy affects Charter Schools and the Online Schools. The answer is yes, if affects all students in Idaho public schools. Private and parochial schools will be
exempt but Idaho Public Schools are required to follow the State Board Rules. Chairperson Winchester wondered what the consequences would be for students if they were opted
out or didn’t show up for testing. There are no consequences for that but it makes it difficult for us to determine how the student is progressing in understanding the instruction we are
providing. There is a graduation rule in place that requires students to pass the exam when they are juniors. So, if a student opts out when they are a junior that would impact their
ability to graduate. We do have alternate routes for graduation in place. That is an interesting question regarding whether a student who refuses to take the test would have those
alternate routes available. Mr. McBride asked if there is any reference to any funding from the State attached to the testing or opting children out of the testing. The only reference is
to funding the testing. There is no reference to holding funding from the state level. The Board Rule also governs accreditation. If schools are not meeting participation rate or
refusing to test, that could affect the accreditation rating and would be a huge impact to our schools. Mrs. Landers asked if there was any way that we could allow the parents to sign
a waiver that they understand that their child would not go through regular graduation and would be required to go through an alternate route and indicating that they understand that
prior to opting their student out of testing. That way, we give the parents their rights. She doesn’t think too many would choose that because their child would not be allowed to walk
in graduation ceremonies. The numbers would be fairly small but may satisfy the parents who are concerned. If the Board were to pass a policy like that, it would be contrary to the
State Board Policy that says all students will participate in state testing. Mr. Bird asked what the ramifications of that would be. The most significant thing that the state could hold
over us would be accreditation. Chairperson Winchester wondered when that rule was implemented. It has been there for 10 to 20 years. The purpose of testing is to evaluate our
schools, our programs, and our student’s progress. Dr. Shackett stated that he understands that there is no opt-out option in State Board Rule so, the alternative to opting-out is that
the student just doesn’t come to school on the day that there is testing. If a parent is adamantly opposed and chose to excuse their student on those days, there are no
consequences. Mr. Woolstenhulme’s concern is that we need to define in our policy that we are following the State Board Policy that governs our schools. Constitutionally the State
Board has the authority and responsibility to dictate rules for education in the State of Idaho. Mrs. Landers wondered why the state would care if students don’t take the test if they
don’t graduate from our schools with a normal diploma. She wondered what the ramifications would be. On the student level, they would not be able to walk in the ceremony and
would have to get a GED. Again the one thing that the State Board has authority over our schools is accreditation. They have the authority to revoke accreditation for our schools.
The question is, are we actively permitting parents to opt-out of the State Board Rule. If we are actively letting that happen, that puts us as a District out of compliance with State
Board Rule versus parents who refuse to have their students participate. Mr. Bird wondered if there are Districts in the sta te permitting parents to opt their students out. During the
field tests, there were some that allowed parents to opt-out and quite a few that held the line and required participation. We opened the door because it was a gray area and we
didn’t have clear direction from the state department. They never quoted this particular Board Rule. If they had, we would have taken a different approach. It will be a continuing
concern that the Board will have to make a decision on our policy. Mr. Nelson stated that this is a policy that will be coming up and asked that we have the District’s attorney look at it
to verify that it is in compliance with the constitution as well as other legal ramifications. Chairperson Winchester clarified that the Assessment policy is coming to the Board in initial
review and consideration. Tonight, we will receive the policy for the Board to discuss we will not be approving it this evening. We are not finished talking about it. Mr. Woolstenhulme
responded to Mr. Nelson stating that we have been talking to our attorney regarding this policy and phrasing for it as well as drafting a letter letting parents know what they can and
cannot opt-out of. He has reviewed these documents and fully supports the policy because it is in line with the Attorney General’s opinion and the Board Rule.
Cavron Mortensen 4821 E 48 South, Ammon
Wants to challenge the costs, substandard quality, privacy invasion, special interest lobbyists of Common Core. He is for local
control, parental sovereignty, privacy protections, and he has a skepticism of the benefits of the massive governmental
expenditure in the name of reform. Common Core is anti-freedom and it will go away as more people become aware. He asked
how many kids opted out. In Mountain Valley, Four kids opted out. We are making a big deal out of nothing and he doesn’t know
why the state is pushing this over the rights of parents.
Melinda Turner 7310 E Velcro Drive
Research into adoption of common core and is seeing the first hand effects with her third grader who used to love school but
comes home and cries during homework. The teacher said they were going to suspend common core math so the kids can learn
multiplication. No evidence that it is better preparation for college. It hasn’t been tested. Encourage the Board to oppose our kids
being used as guinea pigs. Saxon Math has been effective. No reason to adopt something unproven. Have found errors on kids’
homework. They can’t get the problem right. There are no books supplied with the program. If the District is over populated and
cash strapped, there is no reason to adopt a new curriculum. This program is from the federal level and not locally controlled
Sara Hawkins
Kim High
4787 Madison River Rd
4865 Madison River Rd
Asked the Board not to make decisions regarding boundary changes without public input from people it affects. Concerned that
there are 51 students moving to Bridgewater. She thanked the principal at Bridgewater and their PTO president for advocating for
them. The decision blind sighted those in the neighborhood. They go to church, do community events, and support Iona. Doesn’t
believe it is fair that they are being moved out of Iona. Asked why other options haven’t been explored. There are 100 students in
Falls Brook and continue to attend Iona. That neighborhood is already broken up. 2/3 attend Bridgewater and 1/3 attend Iona.
There are 6 schools that are not at capacity why wasn’t taking 50 students to Bridgewater and 50 to attend one of the other
schools explored. The teachers and principal were very informative and welcoming but, people want to stay at Iona. Their kids
should not be taken out. Please reconsider and explore other options. Our kids shouldn’t be pulled out of Iona
Name Address Concern
Linda Hansen Holt 5887 E. 21 S. Idaho Falls
Daughter of teacher and relatives who are educators. Good education is high priority. Trusting teachers with her kids. SBAC is the
enforcement arm of Common Core. Common Core allows the federal government to control our local schools. Standards drives
curriculum as well as big business. Our kids don’t stand to gain from it. It is bad for society. People allow government to govern us.
If we aren’t happy with government then we vote them out. We need the school board to stand up and represent them.
Becky Foster 2908 Stafford Dr.
Idaho Falls
The Constitution and ruling of the Supreme Court trumps policy by the board or State Board policy. The board is the last defense in
maintaining the community’s goals and looking after our kids best interests. Asked if the Board has vetted the standards or read
information regarding legislation by those who have dropped the curriculum. Wondered if the Board is concerned about adopting a
curriculum aligned to Common Core standards that might be dropped by our legislature next year or the year after and that is
expensive. Wondered if it is wise to drop a tried and true curriculum like Saxon Math. Wondered if it is wise to take parents out the
children’s education by suggesting homework not be sent home. Talked about testing and why thousands have opted out SBAC
and CORP. Spoke about the statement of guiding principles and whether the individual is held above the state. Asked if the Board
is upholding the guiding principles with the testing policy. Asked not to create a policy that will hinder parents’ rights and relationship
they have with the schools, principals, and teachers.
Stephanie Gifford 4699 East Sunnyside Road
Thanked the Board for their service. It is in the Board’s best interest to ask what local control means. The Board shouldn’t be forced
to rubber stamp what has been given from the state with regard to policy and rules. Remember that parents have the best interest
of their children at heart and they need to remain involved and have the ability to opt out. They have the right to home school but
that isn’t the point. They pay for public schools with tax dollars so they should be involved. Asked the Board to pay attention to
election this next week and take a stand. Hoped they will consider her comments when they vote on this policy.
Brooke Magleby
Why? The answer came to her last night: Force, Fear, and Funding. Our motivation to act could be positive or negative and
consequences follow. If someone told you couldn’t make any decisions regarding what was best in raising your child you would
have thought that was absurd. This decision may seem small but it is a slippery sloop. Parents aren’t allowed to make decisions for
our child’s best interests. Why can’t we see the tests and get the results? Why are people all over the country opting out? Why no
more classes for a month to accommodate SBAC tests? Why are kids being guinea pigs for corporate reform? She opted her
student out because she is the responsible party. Just like others have the right to take the test, she should have the right to opt out
of it. You are entrusted with making decisions that will affect generations. She wondered if the motivating factor behind the actions
are positive or negative. Is it force, fear, and funding or is it freedom faith, and integrity? Her children didn’t come to Earth to be
common but to be extraordinary and it is her job to help them get there.
Linsey TenEyck 1933 Lexington Avenue
Idaho Falls
Thanked the Board for listening. Concerned about limiting rights of parents and not allowing them to opt out of the SBAC because
of the controversy surrounding it and you would be limiting the rights of parents. She quoted excerpts for policy 110 Statement of
Guiding Principles from the District website and wondered how the home and school can complement and support each other if the
Board tramples on the rights of parents. If you vote to not allow parents to opt out does it supports your philosophy to strengthen
the principle of freedom? She asked if the board supports parental initiative and involvement in education if you remove parents’
rights to have a say. If you silence the parent’s voice you will deny them their responsibility to society. Ask you to support your
policy which states that you strengthen freedom. She asked to up hold their own policy and stand up for them at the state level. She
stated that the Board has recognized the value parental rights in education and invited the Board to join them.
Tiffany Tallman 2307 S. 60th East
Idaho Falls
She is standing as a witness standing to make history. She is asking the Board to think about their decision tonight. Asked them to
allow teachers to teach and children to develop a love of learning. We teach to inspire and not to test. Standards based education is
ruining how we teach and learn. It is subjective and produces anxiety. We have gone so far with testing. Please investigate and
don’t dismiss them as crazy. We need a change but not this one. It’s bad enough that we have common core but now you won’t
allow her to opt her child out of common core testing. She also adamantly against changing the math program to coincide with
common core. We are being asked to give up one liberty at a time so most don’t notice. Most don’t understand what common core.
Please take the time to go over the facts and actually is stand up for us.
Robert Gorgoglione 3713 Deloy Drive
Stated that your children belong to the state. If you refuse to have children to take the test you could be arrested or your children
can be taken by child protective services. It is the same as in a Nazi country. The common core originates with communist
organizations He listed those organizations communist organizations pushing for common core because they want control of the
children. The quality of the standards isn’t the point. It is about central command and control of the nation’s educational system and
about ripping authority from states, communities, and parents. Look at the Communist Manifesto it contains a ten point plank for
communizing your country. Many of those plans are already in place. Number 10 states: free education for all kids in public schools.
Mandatory education takes away your freedom and the state is controlling the education for your children. Even when the children
finish school you are still paying for something you are not using. The state is controlling the curriculum and the testing. We now
have a communist system and a communist government in Washington D.C. Now they are moving to consolidate their power.
Kathy Taylor 96 N 3600 E Rigby
She is not a patron but is looking at property in the district. If you pass this policy it will set a precedence for others. Very
uncomfortable with that. If we don’t change things from the bottom up, the top down will get heavier. It will take your jobs away also.
SBAC supersedes parental rights. Tom. Luna and Governor Otter opted us into this without ever looking at the common core or the
SBAC testing. The curriculum is untried and untested regardless of what they have said. It is not internationally benchmarked as
touted. It is causing an unrest in other districts beside this one. It is every school district. We must take the time to do this and
make a change. We need to go through the Board as well as the legislature.
Ellyn Gorgoglione 3713 Deloy Drive
She doesn’t support common core. It is nonsense. Children and parents don’t understand it. She is infuriated that children are
allowed to estimate rather than come up with a correct answer. That is inexcusable. We need to set a better example for people of
other countries. She hopes the Board will listen to the comments that have been presented tonight. Because of common core,
children have been taken out of public schools. She is sure that the board is concerned about the number of students being
reduced and that is because of common core. Please if consider doing your part to encourage others who are involved in
education and repeal common core in Idaho.
Brenda Curtis 400 Advantage Lane
Ammon
She has faith that the district will do what is best for kids. It always has been that way. She has been in the District since she was a
1st grader in Falls Valley. It was unique at the time. They were grouped high, medium, and low with no walls between the
classrooms. Now we do the same thing but call it differentiated instruction. Sometimes we worry about things that aren’t all that big.
If she were a parent, she would argue to get rid of AB schedule. She wants to talk about math. Many are concerned about the
adoption. She has taught math for 17 years in the classroom and has helped teachers for the last 8 years. The program we
honored teachers with tonight has elements of common core. It has pushed kids higher and the math we are looking at adopting will
help your kids to understand math better. It is in line with the state’s initiative they adopted in 2007.
Name Address Concern
Travis Patterson 3621 Jason
The community looks to you to represent us. He doesn’t yield his parental rights to anyone. He doesn’t allow his kids to take the
test. He put one child in private school because he feels we are going down a road we doesn’t want to go. Our individual rights
have to be paramount to our education. We have great teachers and administrators who have helped in innumerable ways. The
forms of education increasing our math are great. But, the information we can access now is great and doubles almost every 6
months. To tie ourselves to one form or curriculum is ridiculous. We need the ability to change when the opportunity do it a better
way presents itself. The stock market tells us that the small companies rebound quicker. If we all become one big company, we
crash together. Math can be accomplished without bringing in common core. We have great teachers, administrator, superintendent
and we demand that we educate our children and not from the white house.
Beckii Gallup 3737 Taylorview Lane
Appreciates the service and work of the school board. She understands the Board’s position and they are between a rock and a
hard place. The Board is trying to please the parents and the legislators. Her concern is simple. By considering a policy that doesn’t
allow the parent to take kids out of testing or any of the education that is going on in the schools, it feels as though you are trying to
figure out what to do for them and not what to do for her.
Paul Fairbourn 770 Matchpoint Dr
Ammon
He is concerned for grandchildren and he wants more choice and not less. Talked about his daughter went in for marriage license
physical and the physician was data mining by asking questions that had nothing to do with the required physical. He is concerned
about what will be data mined from the test and how that information will be used. He does research and data mines from text. He
is concerned about classifications that takes kids out of careers they chose. It is not the state’s business what kind of careers our
kids choose. They can mine stuff from an essay that is irrelevant to the child. He doesn’t have trust about where things are going
with data being collected about us as individuals and about our children. He doesn’t trust the government will do something relevant
or good with it.
Brook Johns 780 Bell Arbor
Idaho Falls
She wants to talk about her children. They have started to implement common core in their school. Her 6th grader has gone from
happy to go to school to weeping and wailing. She was in Saxon math doing great at 8th and 9th grade levels and excelling. Now
she feels she isn’t learning anything. She has gone from algebraic equations to tell me the opposite of the opposite of 25. What is a
real world example of when you would need that? Her third grader loved Saxon math then switched to common core math. He
came home without a book and no understanding of what he was supposed to be doing. Assignments were due the next day and
he had no idea how to do it and no recourse for help. She has been rendered obsolete because there is nowhere for her to go to
figure out what they are asking. After a couple months his teacher chose to go back to Saxon math. He couldn’t figure out how to
do a 3 digit addition problem. She thinks the program was not rigorous or nigh standard. We need to teach children the foundations
of math and the fundamentals before we teach them different ways of doing it. They need something to build from first. Parental
rights trump all. The Board has no right to tell her that she can’t opt her children out of something that she feels is inappropriate.
SBAC test are definitely inappropriate. The Board has zero authority to tell her how to raise her family and what decisions she can
make.
Jeff Fullmer 455 Advantage Lane
He is hoping to learn a little bit more about common core. It is already adopted and we are already down that road. He wants to
know what that road is. He would appreciate an additional meeting to discuss more. He thinks there is a lot of fear and uncertainty
and a conception that rights are being taken away. He would like to know more and have a format for that. Chairperson Winchester
will have someone call him.
Georgia Moudrow 560 Randy Drive
Ammon
She came to figure out what is going on with the common core and with the Board’s decision making. She has agreed with most all
of what the parents have been saying. She thinks this an opportunity for us to stand out. Sometimes we cannot just take what is
dictated to us and we have to stand up. We love our children so do you. We have their best interest at heart. Kids shouldn’t feel
they are forced into taking tests and home work that they hate and can’t understand. They shouldn’t be forced into taking tests to
graduate and then destroying so much of their future. She hopes the Board will consider the parents comments and consider how
important it is to us. We love our children and want the best for their futures.
LeAnn Atwood 540 S. Heath Lane
Idaho Falls
She has 6 children in the District. A lot of the discussion around common core goes to whether it is a good curriculum or a bad
curriculum. She has thought about it and wonders what if it is good. Saying that it is great is just the vice that was used to push the
common core agenda on the states. They used emotion and fear. Telling us that our children are behind and something must be
done or our students will fail as a whole. It’s not about how high the standards or how great the common core is but it is about loss
of choice and control not only by the parents but also the schools and districts. The Board has lost that control as well and should
be as angry as they are. The state tells you what to do and you can no longer listen to your constituents. Please take a stand and
do something against it. She wonders if we have lost control, who we have given it to. People says it’s not the government. But, the
government withholds the funding if we don’t do what they say. Whoever makes the decisions are putting the information on the
standardized tests. She is not sure what the agenda is behind the tests. Her junior said that the math test wasn’t a math test. All
were very much like a social activist exam. There were 6 to 8 questions and only one math problem. The rest was asking her
opinion on things like what age students should drive and to read a chart on the restrictions on driving and statistics on teen driving
and to write what she is reading. She is not sure what that is for and doesn’t see how that is better than the ISAT. The other exam
also had social implications asking if blog news is really news. She doesn’t know why they are pushing the social issues and who
the information is going to and what they are using it for. It doesn’t seem like math or literature tests to her.
Carson Dye 3863 Cordell
Thanked the school board and appreciates all they do. He would like to go back to the days when room was empty. He has a BS in
engineering and hydro geology and MS in business. He has done more than a few math problems. He has several problems that
are for 3rd and 4th graders that he can’t do. He is still trying to figure out what it is asking. An example: in each cube stick color some
cubes blue and the rest red. Draw the cubes you colored in the number bond. Show the hidden partners on your fingers to an adult.
Color the fingers you show. They are strange problems to him. Common core skipped the entire American National Standards
Institute process. Millions of standards are developed in the United States and they almost always go through ANSI. If you skip the
ANSI process it is not considered a standard. Part of that process is due process. Some of the things skipped and required by ANSI
is transparency. There wasn’t transparency when the common core was developed. Openness impartiality consensus coherence
and due process were skipped. If it had gone through the process, there would have been a better body information developed as
a result of going through the standards. With respect to math, Jason Zymba says the common core only takes students to an
incomplete Algebra 2 course. They prepare a student for a non-selective community college not a four year university. James
Millgram, the common core validations only mathematician rejected the standards because he concluded that they would leave
students at least 2 years behind their counterparts in the highest achieving nations by 8th grade. There is a growing body who are
opposed to common core for very good reasons. Reasons of Standard, Reasons of Education. He asked that the Board reconsider
support that you may have. He wondered if the Board would be willing to go on record regarding their support to not of common
core so they may know who they need to try to understand better.
Name Address Concern
Ty Jones Ammon
He has 14 years of information management and military background as well. Things you are hearing about common core and
SBAC are real they are not crazy. They are happening today. SBAC is the keystone of common core. If they don’t have it, it falls
apart. The SBAC is an extreme form of testing that takes up to 7 hours. It cannot provide immediate feedback to classroom
teachers. The State Board of Education cannot guarantee that pornographic passages or agenda driven questions will not be on
the SBAC. It has no process to lodge a complaint or to modify the test. SBAC creates a multistate testing system, shifts decisions
from state level to multi state level, will further alienate parents, will make it difficult for legislators, teachers, parents to impact public
policy threatening state control. The test has unacceptable and dangerous processes. The cost has not been determined. He has
concerns about giving up our privacy and parental control and ability to make decisions and help our children. We need the Board
to represent us. He doesn’t believe the Board has the right to say yes or no we will or won’t follow this. But you do have the right to
write a letter as a public unit to let the legislature know that District 93 does not like it. He has written multiple emails and been on
the phone with several legislators discussing this with them and here to let the Board know our public isn’t for this and the Board
needs to let the legislators know it is not good.
Layne Barber 1975 Spencer Lane
He found this in Business Week May 2014. US high school seniors have failed to demonstrate increased proficiency under the
sweeping initiatives of two presidents. Only 38% tested 2013 scored as proficient readers on this national examination known as
the nation’s report card. ¾ failed to show math proficiency. These scores have little changed since 2009. He is an educator and
works for the government. Education is an incredible piece of what he does. He designs training, curriculum, and testing. His
responsibility is to make sure those things happen the right way. A good curriculum is important and assessing people is very
important. There is a state law that requires us to test all the students. Shame on you and us because we haven’t been involved in
the legislative process. The Board only enacts the rules that you are required to enact. You have to live by those requirements.
Sadly the performance of those requirements is failing. So we try to change those. We adopt new processes and now common core
is the common thing. Now it is failing and it is failing so badly that we have to be quiet. We can’t divulge what the test is and what it
is testing. We can’t let parents have control of their children’s education because students have to pass proficiency exams. Law
requires every student in 11th grade to take a college board entrance exam. Has everyone completed that assessment? He asked if
we really understand the laws we are bound to. If we don’t, then we better make certain they change. This is a cry for legislative
upheaval. The Board can’t do it. They have to follow the rules. It starts out here with the patrons. If we don’t like it, we need to
change it.
Heather Redd 4925 Ladyhawk Lane
She hopes her remarks won’t be dismissed as they have been in the past as parents who are afraid to challenge their kids. That is
not the case. Dr. Yung Cho is a critic of standardizing and centralizing education to common standards and testing. That is what
China, Japan, and Singapore are moving away from. The emphasis on standardization has stagnated creativity and innovation
which is the very thing America has been the best at. He references the serious psychological harm that has come to China’s youth
with their overemphasis on testing. He points out that education should be about the child’s passion and spirit and should be
relevant locally, individually, and personally. This how our children will thrive and develop the gifts they have been given. If we
measure the quality of schools by test scores, we will have a hard time reversing that mentality. She wondered if the Board has
thought about the implications of forcing testing compliance on our children. There may be parents who want their children to take
these tests. That is their choice. She wants to exercise her choice not to have her kids take the tests. Please don’t tell them through
policy that they don’t have that stewardship. They know their children the best and are the tax payers who support public education.
It is only through a trusting relationship between teachers and parents that the best learning can happen. Please don’t implement
policy that will only hinder that relationship.
Stacey Rogers 644 Emory Lane
She wishes to echo those who have spoken. She wondered if anyone has had access to see the test. Mrs. Lander has seen
sample questions and stated that no one has seen the prior test either. Mrs. Rogers’ kids came home telling her about questions
that were very leading with an agenda. It was interesting that the students noticed that. She wondered what exactly they are looking
for in these tests with very subjective answers that are not pertaining to anything academic. Please look further into those questions
and find out what the common core is trying to get out of the test. It seems they were trying to find out students opinions and
thoughts on things instead of just academic questions. She believes that parents have the right to see the test. She wondered if that
is an option. It is not. Mrs. Landers stated that they don’t let the teachers look at them either because you could train the kids on the
test. She is wondering how transparent the test is. Please take the opportunity to stand up for our opinions. Take this information
back to your higher ups.
Jenifer Ward 3147 Sandy Drive
Summit Hills piloted Singapore Math. When we test curriculum we should follow with evaluation and input from teachers. Doesn’t
believe this was intended to be the case for this pilot because of the common core mandates Saxon was already out. Her 10th
grader and 12th grader did well in Saxon. She refuses to believe that Saxon is inadequate. She believes that her kindergartener and
4th grader’s math education will be an experiment. She is not confident that their math experience will adequately prepare them for
high math in junior high and high school because there is no way to tell if it is better or worse because the results will not be known
for years. She refused the SBAC this year. She opted out because she could and both of her children’s principals were
accommodating. With the policy that is on the table now, they won’t be able to extend that to her any longer. She doesn’t believe
those that created and support the SBAC have her child’s best interest at heart. Her child doesn’t gain educationally from the test
and it isn’t a predictor of success in life. She wouldn’t let a stranger come to her home and conduct an 8 hour interview alone with
her child where unknown personal data is being recorded and she would not be able to see any of their responses to the questions.
It is not ok for people outside the school to use her children’s responses for personal or political gain. As the FERPA law changes,
information that was once protected is no longer protected. There is no privacy and data can be shared with 3rd parties without her
consent. She compared standardized tests to a bad viral FaceBook picture where the snapshot is able to be seen by countless
outside parties with no interest in her child’s welfare. She believes that mandating the SBAC has nothing to do with how good it is
but with making sure we are in compliance with and keeping promises to those outside of Idaho who now have a bigger stake in her
child’s education than either she or her local school.
Tami Barber 1975 Spencer Lane
She urged the Board not to approve the math curriculum. She asked the Board to look at the curriculum. You can’t figure it out.
There are no instructions. When asked where her grandson goes to school the response that he attends a Charter School.
Chairperson Winchester stated that we do not have the same curriculum. Ms. Barber asked the Board to look at it because it is
atrocious. She is aware that the Board has to follow certain guidelines. We have to do something to make changes and she wants
to make changes in the governor and all the incumbents. Then the Board won’t have to be in that hard spot. Everyone running
against the incumbents are against the common core. John Inon is the only candidate for superintendent who is against common
core. You can go to Idahoansagainstcommoncore.com for information. It is fully researched and backed by the government website
and from people who are trying to institute this. We use their information to show how common core is not good for our children.
Name Address Concern
Heidi Hebdon 5046 Brennan
She doesn’t want easy things for her kids. You can do hard things. She is here because it is important to her. Mr. Woolstenhulme
stated that we didn’t have a choice. That is alarming to her because it means that we don’t have local control. It comes down from
the top and the teachers don’t receive the results. The SBAC testing is not a state test. ISAT is a state test. If the teachers received
the results, that would be different. But they do not. There is a crucial link to learning and that is the one between parent, child, and
teacher. It is a relationship of learning and the child flourishes. When the relationship is no longer valued the child will suffer. The
goal to offer to new math is to help students to understand and go deeper and help those who learn differently. She believes that it
is really causing confusion and stifling the students. It is one thing to offer different methods of why and how to get an answer and it
is another to make it the only way of doing things. When the old way of doing math is no longer accepted that is a problem. She
wondered what that says about all of us and what we have learned all these years. Why get rid of any way of learning if it is simply
helping children getting the answer their own way. She is concerned about the crucial link when they say no homework is going
home so parents don’t confuse the child. That doesn’t sound like a healthy trusting relationship on behalf of the parents. These are
our children and we are responsible as the primary educators of our children. We have parental rights to refuse or opt out of testing.
This type of learning doesn’t help the kids’ love of learning.
Denise Roedel 2406 Stafford Dr.
Wants to address the math curriculum that was tried at Rimrock and SBAC testing. Saxon math was great at the beginning of the
year. Then the common core math was introduced. Chairperson Winchester asked if they were using Singapore Math. It was
Engage New York. Chairperson Winchester explained that they were not using the math program that the District wishes to adopt.
Her child would came home with 4 problems and they are not clear, not direct, and no resource to go to for help. If that is the SBAC
is testing then doesn’t matter if it is NY math or Singapore math. The kids won’t get it and they will hate school. Her child now hates
school. He used to love school. They went back to Saxon and grades have gone down significantly and is having trouble
remembering how to do it now. In math there are 4 ways of doing it. They are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The
math you are introducing is guessing work. She urged the Board to take a hard look at the math they are trying to introduce. Make
sure it is clear. You try to do the problems and see if you can figure it out. She has huge concerns with the privacy issues and the
SBAC testing. They don’t share their information. The SBAC asks personal information that she wouldn’t give to anyone let alone
her child. The personal questions have nothing to do with education. She urged the Board to be their voice to the state and let them
know your constituents don’t want this.
VIII. New Business
A. Math Adoption - Michaelena Hix
Chairperson Winchester asked Mrs. Hix to present the proposed math adoption to the Board. Mrs. Hix stated that she has come with a recommendation for a new
math program for elementary schools. A year ago they looked at three different programs. They looked for curriculum that would better meet our needs. They
piloted Math-in-Focus all year at Summit Hills and were impressed with it. Engage New York was piloted for a while at Rimrock. They went back to Saxon Math
midway through the year. The District got money from the state to adopt common core math. Mrs. Hix pulled together teachers from every elementary grade along
with two administrators and they looked curriculum that would better meet the needs for problem solving. They evaluated Math in Focus and Engage New York.
They also looked at the technology and digital focus. She asked for their vote. There were 27 votes turned in with 3 for Engage New York and 24 for Math in
Focus. Mrs. Hix proposed that the District adopt Math-in-Focus for Elementary schools in the District. She asked that the principal and teachers from Summit Hills
talk about their experience with Math-in-Focus this year and the success they are seeing with that program. She then invited Principal Gauchay, Jill Lines, Trenna
Hall, and Yvonne Muller to come forward.
Principal Tom Gauchay stated that he had veteran teaches come and express interest in going to the new school and they wanted to look at Math in Focus at that
school because they had gone to a workshop and started using some of the strategies from the program. The Board allowed the pilot to happen. In his opinion it
has been very successful. He believes his students are understanding math better. Key components are conceptual understanding, computational understanding
the “why” before the “how”. They begin with concrete, then pictorial representations, and then move to the abstract. So kids understand the why before the how.
The program uses part to whole thinking. It develops the child’s number sense with a strong emphasis on place value. They feel strongly that kids are
understanding math like they never have before.
Mrs. Muller is a kindergarten teacher. She taught Saxon for several years but was amazed at the understanding this year for kindergarteners. Math in Focus has
opened their eyes to what students were able to do. Number sense and place value is the key to understanding math and being successful. They are thrilled with
the success. The kids are doing things that they have never done before because Saxon didn’t let them do it. Her first lessons on number sense, she didn’t
believe that 5 year olds would get it. They all now understand that 52 is made up of 5 tens and 2 ones. Having a strong number value sense is key to
understanding math. By starting now at this young age, they are having a lot of success. Her kids love math and get excited about it. She is thrilled with the
success of her kids and what they are beginning to be able to do.
Mrs. Hall of the teachers has been teaching for 32 years and she has loved all the math curriculums but Math in Focus is by far her favorite. Students learn
number sense and they can work through this and find the answers. They don’t give up. Before kids would get discouraged because they couldn’t get it. In this
program we can show that there are different ways to get the answer. They then explain how they got the answer. Kids love our math. When she says it is time for
math, the kids cheer. She is teaching 2nd grade. They are doing things right now that she would not have presented to her 3rd graders. They are building their
number sense and their confidence in how to solve the problems.
Mrs. Lines has taught in the district for 30 years. She taught 4th grade math at Falls Valley for 5 years with the Saxon program. She loves teaching math. But, she
never felt like she had a conversation with students about math. She stood up and instructed and they did what she said. She handed out pages and they
practiced. In the last few months, she has had conversations with her students. They talk to her and they are so confident with what they are learning and how they
can present information to her and challenge her as a teacher. Yesterday, she was teaching double digit multiplication without regrouping. Most people would ask
what that means. So, she asked her student want does it mean if we don’t regroup. Nineteen of the 24 kids told her that you have only 9 in each place and don’t
have to go to the other place. She would have never thought of that as a student in math. She just knew that you carry the one for whatever reason not that it was
more than 9 in each place. Students worked at a problem for over 2 ½ hours yesterday morning and didn’t give up. They even asked if they could continue with
math. They are confident learners who love math and think they are very smart and able to do things. They are willing to try almost anything they are asked to do.
That is a huge plus It is not rote learning. They understand math in their own way. It is a great program and she hopes the Board will adopt it.
Mr. Mcbride asked how you explain the frustration of children. Teachers were frustrated at first because we are algorithm learners. That is how we learned math.
Kids who have been further through the math program are more frustrated because they want to go back to the easy way. They don’t want to think about how to
solve the problem. When they can explain what they have done it and understand it then carries over to other places. When she taught rounding, she taught to the
tens place then to the hundreds place and then to the thousands place and it was like an isolated skill to them. Now they are rounding numbers to check their
answers without being asked because they understand the concept and why they would use it. It is not just an isolated skill to them. Kids were frustrated at the
beginning of the year with number bonds. But now that helps them to memorize multiplication facts and helps with division. They love it.
Chairperson Winchester asked if the Board had any questions for Mrs. Hix or any of the teachers who presented. Mr. Nelson wondered how long Math in Focus
has it been around. Mrs. Hix responded that it was developed in 1980 by Singapore because scores were so poor on the international tests like TIMSS. They took
our research from Bruner and Piaget and developed this program. Since then they have been top in the international testing. This is a tried and true program.
There is a lot of research behind it. This program involves the shifts for deeper understanding.
Mrs. Landers asked Mrs. Hix to explain the shifts. Some of the problem we have seen in our district for a long time is that our kids do well with Saxon in
elementary. Then they move to middle school and don’t do well. The reason is that they learned the algorithms but didn’t really understand how they work so they
couldn’t apply them when they began to do the abstract math. So, we are hoping that the students will be able to understand the concepts and be able to do much
better when they get to middle school because they will have a deeper understanding of the concepts. That has been a big change for our teachers because it is
not a work sheet. They don’t run through the concepts quickly. They take a couple of weeks to go through a concept so a child really understands. Mrs. Landers
asked if there have been any studies since it was developed in 1980 that show that the kids are doing better with the shift from elementary to junior high. Mrs. Hix
sent the Board some information from Indiana or Kentucky where they implemented this a program and their test scores went up. Mrs. Hix stated that this would
be a program that she would suggest that we adopt regardless of common core because it is best practice and is what is best for kids. This program wasn’t
developed by federal government.
Mr. Nelson state that he has never liked Saxon. He has been in the sciences and he understands math. His kids have struggled with Saxon. One of the reasons is
that a lot of the teachers didn’t have the support to teach the way they needed to. He wondered what Math in Focus has to help our teachers so they will be able to
teach this program to our kids. Mrs. Hix responded that the teachers at Summit Hills will be used as trainers. There will be classes offered in June for teachers to
take on the shifts and changes. There will be Teacher’s Editions available before the end of the school year if you chose to adopt the program. There will be a
video that will be their book walk. In August she has talked to the publisher about bringing trainers for each grade level for a whole day. Both trainings will be
grade level specific. They have the ability to bring in, Andy Clark, one of the consultants that wrote the book in September to answer teachers questions. In the
evening he will have a parent university and do an overview of the program for them. In the October in-service we will bring trainers in to train along with Summit
Hills teachers. That will be our first level of support. The company will run a survey after a couple of months tor teachers to find out where they are struggling. So
we can design professional development in the areas where teachers are struggling. There will be a lot of levels of professional development. We will have a plan
for support for the next two years. We have other districts wanting to come in and observe at Summit Hills. Holy Rosary adopted the program. White Pine Charter
School wants to know about it. Idaho Falls has adopted the program after spending a lot of time at Summit Hills. This program has brought back the joy of teaching
and learning in math.
Mr. McBride wondered if there is a textbook with this program. Mrs. Hix responded every child will have a textbook. There would be a struggle to do it online. There
are a lot of kids in the District that don’t have internet at home. Parents want the children to bring home a textbook so they can help them and look at what is being
taught and what they are doing. The textbook is available online as well as in hard copy.
Chairperson Winchester asked if there were any more questions from the Board. Mr. McBride asked if the Board could hear from Mr. Rapp about the program at
this time since he has had a part in this at Summit Hills. Mr. Rapp asked what the Board would like to hear. Mr. McBride feels that it is a hard decision to change
curriculum and to go on the right path. He wondered what Mr. Rapp’s experience has been with students and teachers. Mr. Rapp stated that there were a group of
teachers that were interested in taking some of the strategies and applying them to Saxon lessons because we knew there was a need for a deeper understanding
for our students to truly understand math and to do better on their assessments and classroom work. They attended a workshop and he was amazed at the things
that he learned. There were things in his math understanding that he was not clear on. He came out of the 3 day workshop able to do math so much better. He
learned strategies from the workshop that he now came calculate things in his head. He came back and began teaching strategies with his Saxon lessons to his 1st
graders. It was amazing how they took off with it and how they understood. Those who had been struggling trying to learn the algorithms were able to understand
after teaching the strategies. It was amazing how all of those students were able to do it. The math facts all of the sudden made sense to them. They went farther
that year than they had done before. They were doing double digit subtraction and even regrouping. He was totally sold on the strategies because it was a way to
extend the kids learning. We are in the process of completing STAR testing now. The 5th and 6th graders have completed all of the math and 100% of those
students are proficient on the STAR test because of deep understanding of what they are doing. That is something he has never seen before. Mr. McBride
wondered if it happened immediately and wondered how the transition happened from understanding one form of math to the other. Kids wanted to fall back to
something they had done before even though they didn’t understand what they were doing but they knew the formula. It has been interesting to watch the
students. They are constantly talking about math. They cheer when they go to math. A teacher at Falls Valley said they were stumped on a 6th grade problem. He
went over and they asked about a strategy out of Math in Focus to help them get the problem solved. First you need to start what we know and then move on from
there. They worked through the problem. If became easy and the kids wanted that other math book. He has been talking about the strategies with the faculty and
working them into Saxon this year. That also helps with the professional development piece where we have been able to share some of those strategies with
teachers in other buildings. Mr. McBride wondered if there was a difference in 4th through 6th grade students. Those students needed some front loading. Those
kids are used to the how and we have to front loaded them with the why. Once they are solid with understanding the why, then the how is very simple for them.
Students in grades K-3 don’t have the need for front loading.
Mr. Nelson wondered after the teachers have been using the program whether they feel any concern that this isn’t a program for everyone. Mr. Rapp stated that in
his professional opinion, it is the best program he has ever seen for differentiation. It is aligned to be able to remediate and also has tremendous challenge for
those who are advanced students and everybody in between. All teachers agreed to that. The special education teachers have access to the interactive white
board lessons for all grade levels. There is a guide that goes along with that show corresponding lessons at a different grade level that teach the background
knowledge. That teacher can access those lessons immediately and teach the student at the instructional level. Every classroom teacher can move forward with
enrichment activities with their interactive whiteboards.
Chairperson Winchester asked if any Board member had any additional comments or questions.
Chairperson Winchester then asked for a motion with regard to the proposed adoption of Math in Focus.
MOTION: Kip Nelson made the motion to approve the Singapore Math – Math-in-Focus adoption for Kindergarten through Sixth grade in the District. Amy
Landers seconded. Chairperson Winchester asked for any discussion. Mrs. Landers stated that she is a certified teacher and has taken the MTI class that the
state requires all teachers to pass. She learned a lot that she didn’t know about math. She was trained in one week to do problems more easily. Her 5th grader has
started training to do math differently a couple of years ago. Mrs. Landers was checking her math as she went thinking she could keep up with her but she was
doing the problems so fast that Mrs. Landers needed to get a calculator. She has been taught how to do short cuts and she has learned a lot from helping her child
do homework. Our District would be in advantage to accept this curriculum. This will be a city-wide thing since District 91 has adopted Math in Focus as well. Mrs.
Landers endorses it.
Chairperson Winchester called for the Vote. The vote was 4 in favor with 1 opposed and 0 abstentions. Jeff Bird opposed because of data-collection from the
government and liberal propaganda. Motion passed
B. Proposed Policy to Suspend - Marjean McConnell
3250, 4285, and 5365 Materials Distribution
Chairperson Winchester asked Mrs. McConnell to present the proposed policy for suspension to the Board. Mrs. McConnell stated that we have a lot of requests
to distribute flyers to school children. We need to clarify possible conflicts of interest. We will move to a community resource page to post information for parents
and make sure we aren’t sending advertising home with students.
Chairperson Winchester asked if there are any questions from the Board regarding the policy presented for suspension, hearing none, she then asked for a motion
with regard to the request to suspend the Materials Distribution policy #3250, 4285, and 5365
MOTION: Amy Landers made the motion to suspend policy #3250, 4285, and 5365 Materials Distribution for the reasons stated. Jeff Bird seconded. The vote was
5 in favor with 0 opposed and 0 abstentions. Motion passed
IX. Old Business
A. Proposed Policy for Final Adoption (second reading) - Marjean McConnell
1. 3500 Distributing Treats and Gifts at School
2. 5020 Criminal History-Background Checks
5020P Criminal History-Background Checks Procedures
3. 5021 Employee Duty to Report Arrest or Criminal Convictions
4. 8455 Eligibility for Free and Reduced Priced Meals
Chairperson Winchester asked Mrs. McConnell to present the proposed policies and procedure for final adoption to the Board. Mrs. McConnell stated that there
are four policies and one procedure that have been posted on the website for 30-day review. If approved, 5020 Criminal History –Background Checks along with
5020P Criminal history Background Checks Procedures and 8455 Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals will replace the outdated policies and procedure in
our online Policy Manual. 3500 Distributing Treats and Gifts at School and 5021 Employee Duty to Report Arrest or Criminal Convictions are new policies and will
be placed in the online policy manual. A list will be sent to the schools and PTO presidents so the staff and patrons are aware that the documents have been
approved by the Board and are available for review on the District’s website. She stated that she has not received any input on these policies.
Chairperson Winchester asked if there are any questions from the Board regarding the policies presented for final adoption. Hearing none, she then asked for a
motion to accept the policies and procedure presented for final adoption.
MOTION: Jeff Bird made the motion to approve the policies and procedure for final adoption and to place them in the online policy manual. Brian McBride
seconded. The vote was 5 in favor with 0 opposed and 0 abstentions. Motion passed
B. Proposed Elementary Boundary Changes - Shalene French
Chairperson Winchester asked if any Board member had any comment with regard to the Elementary School Boundary changes.
Mr. McBride wondered why we could not move Falls Brook students. No school can take an additional 100 children and it was a previous decision to keep Falls
Brook from being moved so many times. After Bridgewater opened the Board directed that the 2/3 stay where they were moved. They need the continuity in their
school instead of being moved every time we open a new school. They need that additional support.
Dr. French stated that it was better to move the students to Bridgewater so they would be able to go to Rocky Mountain Middle School. There is has not been a
consensus among the residents of the Caribou Meadows community regarding where students should be moved. Chairperson Winchester stated that as a result,
the Board’s previous decision to move the children living in the Caribou Meadows square mile to Bridgewater Elementary will stand. There is one family on 55th
and the administration will work with that family to continue to go to Iona. Chairperson Winchester asked the administration to make sure the principals at both
schools are aware.
X. Committee, Curriculum, and Administrative Reports
A. Proposed Policy for Initial Consideration - Marjean McConnell
1. 5635 Notification of New District Level Positions
2. 2365 Testing and Assessment
Chairperson Winchester asked Mrs. McConnell to present the proposed policies for Initial Consideration to the Board.
Mrs. McConnell stated that policy 5635 Notification of New District Level Positions was requested by the Board and is a new policy that requires notification to the
Board prior to posting new District level positions. 2365 Testing and Assessment is an existing policy that has been revised to add language stating that the District
will comply with all requirements for state-mandated testing and assessment. It also adds reference to IDAPA rule 08.02.03.111.04 requiring students enrolled in
the District to participate in state mandated testing as well as language requiring students to participate in District testing. Language regarding special education
students participation has been changed to reflect current state mandated practice.
Chairperson Winchester then asked if there are any questions from the Board regarding the policies presented for Initial Consideration. Mr. McBride asked to add
the testing and assessment policy to the Board’s next work session. Chairperson Winchester suggested that after the Board has done some homework to have
another public forum considering the opting out policy. Chairperson Winchester then asked Mrs. Messick to put the Testing and Assessment policy on the agenda
for the May 28th work meeting. Mr. McBride believes the Board needs to be clear on the policy. If we don’t adopt the policy, it could send a mixed messaged that
the Board is against common core. Chairperson Winchester stated that the issue appears to be with the SBAC and opting out, not the Common Core. Mr. McBride
believes the Board should be willing to listen to Common Core issues as well as the testing issues. We need more discussion. Mrs. McConnell stated that we start
our STAR testing and IRI testing in September, we can’t put off a decision until next year. Note our website when we will have a forum. Mrs. Landers is requesting
information regarding what the state can do to us if we allow parents to waiver out. Check with the state regarding legal ramifications. It will affect Star Ratings and
put the schools in Needs Improvement status. If a school doesn’t meet participation, it will drop in Star Rating. It isn’t just about graduation. The state relaxed the
participation requirement this year because it was a field test. The Board needs to understand the consequences. As soon as we find information, we will have a
public information meeting and discuss with them. Mrs. McConnell asked if the Board would be willing to accept the policies for initial consideration. Mr. McBride
wondered if there was a requirement to take the test with ISAT or SAT. The last time the state board rule was modified was 2005. That predates SBAC and
probably goes back to ISAT. The rule is not specific to SBAC but is specific to state required testing. That includes the IRI, SBAC (currently), ISAT for science in
grades 5, 7, and 10 and SAT or another college placement test. The Board Rule is not specific to any testing but addresses state required testing. The new State
Board President may give more information.
B. SBAC Testing and Student Feedback - Rod Rapp
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Rapp to present feedback from the SBAC Testing. Mr. Rapp stated that he was asked to present feedback from students in
grades 3 – 6 with regard to the SBAC field test this year. The test included English Language Arts and the Math test. Both have two different parts. The Computer
Adaptive Test (CAT) and the Performance Task (PT). The CAT is similar to the ISAT format where there are 44 questions regarding specific skills. The
Performance Task includes 3-4 questions that require several skills to answer in an essay form. The CAT is taking elementary students between 1 ½ and 2 hours
to complete. The average student is completing the PT in about an hour. So we are looking at about 2 ½ to 3 hours per student which is about the same amount of
time as with the ISAT. Mr. Rapp told the students before they tested that he would talk to them randomly afterward to get their feedback of what they thought of
the test and what their experience was like. Between Summit Hills and Falls Valley, he visited with about 400 students. He asked them all the same questions: (1)
Tell me what you thought of the test and why do you feel that way; (2)Which test did you like best, the CAT or the PT; and (3)What was your favorite part and why.
He included specific answers for students that were indicative of the majority of the answers he received. A sixth grader said that it was good and he liked being
able to go back and review his answers and his thinking. Mr. Rapp was intrigued by the students reference to thinking because they have been trying to instill meta
cognition in students. They have been trying to get them to think about their own education and their learning. Many expressed the same thing. Another said that it
was more like assignments than a test. When asked which he liked better, assignments or tests, he responded that he liked assignments better. The second
question about which test students liked best, he thought would come out about 50 – 50. However, about 90% preferred the PT because they liked being able to
prove their point. They liked being able to take control and say this is the answer and why. They liked telling the answer rather than just picking them. The third
question: What was your favorite part surprised him the most. Students liked typing the answer and giving their opinions. Only two did not give this answer. As
adults they worried about the need to type but it did not bother the students.
He was also asked to talk about some of the future plans for the SBAC system and the role of testing to guide instruction. Since NCLB, we have had a lot of
testing. We have used testing as a judgment rather than as a friend. If we were to use testing in the proper way it would be looked at as a friend. We need good
diagnostic tests to know what needs to be taught. We need good formative assessment so teachers can twink their lessons to help more students understand. We
need good interim testing so we know we are on the right track and summative testing to see if we have met our goals. For years, we have been pretty good at
diagnostic and summative but not always so good at formative and interim. But that is not the case with our district because we purchased the full Renaissance
package two years ago because that gave us great diagnostic and interim tests. The PLC format where teachers can met together weekly to collaborate and
create formative assessments to use in their instruction and be able to change a lesson midstream to make sure every student is able to understand. This helps
teachers hone their craft. The SBAC system wants to create a digital library of formative assessment resources that teachers can access immediately and employ
in their classroom so they can get immediate feedback from their students and be able to know what they need to do with regard to that lesson. That needs to be
from teachers in the classroom and not top down. Each state put together a State Leadership Team (SLT) and a State Network of Educators (SNE) of classroom
teachers and building administrators. The SNE create the formative assessment resources and then submit them to the digital library. Then it goes through a
vetting process where other SNEs review it to make sure it is a high quality resource through a quality criteria process that it is required to go through. The SLT
then supervise that process. There are four people from the state department, a retired administrator from up north, a BSU professor; a middle school principal in
Boise who take care of regions 1, 2, and 3. Mr. Rapp has the responsibility for the SLT in regions 4, 5, and 6. As they produce those resources and they go
through the vetting process, the benefit to us will be that our teachers meeting in their PLC will be able to save some time and can pick one that is what they need.
Then they can discuss as a grade level team or content level team how they would employ that in their classrooms. The digital library should be available at the
beginning of August. Teachers will have a login and then will be able to select the subject type and grade level and then resources will pop up and reference to a
formative assessment that can be used in classroom is available for use in the classroom.
Mr. McBride wondered what the negatives were from kids with regard to the SBAC test. There were very few. Some said that they don’t like to take any test.
Some said that it is boring to take a test. There was nothing really negative about the format but mostly negative in general. There was nothing specific that they
felt was different from an experience with a prior test. Mr. Rapp was surprised with so many positive comments. He expended the outcome to be more 50 – 50.
One third grade class, when asked how was it cheered that it was so much fun because they got to type and they love typing. He hasn’t experienced anything
tremendously negative with the test. Mr. McBride asked if we have anything similar with secondary students. We have not done a survey with our middle and high
school students. We could do a post survey if you would like. He spoke to a junior at Hillcrest that wasn’t happy with the test at all. He can see the value of
feedback from the secondary level as well and would like to have an idea of how they view the test. Mrs. Landers’ teenage kids didn’t like it at all. It’s a different
way of learning and the older they are, the harder it is. It is a huge transition. She believes that the older kids probably hate it.
Chairperson Winchester asked if any Board member had any questions for Mr. Rapp. Hearing none, she thanked Mr. Rapp for all that he has done and moved on
to Bond Survey Information.
C. Bond Survey Information - Scott Woolstenhulme
Chairperson Winchester asked Mr. Woolstenhulme to present the results of the Post Bond Survey to the Board. Mr. Woolstenhulme stated that it was a simple
random sampling of those who voted. We wanted to reach more than just our parents in the survey. So, we contacted with Dr. Rich Bauscher who is the
superintendent in Middleton and does this as a side job. He works with affirm in the Boise area. We were able to design a much more scientific approach to the
survey. Out of roughly 6,300 people that voted, we sampled about 650 which is about 10% and a confidence level of 99% with a + or – 3% margin of error. He is
very confident in the results of the survey.
It was a phone survey and it took them about a month because they were calling a specific person in the home. From the respondents 63% own their home and
37% rent. With regard to age 39% were younger than 44, age 44-54 was 37% and older than 54 was 24%. Male and female was split 50 – 50. Of the respondents,
70% have resided in the district for at least two years and 30% have moved in within the last two years. Of these 64% had voted in the previous school bond o
elections and 36% had not. 62% had children in school 38% did not. We could match that back to see how closely it matches the bond results. 55% felt that the
district makes wise and prudent use of funds and 35% do not. The most crucial finding is that 92% responded that they were aware of the overcrowding in the high
schools and middle schools. We communicated effectively that we are experiencing severe overcrowding. In spite of that, most people did not support the bond.
46% supported $92 million bond. 49% supported the location, the bond term and interest rate wasn’t deciding factor as there was no statistical difference between
the three different questions. The specific reasons for opposing the bond: 223 did not want an increased tax levy rate. The second reason was the total amount of
the bond. The next was that our estimates for the cost of the high school were too high. The amount of interest, the proposed location, athletic facilities, unaware
of the scope of the bond prior to the elections, purchase of school buses, and use of previous bond money were another reasons cited.
Mrs. Landers wondered if people were made aware of the fact that we have made some adjustments to the site. They were not. We were really to find out why
people voted the way they did on the bond.
Chairperson Winchester stated that this tells us that people won’t vote for the bond if it will raise taxes. Mr. Woolstenhulme believes that people have the mind set
that we don’t have to raise taxes to build schools because we have been very fortunate in the past that the market value increase has allowed us to build without
the need to raise the tax levy rate. That is not the situation with our tax base anymore and not the situation with trying to build a new high school. Mr. McBride
wondered if it will it be hard to pass a bond because of communication error. He is concerned that it may be hard to make a decision as a result of a survey like
this because of communication errors. We can’t build a school without an increase so it is whatever we need to do to face the challenge of the large number of
students. At the forums he isn’t getting that information. People want the District to do what is best. He feels that we need to communicate better. Mrs. Landers is
in the schools almost every day and the community feels there wasn’t enough communication. She has the feeling from the patrons that they think a high school
would pass. They don’t want the amount the bond was, but they understand that we need the high school and they would pass the high school. They just didn’t
feel like we communicated very well and they didn’t get the information they thought they needed. We need to address those problems and talk about what we can
do. Mrs. Landers asked to put this on the next work session agenda.
Mr. McBride believes that the survey reflects the vote. Mrs. Landers is concerned about the way the questions were asked. The specific question was, provide us
with the specific reasons why opposed the bond. Mr. Woolstenhulme doesn’t have the raw responses but they were grouped into three categories. Mrs. Landers
wondered if we dropped the amount of the bond, would the increase in taxes drop enough so people would support it. Mr. McBride wondered if we need a printed
survey so people could fill out the information and drop it in a box. Chairperson Winchester believes we need the patrons to sell the bond.
Chairperson Winchester asked if any Board member had any additional questions for Mr. Woolstenhulme.
Chairperson Winchester then asked if Mrs. Miller was still present. She had to leave earlier.
D. Summer School and Partnership with BYU-I - Clarice Miller
Chairperson Winchester then asked Mrs. McConnell to present information regarding Summer School and the District’s partnership with BYU-I Mrs. McConnell
stated we will use BYU-I students to help and it will reduce the ratio of student to teacher during summer school. There will be supervision of teachers and Mrs.
Miller during the summer track for BYU-I students.
Chairperson Winchester asked if any Board member had any questions for Mrs. McConnell. Hearing none, she then asked if any Board Member would like to add
agenda items to an upcoming meeting.
She announced the Retirement Open House to be held next Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. here in the District Board Room.
XI. Call for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings
A. Retirement Open House - Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - District Board Room - 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
B. Work Session with TCHS Student Council - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 - District Board Room - 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
C. BHS Seniors Graduation - Tuesday, June 3, 2014
D. HHS Seniors Graduation - Wednesday, June 4, 2014
E. District Picnic - Thursday, June 5, 2014 - Bonneville High School Cafeteria - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
F. LHS Seniors Graduation - Thursday June 5, 2014 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest
G. TCHS and BOHS Seniors Graduation - Thursday, June 5, 2014 - 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - at Rocky Mountain Middle School
H. Regular Meeting - Wednesday, June 11, 2014 - 7:00 p.m.
XII. Executive Session
Chairperson Winchester stated that the Board will enter into Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code Section 67-2345 (1)(b) To consider the evaluation,
dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student
and 67-2345 (1)(c) To conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. The
Executive Session will be closed to the public as permitted by law.
She then asked for a motion to move into Executive Session for the reasons stated.
MOTION: Brian McBride made the motion to move into Executive Session for the purposes stated. Jeff Bird seconded.
The Roll Call Vote was
Jeff Bird, yes
Amy Landers, yes
Brian McBride, yes
Kip Nelson, yes
Annette Winchester, yes
XIII. Motions from Executive Session
Chairperson Winchester asked if there would be any motions from executive session.
MOTION: Jeff Bird made the motion to accept the resignation of employee B14. Amy Landers seconded. The vote was 5 in favor with 0 opposed and 0
abstentions. Motion passed.
XIV. Adjournment
Chairperson Winchester then asked for a motion to adjourn at 11:50 p.m.
MOTION: Brian McBride made the motion to adjourn. Jeff Bird seconded. The vote was 5 in favor with 0 opposed and 0 abstentions Motion passed.
APPROVED: __________________________
Chairperson
ATTESTED: __________________________
Clerk
Date: ___________________