HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2024 Minutes Work MeetingDr. Scott Woolstenhulme, Superintendent
3497 North Ammon Road, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401 (208) 525-4400 Fax (208) 557-6800 www.d93schools.org
Board of Trustees Paul Jenkins Carissa Coats Randy Smith Mindy Clayton Richard Hess
Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Work Meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 11:30 AM
PLC Building
3442 E Iona Rd
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
I. Call to Order
Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.
II. Opening Board Business
II.A. Roll Call
Mindy Clayton: Present
Carissa Coats: Present
Richard Hess: Absent
Paul Jenkins: Present
Randy Smith: Present
Present: 4, Absent: 1.
II.B. Approve/Amend Agenda (Action Item)
Motion: To approve the agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed.
Richard Hess: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea, Randy Smith: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
II.C. Welcome Visitors and Delegations
Chairman Jenkins welcomed any visitors to the meeting.
III. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations
III.A. Use of District-Owned Physical Property Proposed Policy
Superintendent Woolstenhulme, the Executive Team, and the Board discussed the use of district-owned property
following concerns raised in emails about flags, other than the U.S. flag, being displayed in classrooms. Some
members of the Bonneville Education Association support displaying different flags, believing it fos ters a safe
environment and encourages open conversations. The discussion reviewed policies on classroom displays,
including one from West Ada emphasizing that classrooms are public spaces and should maintain content
neutrality. Another ISBA policy focused on political speech, though it was less favored. Concerns were raised
about how flags, like the rainbow flag, could create conflicting viewpoints, leading to discussions about different
policies for varying school levels. The Executive Team will have a po licy ready for initial consideration to the
Board at the October Regular meeting. The Bonneville Education Association will attend the October work
meeting to continue this discussion with the Board and Executive Team.
IV. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations
IV.A. Naming Rights for Stadiums/Fields
The conversation focused on the various issues and discussions surrounding stadium improvements and naming
rights. Tyler Johnson, Bonneville High School Athletic Director, Bonneville High School Principal, Justin Jolley,
Thunder Ridge High School’s Athletic Director, Travis Hobson, and Thunder Ridge High School’s Principal
Trent Dabell discussed potential opportunities to secure financial support for stadium enhancements through
sponsorships and naming rights. They explored the possibility of reaching out t o local banks, particularly when
Mountain America opened a nearby branch, to pursue funding for the stadiums, but no solid agreements had been
made yet. The officials expressed interest in generating revenue for stadium improvements, such as installing
turf. Still, they had not committed to it, preferring to take incremental steps like maintaining the fields and
improving sound systems.
The conversation touched on community interest in naming the stadium after Ralph Hunter, though no direct
approach had been made. The group also recognized the increasing trend of securing large corporate sponsorships
for high school stadiums. They discussed the need for clearer guidelines on the value of naming rights and the
challenges in soliciting major donations. There were concerns about balancing the long-term costs of maintaining
and replacing turf fields with community needs, acknowledging that such upgrades might not be feasible without
significant financial support from donors.
Additionally, logistical issues related to parking during large events were raised, and the group considered using
additional land to alleviate overcrowding. They also discussed the importance of turf for reducing maintenance
challenges and improving the use of facilities for multiple act ivities, including soccer, band, and cheer practices.
Finally, the conversation acknowledged the complexities of long-term planning for facility maintenance,
particularly regarding turf replacement, and the need to create sustainable funding strategies for such projects.
IV.B. District Improvement Plan (Action Item)
The board had previously approved the plan early, but it hadn't been published yet due to some technical updates
that were needed before the October 1st deadline. After reviewing, a few required state metrics were updated, and
the narrative was rewritten to focus on positivity and improvements, rather than pointing out issues with the
state.
Motion: To approve the District Improvement Plan. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy
Clayton, Passed.
Richard Hess: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea, Randy Smith: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
V. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations
V.A. Plant Facilities - How to approach projects
John Pymm, Director of Maintenance and Facilities explained that over the next three years, the district
anticipates approximately $25 million in projects across several schools. Different approaches were considered
for managing these projects. Previously, with a smaller budget, the district managed bids and projects through
internal oversight, but larger projects, such as $6.5 million for Bonneville High School and $12 million for Rocky
Mountain Middle School, required a new approach.
Major projects include replacing HVAC systems, boilers, and flooring, along with handling asbestos issues and
upgrading science labs. Given the scope, they considered using a CMGC (Construction Manager/General
Contractor) model, which had been successful with previous projects like Thunder Ridge High School. This
method would help manage the large volume of work and streamline coordination with contractors, rather than
handling it all internally.
The board also discussed the need for clarity in bid processes, contracting owne rship responsibilities, and the
potential need to hire additional personnel to oversee these extensive projects. Ultimately, the board asked the
district to prepare proposals for the next board meeting in October.
VI. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations
VII. Closing Board Business
VII.A. Supplemental Levy Communication
The Executive Team and the Board discussed the upcoming supplemental levy, noting that November was
approaching quickly. Information about the levy had already been shared in the parent newsletter, and there were
plans to continue communication, including through "D93 Live" before the election. Suggestions were made to
explore using Target River, a marketing company, to improve outreach via various media channels, however,
concerns were raised about the $20,000 cost and the legal requirements for disclosure in communications. The
team is considering using flyers at parent-teacher conferences and other events to spread awareness.
VII.B. Call for upcoming Board Meeting Agenda Items
The October Board Work Meeting has been moved to Pine Basin. The Board Clerk will post the changes as
required by state statute.
VII.C. Adjournment (Action Item)
Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed.
Richard Hess: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea, Randy Smith: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1
The meeting adjourned at 1:24 p.m.
APPROVED: ______________________________________
Chairman
ATTESTED: _______________________________________
Clerk
DATE: ___________________________________