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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: ___________________________________