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Home My WebLink About02-12-2025 Minutes Regular Board Meeting and Executive SessionDr. 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 Regular Meeting Wednesday, February 12, 2025, An Executive Session will begin at 6:00 p.m. Public portion of meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Rocky Mountain Middle School 3443 N Ammon Road Idaho Falls, ID 83401 I. Welcome Chairman Jenkins welcomed those in attendance to the meeting. II. Roll Call Carissa Coats: Present Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Paul Jenkins: Present III. Items That Need to Be Moved From the Consent Agenda to Discuss in Executive Session (Action Item) There were no items requested to be moved from the consent agenda. IV. Approve/Amend the Executive Session Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Executive Session agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V. Executive Session (Action Item) The Board will enter into an Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code 74 -206(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. The Executive Session will be closed to the public as permitted by law. Motion: To enter Executive Session. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess. Roll Call Vote: Carissa Coats: yes Randy Smith: yes Mindy Clayton: yes Richard Hess: yes Paul Jenkins: yes The Board entered the Executive Session at 6:03 p.m. V.A. Student Recommendations V.A.1. Student 25-G (Action Item) Student 25-G was discussed with the Board. Motion: To accept the recommendation of readmitting Student 25 -G to the same school without expulsion. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. V.B. Employee Recommendations V.B.1. LWOP Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel employees requesting leave without pay with the Board. These items are on the consent agenda for approval. Employee W-2025 Employee X-2025 Employee Y-2025 Employee Z-2025 Employee AA -2025 V.B.2. Employee U-2025 Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, discussed Employee U-2025 with the Board. This item is a separate action item on the regular agenda. V.B.3. Employee V-2025 (Action Item) Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel discussed Employee V -2025 with the Board. Motion: To approve the recommendation of placing Employee V -2025 on formal probation for a minimum of 8 weeks. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V.B.4. Complaints & Litigations Superintendent Woolstenhulme updated the Board on case BE2024. BE2024 V.C. Superintendent Evaluation The Board discussed the results of the superintendent evaluation with Superintendent Woolstenhulme. VI. Close Executive Session (Action Item) Motion: Close Executive Session. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VII. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Jenkins VIII. Jaime Scott offered the Invocation. IX. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. X. Roll Call Carissa Coats: Present Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Paul Jenkins: Present XI. Board Opening Business XI.A. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors Chairman Jenkins welcomed all who were in attendance for the Board meeting. XI.B. Amend/Approve the Regular Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Regular Board Agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XI.C. Staff/Student Recognition High Desert Marching Band - ISU Mountain West Marching Band Invitational Winners - Best Music, Best Percussion, and 1st Place in the 5A Division and Gem State Award for Highest Score in the Competition Thunder Ridge Marching Band - ISU Mountain West Marching Band Invitational - Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Visual, and Best Auxiliary in the Competition TRHS Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Recipient - Natalie Woods The High Desert Marching Band was recognized for their outstanding achievements and dedication, with special appreciation given to directors Jason Bull and Casey Emerson, as well as the booster clubs and students who made the collaboration between Bonneville and Hillcrest High Schools possible. The band's hard work exemplified the district's commitment to teamwork. They competed at a high level throughout the season, earning first-place finishes at multiple competitions, including the ISU Mountain West Marching Band Invitational, where they also won the prestigious Gem State Award for the highest overall points. Other notable wins included outstanding effects, music, and visual awards at the Madison Competition and the Bridgeland Band Invitational. The directors highlighted the students' year -round dedication, which includes summer camps, extensive rehearsals, and balancing their time with other school commitments. Their 2023 show, The Giving Tree, was described as a moving and memorable performance. Board me mbers praised the students' discipline, hard work, and the support from parents, reinforcing how their efforts bring pride to the district. The Thunder Ridge High School Marching Band was recognized for their outstanding achievements at the ISU Mountain West Marching Band Invitational, where they won awards for Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Visual, and Best Auxiliary. Their dedication and hard work were praised, with acknowledgment of their early morning and summer practices to refine their performances. Director Mr. Skidmore was commended for his leadership in expanding and improving the program, helping the band grow significantly under h is guidance. Special recognition was given to student leaders, who underwent an intensive selection process, and to the color guard, which showed remarkable growth with the help of an assistant coach. The band's success was credited to teamwork, discipline, and strong family support, with a special mention of parents who assist with logistics, transportation, and overall support. Board members expressed admiration for the students' camaraderie, leadership, and excellence, emphasizing how their efforts posit ively represent the district. Natalie Woods was recognized for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest honor in her field. As the recipient for Idaho, she was one of only 55 teachers nationwide to receive this prestigious award. Along with the recognition, she was awarded a $10,000 check from the National Science Foundation and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to be honored. Trent Dabell, Principal at Thunder Ridge HS praised her dedication, leadership, and contributions to the district, highlighting her involvement in numerous initiatives, including the Ukraine project and serving as the advisor for the National Honor Society. She recently took students to a National Convention in Chicag o and was described as an educator who consistently goes above and beyond. Ms. Woods detailed the rigorous application process, which required a nomination, a 30-minute uninterrupted class video, extensive essays, letters of recommendation, and evidence of her effectiveness as a teacher. After becoming a state finalist in 2023, her application was submitted to the federal level, where it was reviewed by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. She expressed excitement after years of waiting for the results, calling it a major achievement. The board and administration celebrated her accomplishment, emphasizing her exceptional impact on students and the district. XI.D. Public Input: Pursuant to Board Policy #4105 Public Participation in Board Meetings, The Board will accept public input on any item listed on tonight's agenda. State law prohibits comments on matters not on the agenda. Public input will be heard at the start of each agenda section and before any action is taken. Please limit comments to three minutes to allow everyone who desires the opportunity to participate. The Board will listen but will not engage in discussion, though members may ask clarifying questions. XI.E. Consent Agenda Public Input There was no person who signed up for consent agenda public input. XI.F. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the consent agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XI.F.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Minutes - Amended Annual Meeting/Executive Session - 01-08-2025 Minutes - Work Meeting/Executive Session - 01-22-2025. XI.F.2. Financial XI.F.2.a. Accounts Payable $14,138,499.64 XI.F.2.b. Surplus Items Bridgewater Elementary - Books - Surplus Cloverdale Elementary - Books - Surplus Woodland Hills Elementary - Books - Surplus XI.F.3. Employees XI.F.3.a. Conditional Employment XI.F.3.b. Leave Requests Employee W-2025 Employee X-2025 Employee Y-2025 Employee Z - 2025 Employee AA-2025 XI.F.3.c. Resignations and Terminations XI.F.3.d. Retirements XI.F.3.e. Stipends XI.F.3.f. Transfers XI.F.4. Students XI.F.4.a. Early Graduation Requests XI.F.4.b. Club Requests BHS Dungeons and Dragons XI.F.4.c. Trip Requests TRHS Scholastic Team to History Bowl National Championship - Washington D.C. - 04-24-2025 to 04-29- 2025 TRHS Business Professionals of America Regional Competition - Boise, Idaho - 03-02-2025 to 03-05-2025 BHS Bonneville Baseball to Minico and Owyhee to play - 03-14-2025 to 03-15-2025 BHS Bonneville Softball to St. George Tournament - St. George, UT - 03-13-2025 to 03-16-2025 HHS Scholastic Team to National History Bowl - Washington D.C. - 04-02-2025 to 04-27-2025 BOHS and PMA Business Professionals of America to BPA Leadership Conference - Boise, Idaho - 03-02- 2025 to 03-05-2025 XI.F.5. School Support Organizations HHS Hillcrest Legion Board HHS Hillcrest Girls Soccer Boosters HHS Hillcrest Baseball Boosters XII. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda (Action Item) There were no items moved from the consent agenda. XIII. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations XIII.A. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no person who signed up for Superintendent Reports and Recommendations public input. XIII.B. HOPE Squad Presentation: Saralou Colson and Lori Baldwin presented HOPE Squad; a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program implemented in Bonneville School District. The initiative began at Bonneville High School in 2015 after the tragic loss of three students to suicide. Due to its success, it was expanded district -wide in 2017. HOPE Squad members are nominated by their peers, rather than elected, ensuring that students who are naturally trusted and empathetic are selected. The program focuses on education, training, and peer intervention to reduce suicide rates. Idaho, which had long ranked in the top five for suicide rates, has since dropped to 12th, reflecting the impact of prevention efforts like HOPE Squad. Statistics show that 7 out of 10 young people experiencing suicidal thoughts confide in a friend, making peer -based programs essential. Colson and Baldwin outlined the selection process, which involves reviewing nominations, consulting with school staff, and securing parental consent before students officially join. The program emphasizes that HOPE Squad members are not counselors but are trained to identify warning signs and refer peers to trusted adults. The curriculum spans all school levels, covering bullying, mental health awareness, self-care, and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, which equips students to ask about suicidal thoughts in a supportive manner. The presentation highlighted inclusion-focused activities, such as retreats, kindness campaigns, and school -wide events. The program has been successful in changing school culture, with students increasingly referr ing friends in distress— even those outside of HOPE Squad. The district has also hosted an annual Idaho HOPE Squad Conference, with strong community support, including sponsorship from Melaleuca. While suicide prevention impact is difficult to measure, early intervention has significantly reduced crisis cases over time. Board members praised the program for its life-saving work, helping create a more empathetic, supportive school environment. XIII.C. Graduation Rates Superintendent Woolstenhulme reported that Bonneville Joint School District 93 received its graduation rate data from the state for the previous year’s graduating class. The reporting process involved submitting data in June, making corrections in the fall, and receiving final reports in January. He explained that graduation rates are standardized at the national level, tracking students from their freshman year and assigning responsibility to the last school they attended full-time. The district’s graduation rate has shown significant improvement since 2015, when it was below the state average. By 2018-2019, it has met the state average, and for the past five years, it has exceeded it, reaching around 90%, compared to the state’s 82%. Individual school graduation rates varied, with Technical Careers High School achieving 100%, while Lincoln High School had a lower rate due to serving students who were already behind. Additionally, the district has consistently outperformed state averages across various student subgroups, including minorities, economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and English learners. Efforts to balance demographics across schools and improve graduation rates at alternative programs like Bonneville Online and Lincoln were highlighted. Woolstenhulme acknowledged the contributions of principals and teachers in keeping students engaged and ensuring their success. XIII.D. Proposed Policy 9805 Memorials on School Grounds for Initial Consideration . Superintendent Woolstenhulme proposed an update to Policy 9805 regarding memorials on school grounds, noting that the current policy is outdated and has caused maintenance issues. He cited overgrown memorial trees at Hillcrest’s baseball stadium as an example. Additionally, he emphasized the need for consistency in handling memorials, aligning with guidance from the suicide prevention policy, which states that all deaths should be treated the same, regardless of cause. The proposed revision limits memorials to small plaques placed inside school buildings, as has been done in past cases, such as at Woodland Hills and Hillcrest HS. Dr. Woolstenhulme believes this approach is the best practice and aligns with existing school policies. The board has been given t ime to review and consider the proposal before making a final decision. XIV. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations XIV.A. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no person who signed up for Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations public input. XIV.B. Headwaters CMGC Contract (Action Item) John Pymm, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented a contract from Headwaters Construction for approval. The board reviewed and approved a contract with Headwaters Construction for CMGC (Construction Manager/General Contractor) services to be carried out over the next three years. The contract covered various projects at multiple schools using state funding. The terms were consistent with previous agreements, maintaining a 3.75% fee structure and an additional 0.5% for preconstruction services. In stead of managing all projects under one umbrella agreement, individual Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts would be established for each project. For example, the Bonneville roof repairs, and Bonneville science room renovations would each have separate GMP agreements. These individual contracts would provide final cost figures for each project and require separate board approvals. The contract underwent legal review by Tom Martel, who made the necessary adjustments. There were negotiations between the district and Headwaters, resulting in an agreement that maintained a strong working relationship with the company, which had successfully partnered with the district for the past seven years. Motion: To approve the Headwaters Construction CMGC contract as presented. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XIV.C. Release of Contract for Employee U-2025 (Action Item) Motion: To accept the recommendation of releasing Employee U -2025 from their contract. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XV. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations XV.A. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no one who signed up to participate in Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations public input. XV.B. New Courses for 2025-2026 (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, presented the new courses for the 2025 -2026 school year. Each January, secondary teachers and department chairs review course descriptions and discuss potential additions at the building level. After finalizing the recommendations, they submit the proposed courses for approval. Each year, around 12 to 15 new courses are added, including new subject offers, teacher -requested courses, and name changes to existing classes. These additions are then in corporated into the course selection book for students. Once approved, high school administrators will prepare class schedules, and students will begin selecting their courses in early March. Mr. Lords noted that this year’s proposed courses were fairly standard, without any highly controversial additions. Motion: To approve the new courses for the 2025 -2026 school year. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XV.C. Proposed Policy 2350 Student Religious Activity at School for Public Review (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, presented Proposed Policy 2350: Student Religious Activity at School for public review. The updates were prompted by a 2022 Supreme Court case involving a coach who prayed after a football game. Previously, district guidance would have prohibited such actions, but the ruling clarified that employees, including coaches and teachers, may engage in religious activities as long as they are not actively performing job duties at the time. The policy aim s to provide clear guidelines for religious expression in schools, ensuring that activities remain voluntary and separate from official responsibilities. The board was asked to approve the policy for public review. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2350 Student Religious Activity at School for public review. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XV.D. Learning and Instruction Curriculum Approval Committee Recommendations The board reviewed and approved the recommendation to use Balto and the Great Race, Balto of the Blue Dawn, and Dog Diaries #4: Togo as supplemental curriculum for 4th grade. These books focus on sled dog racing and historical events, aligning with an engaging learning experience for students. A 4th-grade teacher proposed using these books alongside a guest speaker with experience in dog sled racing, enhancing the students’ understanding of the subject. The board members praised the teacher’s dedication and enthusiasm, noting the hands-on, real- world connection the activity would bring to the classroom. XV.D.1. Balto and the Great Race (Action Item) Motion: To approve Balto and the Great Race as supplemental curriculum for 4th grade. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XV.D.2. Balto of the Blue Dawn (Action Item) Motion: To approve Balto of the Blue Dawn as supplemental curriculum for 4th grade. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XV.D.3. Dog Diaries #4 Togo (Action Item) Motion: To approve Dog Diaries #4 Togo as supplemental curriculum for 4th grade. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XV.D.4. Lucky Stiff Play Script (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested approval for Lucky Stiff as a play for Bonneville High School’s drama program. The script was reviewed by the Learning and Instruction team and evaluated by two parents, ensuring it was appropriate for students. The musical, reminiscent of Weekend at Bernie’s, follows a plot where a nephew must take his deceased uncle to a party in Monte Carlo to claim a $6 million inheritance. The board was asked to approve the play based on the positiv e feedback received. Motion: To approve the play Lucky Stiff for high school drama. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XVI. Board Closing Business XVI.A. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) There were no items requested for future Board meetings from patrons or Board members. XVI.B. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. APPROVED: ______________________________________ Chairman ATTESTED: _______________________________________ Clerk DATE: ___________________________________