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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-2025 Minutes Executive Session Regular Board Meeting Budget HearingDr. 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 Executive Session/Regular Meeting/Budget Hearing Wednesday, June 11, 2025, An Executive Session will begin at 6:30 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 everyone in attendance to the meeting. II. Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to o at 6:34 p.m. III. Roll Call Carissa Coats Present Randy Smith Present Mindy Clayton Present Richard Hess Present Paul Jenkins Present IV. Approve/Amend the Executive Session Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Executive Session agenda. This motion, made by Randy Smith 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 Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. The Board entered Executive Session at 6:35 p.m. V.A. Student Recommendations V.A.1. Student 25-J (Action Item) The Board discussed Student 25-J. Motion: To approve expulsion without a hearing and readmit Student 25-J to the same school as recommended. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V.A.2. Student 25-K (Action Item) The Board discussed Student 25-K. Motion: To approve suspension only for Student 25 -K as recommended. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. V.B. Student Suspension Report Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed the suspension report with the Board. V.C. Close Executive Session (Action Item) Motion: To close Executive Session. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. Executive Session closed at 6:49 p.m. VI. Board Opening Business VI.A. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Jenkins. VI.B. Invocation The invocation was led by Chairman Jenkins. VI.C. Call to Order Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. VI.D. Roll Call Carissa Coats Present Randy Smith Present Mindy Clayton Present Richard Hess Present Paul Jenkins Present VI.E. Amend/Approve the Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VI.F. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors Chairman Jenkins welcomed those in attendance to the meeting. VI.G. 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. There was no one signed up to participate in consent agenda public input. VI.H. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the consent agenda. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. VI.H.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Regular Board Meeting/Executive Session - May 14, 2025 Special Board Meeting - May 29, 2025 VI.H.2. Financial VI.H.2.a. Accounts Payable $14,233,075.34 VI.H.2.b. Contracts Williamsburg 2025-2026 Curriculum Provider Agreement VI.H.2.c. Surplus Items Hillview Elementary - Books - Surplus Bonneville Online High School - Books - Surplus VI.H.3. Employees VI.H.3.a. Alternative Authorizations VI.H.3.b. Conditional Employment VI.H.3.c. Leave Requests VI.H.3.d. Resignations and Terminations VI.H.3.e. Retirements VI.H.3.f. Stipends VI.H.3.g. Transfers VI.H.4. Students VI.H.4.a. Trip Requests TRHS Yearbook Camp - Boise, Idaho - 07-27-2025 to 07-29-2025 VI.H.5. Summer Hires VI.H.6. School Support Organizations TRHS Cheer Boosters VII. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda VIII. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations VIII.A. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no one who signed up for Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations public input. VIII.B. Proposed FY26 Budget Hearing VIII.B.1. Proposed FY26 Budget Executive Director of Finance and Operations Guy Wangsgard presented the proposed FY26 district budget to the Board, as required by Idaho statute. He noted the public hearing, and proper legal notice had been completed. The budget reflects an $8 million increase in general fund revenue over the prior year’s budget, driven largely by salary and benefit increases for certified, classified, and administrative staff. Certified salaries rose due to both career ladder movement and a 5% allocation increase; classified and admin staff also received a 5% average raise. On the expenditure side, Wangsgard highlighted a 9.9% increase in health insurance premiums, and the lack of any increase in state discretionary funding, which adds significant budget pressure amid rising operating costs. The district is projecting a $5.6 million drawdown in its general fund balance, leaving an estimated 4.3% fund balance, largely supported by ESSER savings and one -time legislative appropriations. He also raised concerns about underfunded areas such as special education, literacy intervention, and child nutrition, all of which are experiencing rising personnel costs without matching increases in state or federal funding. The child nutrition fund alone is projected to lose $620,000 in FY25, with only one more year of fund balance sustainability remaining. Wangsgard concluded by noting that some budget figures, such as bond repayment amounts, will be finalized and brought to the Board in September once state reimbursements are confirmed. No public comments were made during the required hearing. VIII.B.2. Proposed FY26 Budget Hearing Public Input There was no one who signed up for the FY26 Budget Hearing public input. VIII.B.3. Proposed FY26 Bonneville Joint School District Budget (Action Item) Motion: To approve the FY26 Bonneville Joint School District 93 Budget as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. VIII.C. School Bus Purchase for Year 2025-2026 (Action Item) Executive Director of Finance and Operations Guy Wangsgard presented a request to purchase a new special needs school bus using available funds from the FY26 depreciation schedule. The proposed bus, priced at approximately $162,000, was selected through th e statewide pre-bid contract process and includes handicap accessibility features, such as a lift. With a 37-passenger capacity, the bus is smaller than a standard 85-passenger vehicle but is designed to meet the specific transportation needs of students with disabilities. The quoted amount reflects the total, all-inclusive cost. The Board approved the purchase following a motion and vote. Motion: To approve the purchase of a special needs bus for the year 2025-2026 as presented. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VIII.D. Contract Approval Process (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme and the Board discussed two key issues regarding the district’s contract approval process: • Delegated Approval Authority: The Superintendent proposed increasing the threshold for contracts that can be approved without formal board action from the current $75,000 to $250,000, in alignment with Idaho statute. This would apply to projects already approved as part of the district’s long-term facilities plan, helping to expedite time- sensitive bids—especially during the summer when board meetings are less frequent. Contracts in this range would still be shared with the Board via email and listed in a capital projects summary on the consent agenda for transparency. • Consent Agenda vs. Action Items: The Board discussed when contracts should appear on the consent agenda versus being presented as separate action items. The consensus was that any new contracts over $250,000 —particularly those not already part of an approved plan—should be listed separately on the agenda for discussion and vote. Renewals and smaller contracts may remain on the consent agenda, but a clearly labeled section for capital expenditures will be added to make it easier to track and remove for discussion if needed. The Board also supported applying the same thresholds to state and national contracts, even though those technically do not require board approval, to ensure consistency and oversight. A revised policy reflecting these changes will be brought to the Board for approval in July. No formal action was taken during this discussion. VIII.E. Superintendent Contract (Action Item) The Board discussed a 4.5% salary increase for Superintendent Woolstenhulme and extending his contract by one year, maintaining the maximum three-year term allowed by Idaho law. Superintendent Woolstenhulme expressed appreciation for the extension and noted his support for the superintendent contract being included in the administrative salary schedule, promoting transparency. Motion: To approve Superintendent Woolstenhulme's contract for FY26 as presented. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. IX. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations IX.A. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no one who signed up for Planning and Personnel Public Input. IX.B. GMP for Rocky Mountain Middle School Lift Enclosure (Action Item) John Pymm, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented a request to approve the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of just over $94,000 for Headwaters Construction to complete the enclosure and structural work required for a wheelchair-accessible lift at Rocky Mountain Middle School. The lift itself is separate and designed to accommodate one person and a wheelchair. The enclosure will be heated and built on the back side of the school near the vocational building. Motion: To approve the GMP from Headwaters Construction for the Rocky Mountain Middle School Lift Enclosure as presented. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. IX.C. Bid Recommendation for Thunder Stadium (BHS) Lighting (Action Item) The district received proposals to install LED lighting at Bonneville High School’s Thunder Stadium from Musco and Hellas. While both systems offered modern features, the key difference was light intensity and cost. Musco required new poles to meet the recommended 50 foot-candle standard, pushing their cost above $400,000, while Hellas met the same standard using existing poles with a bid of approximately $238,000. The Hellas proposal also includes lighting for the bleachers. Based on performance, cost, and compatibility with existing infrastructure, the administration recommended accepting the Hellas bid. Motion: To approve the bid recommendation for Thunder Stadium Lighting as presented. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IX.D. Bid Recommendation for Transportation Parking Lot (Action Item) John Pymm, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented a request to approve a bid from HK Contractors for paving the transportation parking lot, including the bus parking area and two optional sections near the new diesel mechanic building. Despite initial challenges in securing bids, HK submitted a proposal totaling approximately $300,000, which came in under the $350,000 budget. The project includes grading, drainage improvements, and existing electric hookups will remain in place. Striping and numb ering for designated bus parking can be added at minimal additional cost. Motion: To approve the bid recommendation from HK Construction for the transportation parking lot. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. IX.E. Bid Recommendation for Access Control for Hillcrest High School (Action Item) John Pymm, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, requested approval of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) from Headwaters Construction for access control improvements at Hillcrest High School. The project includes creating a secure vestibule and office area at the main entrance to control visitor access during school hours. Originally estimated at $200,000, the GMP came in lower at approximately $143,000. The design includes ballistic film, adjusted fire suppression, lighting, HVAC modifications, and infr astructure for future security integrations. The project enhances safety against various security risks beyond school shootings, such as unauthorized visitors or custody-related concerns. Motion: To approve the GMP from Headwaters Construction for access control for Hillcrest High School as presented. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. IX.F. Owners Representative Contract (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented a contract for John Pymm Consulting LLC to serve as Owner's Representative for the completion of Willow Creek Elementary, the Bonneville High School project, and to provide mentorship to incoming Director Cody Jackson. Although the district typically hires an owner’s rep for major construction, Pymm had fulfilled that role internally in recent projects. With his upcoming retirement, this 14-month contract (July 1, 2025-September 1, 2026) ensures continuity and oversight. The contract totals $125,000 and will be funded through bond proceeds and interest, not the general fund. Motion: To approve the proposed contract for Owner's Representative for Willow Creek Elementary as presented. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. IX.G. Policies for Public Review IX.G.1. Proposed Policy 5040 Certified Staff Transfers for Public Review (Action Item) Heath Jackson requested that Proposed Policy 5040 - Certified Staff Transfers be moved to 30 -day public review. The policy outlines guidelines for involuntary grade-level transfers and includes a clause allowing the Board to adopt a separate resolution in extraordinary circumstances, such as new school openings or boundary changes. A resolution related to Willow Creek and Ammon Elementary will be brought to the Board later this fall. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5040 Certified Staff Transfers for public review. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. IX.G.2. Proposed Policy 5825 Nepotism for Public Review (Action Item) The Board discussed holding off on moving Proposed Policy 5825 (Nepotism) to public review until updates aligning with new state laws—particularly regarding employment of board members’ spouses—can be made. Superintendent Woolstenhulme recommended incorpor ating language to address exceptional cases, requiring legal review, and giving the Board the authority to deny or revoke nepotism exceptions when conflict mitigation plans are unworkable. The updated policy will likely return for review in July. No action taken. IX.H. Resolution for Praxium Relocation and Expansion (Action Item) The executive team and Board discussed the proposed resolution to relocate and expand Praxium Mastery Academy to Ammon Elementary beginning in fall 2026. The recommendation includes expanding Praxium to serve grades 7-12, using the Ammon building to address secondary crowding and better support advanced learners. The Board acknowledged community feedback—particularly staff transfer concerns and neighborhood traffic—and emphasized adjustments made in response, including a resolution process and traffic mitig ation plans. Board members expressed strong support for the plan, citing its cost -effectiveness, educational benefits, and long-term impact on enrollment and facilities use. Motion: To approve the Resolution for the Praxium Relocation and Expansion proposal as presented. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. IX.I. Policies for Final Adoption IX.I.1. Proposed Policy 5140 Evaluation of Educators and Pupil Personnel Certificate Holders for Final Adoption (Action Item) The administration requested final adoption of Proposed Policy 5140 - Evaluation of Educators and Pupil Personnel Certificate Holders. The policy has been updated to remove outdated language and align with current evaluation tool BEST and state requirements. No public comments were received during the review period. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5140 Evaluation of Educators and Pupil Personnel Certificate Holders for final adoption. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. IX.J. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations IX.J.1. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no one who was signed up for Superintendent Reports and Recommendations public input. IX.J.2. Policies for Final Adoption IX.J.2.a. Proposed Policy 4105 Public Participation in Board Meetings for Final Adoption (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme and the Board discussed updates to Policy 4105 to comply with new state law effective July 1, which removes the restriction limiting public comment to agenda items only. Board members also proposed allowing limited responses du ring public comment for clarification or acknowledgment, rather than prohibiting all responses. The Board agreed to strike the outdated item 2E agenda-only restriction to meet the legal deadline, while continuing to work with legal counsel on further revisions regarding how Board members may respond to public input. Motion: To approve proposed Policy 4105 Public Participation in Board Meetings by striking item 2E from the current policy. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IX.J.2.b. Proposed Policy 1510 Board Agenda Items for Final Adoption (Action Item) This agenda item has been tabled for further review. No action taken. X. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations X.A. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations Public Input There was no one who signed up for public input. X.B. Policies for Public Review X.B.1. Proposed Policy 2180 Flag Displays for Public Review (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, presented a request to move Proposed Policy 2180 Flag Displays to public review. The policy update aligns with recent state legislation that outlines what flags may be displayed in public schools. Lords emphasized the need for clear guidance for staff before the school year begins, noting that while certain displays may be permitted during specific units of study, others — such as personal or unrelated flags like a Harry Potter flag —would not be allowed under the new requirements. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2180 Flag Displays for public review. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X.B.2. Proposed Policy 2700P1 Comprehensive High School Graduation Requirements for Public Review (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested to move Proposed Policy 2700P1 Comprehensive High School Graduation Requirements to public review. The updates align with state changes, adding Digital Literacy for the Class of 2028 and the Future Readiness Project (formerly the Senior Project). These updates ensure the district’s requirements match current state expectations. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2700P1 Comprehensive High School Graduation Requirements for public review. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. X.B.3. Proposed Policy 2700P2 Alternative-Specialty High School Graduation Requirements for Public Review (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested to move Proposed Policy 2700P2 - Alternative-Specialty High School Graduation Requirements to public review. The updates align with state changes, adding Digital Literacy for the Class of 2028 and the Future Readiness Project (formerly the Senior Project). These updates ensure the district’s requirements match current state expectations. Motion: To approve proposed Policy 2700P2 Alternative-Specialty High School Graduation Requirements for public review. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. X.C. Policies for Final Adoption X.C.1. Proposed Policy 3010 Open Enrollment for Final Adoption (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested the final adoption of Proposed Policy 3010 - Open Enrollment, updated to reflect new state law requirements. The revisions specify conditions under which open enrollment can be denied or revoked, including a history of expulsion, serious disciplinary issues, criminal conduct, and chronic absenteeism, all now clearly defined in the updated policy. Motion: To approve proposed Policy 3010 Open Enrollment for final adoption. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X.C.2. Proposed Policy 3360 Student Expulsion or Denial of Enrollment for Final Adoption (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested final adoption of Proposed Policy 3360 Student Expulsion or Denial of Enrollment, updated to comply with new state legislation effective July 1. The policy now outlines specific reasons a student may be denied enrollment, including being dis-enrolled in lieu of discipline, posing a threat to health or safety, prior expulsions, or convictions under certain Idaho criminal statutes. It also clarifies that possession of a deadly or dangerous weapon is grounds for expulsion or denial. Motion: To approve proposed Policy 3360 Student Expulsion or Denial of Enrollment for final adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XI. Board Closing Business XI.A. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) The Board requested the following items for future agendas and district visits. • Tour of Willow Creek Elementary • Tour of the Transportation Center The Board Clerk did not receive any requests for agenda items from the public. XI.B. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.