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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-2025 Minutes Special 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 Special Work Meeting/Executive Session Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 11:30 AM Mountain PLC Building 3442 E Iona Rd Idaho Falls, ID 83401 I. Call to Order Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 11:44 a.m. II. Roll Call Carissa Coats: Present Randy Smith: Present via Zoom Mindy Clayton Present Richard Hess Not Present Paul Jenkins: Present Richard joined at 11:47 a.m. via Zoom III. Amend/Approve the Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the agenda. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. IV. Board Opening Business IV.A. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors Chairman Jenkins welcomed everyone in attendance to the meeting. He informed those who would like to participate in public input to sign the sign-up sheet. IV.B. Public Input: Pursuant to Board Policy #4105 Public Participation in Board Meetings, Public Input shall be held to a maximum of one (1) hour and 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 related to any items during the meeting unless on the agenda but may direct the Superintendent to report such items at a subsequent meeting. There was no one who signed up to participate in public input. V. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations V.A. District Mission Statement Poster for Classrooms (Action Item) The board discussed recent state laws communicated to teachers at the start of the school year, with particular focus on restrictions regarding what can be displayed in classrooms. Questions had arisen over the "All Students Are Welcome Here" sign used in West Ada, which the Attorney General interpreted as a violation of the new law. To provide clarity and support, administration proposed an official district statement welcoming all students that could be displayed in classrooms. The proposed wording was: "We welcome every student to Bonneville Joint School District 93—where all students will feel safe, connected, and cared for." Board members expressed appreciation for the effort, noting that it supports both students and teachers, and agreed that adopting the statement would be a positive step forward. Motion: To approve the District Mission Statement poster for D93 classrooms. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V.B. Proposed Fee Changes V.B.1. Out of State Public Records Requests The board reviewed recent legislative changes to Idaho’s public records law. The update allows school districts and other state agencies to charge out-of-state requestors differently than in-state residents. While in-state requestors still receive the first two hours of labor free and work must be completed by the lowest-paid qualified employee, those requirements no longer apply to out-of-state requests. Fees must still reflect actual costs but may begin immediately and be charged at the rate of the employee completing the work. The administration recommended creating a fee schedule for both in-state and out-of-state requests, as advised by legal counsel. The board was supportive of moving forward in this direction, with discussion noting that most out-of-state requests involve marketing firms or personnel directories, while local requests often involve records of student accidents or video footage. The fee schedule will be posted in the newspaper per state law. V.B.2. Performing Arts Center Rental Agreement I. Costumes and props II. Auditorium use The board discussed a proposal to establish rental fees for scenery and costumes from the Hillcrest Performing Arts Center, as local arts groups have requested use of these items. Members were supportive, noting the potential to generate revenue for the program, provided there are safeguards such as deposits and replacement obligations for damaged items. The board also considered setting broad categories with maximum fee amounts and differentiating between volunteer and non-volunteer groups rather than strictly nonprofit versus for-profit. In addition, administration recommended updating the hourly rate for auditorium managers to ensure it aligns with or exceeds district compensation rates. These proposed fees will be prepared for inclusion in an upcoming fee hearing, likely in October or November. VI. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations VI.A. Release of Contract for Employee G-2026 (Action Item) Motion: To approve the release of contract for Employee G-2026. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VI.B. Praxium Name Change The board heard from Nancy Jackson regarding the proposed renaming of Praxium Mastery Academy as it relocates to Ammon Elementary. In line with board guidance to incorporate "Ammon" into the name, staff generated several options, with Ammon Honors Academy emerging as the top choice. Discussion noted that the new name would help with branding, accreditation, and competitiveness with other schools, while reflecting high expectations and academic excellence. Board members generally supported the direction, with some consideration given to possible community feedback and ensuring families are informed. Next steps will involve finalizing the name for board adoption. VI.C. Proposed Policy 5825 Nepotism The board revisited the nepotism policy after it was pulled from the prior agenda to ensure accuracy following recent legislative changes. The administration confirmed, in consultation with legal counsel, that the changes only affect smaller districts and do not apply to District 93. For a district of this size, it remains prohibited for board members or their spouses to be employed by the district. Clarifications will be made in the policy language, including the definition of supervisory roles, and the policy will be brought forward for final adoption at the next meeting. VII. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations VII.A. Property Tax Certification (Action Item) The board reviewed the annual property tax certification required for submission to the county commissioners. The district will certify $2.8 million for the plant facilities levy, $5.8 million for the supplemental levy, and $2.75 million for bond collections, totaling approximately $11.35 million. This reflects $11.3 million in state funding provided this year to offset bond principal and interest payments, significantly reducing the local tax burden. Preliminary estimates show an 8% increase in market value, which would drop the district’s levy rate from $194 to $140 per $100,000 of taxable value, resulting in an average savings of about $200 per household. The board discussed the importance of communicating this tax relief to patrons, especially in preparation for future supplemental levy requests. Motion: To approve the property tax certification as proposed. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VII.B. Enrollment Report The board received an enrollment update showing a continued slight decline, with current enrollment at 13,520, about 150 students, fewer than last year. This reduction represents roughly $1 million in state revenue. The decline is attributed primarily to lower birth rates, with some impact from charter school competition and possibly families using state tax credits for homeschooling. Kindergarten enrollment remains lower than historic averages, though only slightly below last year’s numbers. Secondary schools now carry heavier enrollment than elementary schools, reversing earlier trends. The board discussed the need to do right-sized staffing, balance class sizes through boundary adjustments, and the importance of repurposing Ammon Elementary to support growing secondary needs. It was noted that enrollment declines are statewide and national trend. VIII. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations VIII.A. Sex Education Policy and Practices • Updates to Policy 2320 • Conception Fetal Development and Ultrasound Videos Policy 2320 Health and Human Sexuality Instruction - The board reviewed updates to the district’s sex education policy in response to recent legislative changes. The administration explained that new requirements include parental opt-in for any instruction involving human sexuality, mandatory use of state-approved videos when teaching about sexually transmitted diseases or contraception, and restrictions on instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation. After consultation with legal counsel, the district will allow limited instruction in grades 6-12 when content aligns with state standards and parental permission is obtained. Teachers are being supported with a new digital tool that helps them identify whether materials require parent notification or opt-in consent. The district will also update its approved curriculum database to reflect these changes. Board members expressed appreciation for the district’s efforts to provide clarity, support teachers, and ensure compliance. Conception, Fetal Development and Ultrasound Videos - The board discussed new state requirements that any class covering contraception or sexually transmitted diseases must include approved instructional videos. Teachers have submitted suggested resources, and administration is reviewing them through the curriculum approval process. The district leadership team will evaluate options and recommend videos for board approval, which may include more than one version. Concerns were noted about the political tone of some legislatively suggested materials, and care will be taken to ensure selected videos align with policy and avoid controversial content. Final recommendations will be brought to the board for approval alongside other curriculum items. IX. Board Closing Business IX.A. Ribbon Cuttings and Board Tours The board discussed how to recognize ongoing facility improvements across the district. While every school will receive upgrades, members considered which projects should include official recognition events. It was agreed that highly visible projects impacting the functionality or appearance of buildings, such as new entrances or office spaces, warrant recognition, while less visible projects like roofs or HVAC systems do not. The administration will also highlight all capital improvements in family updates to ensure transparency and visibility, even when no formal event is held. IX.B. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) No action was taken as no patron requests were received. The Board asked that the following items be included in future meeting agendas: • School Safety — Work Session in Executive Session IX.C. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.