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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-2025 Minutes Regular Meeting 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/Executive Session Wednesday, September 10, 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 everyone to the meeting. II. Call to Order Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. III. Roll Call Carissa Coats: Present Randy Smith: Excused Mindy Clayton Present Richard Hess: Present Paul Jenkins: Present IV. Approve the Executive Session Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Executive Session agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V. Executive Session (Action Item) The Board will enter into 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 and (d) to consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code. 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 Mindy Clayton, Passed. The Board entered Executive Session at 6:06 p.m. V.A. Planning and Personnel Recommendations The following employees were discussed with the Board. V.A.1. Leave Without Pay Employee H-2026 Employee I-2026 Employee J-2026 Employee K-2026 V.A.2. Release of Contract Employee L-2026 was discussed with the Board. V.A.3. Background Check Report Executive Director Heath Jackson briefed the Board on recent background checks. VI. Close Executive Session (Action Item) Motion: To close Executive Session. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. The Executive Session closed at 6:38 p.m. VII. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Jenkins. VIII. The invocation was offered by Carson Smith. IX. Call to Order Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. X. Roll Call Carissa Coats: Present Randy Smith: Excused Mindy Clayton Present Richard Hess: Present Paul Jenkins: Present XI. Amend/Approve the Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Regular Agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XII. Board Opening Business XII.A. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors Chairman Jenkins welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded those who would like to participate in public input to fill out the sign-up sheet. XII.B. Staff/Student Recognition HHS Band - Performing at the Washington D.C. 4th of July Parade Band Director Casey Emerson shared with the Board that Hillcrest High School’s band had the honor of performing in Washington, D.C., during the Independence Day parade. He explained that the trip was made possible through significant fundraising efforts supported by parents, local businesses, the community, and the district. Emerson described the experience as more than just a performance opportunity, noting that students engaged in meaningful conversations about patriotism and sacrifice as they visited national monuments. He expressed gratitude for the support of the district, Hillcrest staff, and the community, and said it was a privilege to represent Idaho. The band concluded the presentation by performing the state song, "Here We Have Idaho," arranged as a march. XII.C. 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 were no participants for public input. XII.D. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XII.D.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Board Work Meeting/Executive Session - 08-13-2025 Board Regular - 08-13-2025 Board Special Work Meeting/Executive Session - 09-03-2025 XII.D.2. Financial XII.D.2.a. Accounts Payable 19,490,866.86 XII.D.2.b. Contracts Soliant Terms of Teleservice Assignment (ASL Interpreter) XII.D.2.c. Surplus Items Bridgewater Elementary - Books - Surplus Iona Elementary - Books - Surplus Custodial - Floor Scrubber - Surplus XII.D.3. Employees XII.D.3.a. Alternative Authorizations XII.D.3.b. Conditional Employment XII.D.3.c. Leave Requests Employee H-2026 Employee I-2026 Employee J-2026 Employee K-2026 XII.D.3.d. Resignations and Terminations XII.D.3.e. Retirements XII.D.3.f. Stipends XII.D.3.g. Transfers XII.D.3.h. 2025 Fall Student Teachers XII.D.4. Internships/Student Teachers XII.D.5. Students XII.D.5.a. Early Graduation Requests XII.D.5.b. Club Requests HHS - Art Club XII.D.5.c. Trip Requests XII.D.6. School Support Organizations TRHS Football Booster Club Praxium PTO HHS Choir Booster Club TRHS Wrestling Booster Club XII.D.7. Executive Team, D93 News IHSAA State Tournament Travel XIII. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda (Action Item) – not needed. XIV. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations XIV.A. Series 2016 A and 2016B Bond Refunding Update Eric Heringer from Piper Sandler presented the Board with an opportunity to refinance the bonds used to build Thunder Ridge High School. He explained that current market conditions would allow the District to lower the interest rate on the 2016 bonds from an average of 4.63% to about 2.94%. This refinancing would save taxpayers approximately $3.4 million over the remaining life of the bonds, or roughly $400,000 to $500,000 per year, without extending the bond term or increasing debt. Heringer noted that closing in December 2025 would maximize savings, and that costs for legal, advisory, and rating services were already included in the net savings estimate. He emphasized that if interest rates were to shift unfavorably before the sale, the District could halt the process with little risk. The District’s municipal advisor, Michael Keith, affirmed that this was a strong opportunity to capture meaningful tax relief for patrons, adding to the state-funded property tax relief already provided through House Bill 292. The Board expressed support for pursuing the refinancing, with a formal resolution to be prepared and presented for approval at a future meeting. XV. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations XV.A. Renaming of Praxium Mastery Academy Recommendation (Action Item) Nancy Jackson, Principal of Praxium Academy, requested Board approval to rename the school "Ammon Honors Academy." She explained that after meeting with staff and touring the building, the proposed name was chosen to better reflect the school community and the historic significance of the Ammon building. The school would retain its mascot, and the new name would transition in phases, beginning as "Ammon Honors Academy at Praxium" and then moving fully to "Ammon Honors Academy" the following year. Jackson shared that students were excited about the discussion and appreciated the opportunity to align the name more closely with the school’s vision and values. XV.B. Release of Contract for Employee L-2026 (Action Item) Motion: To accept the recommendation of releasing Employee L-2026 from their contract. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XV.C. New Employee and Staff Retention Rates Report Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, reported positively on staff retention and hiring. He noted that while the district experienced some turnover, retention rates remain strong at 89% for certified staff and 84% for classified staff, consistent with long- term trends. The district successfully filled all positions with qualified candidates and continues to attract strong applicant pools, even late in the hiring season. Jackson highlighted that turnover among certified staff has returned to typical levels after concerns two years ago, with fewer teachers leaving for four-day school weeks or insurance reasons. He acknowledged counselor hiring as a continued challenge but said alternative certification pathways have helped. Importantly, there were no reductions in force or involuntary terminations this year. He also recognized employee longevity, noting 54 staff reached 10 years of service, 13 reached 20 years, and several surpassed 30 years, including one employee with 45 years in the district. Overall, Jackson expressed confidence in the district’s ability to retain quality staff and attract new hires, while continuing to monitor long-term workforce needs, particularly with upcoming retirements. XV.D. Policy for Final Adoption XV.D.1. Proposed Policy 5825 Nepotism for Final Adoption (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme requested Board approval of Proposed Policy 5825, Nepotism, for final adoption. He explained that the policy had been reviewed at the previous meeting and updated with minor edits to clarify definitions for "employee" and "relative." He confirmed those gaps had been addressed and recommended the policy be adopted as revised. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5825 Nepotsm for final adoption. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X VI. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations XVI.A. Policy for Final Adoption XVI.A.1. Proposed Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve proposed Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom for final adoption. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. Randy Smith: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Richard Hess: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1 Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested Board approval of Proposed Policy 2340, Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom, for final adoption. He explained that the revisions clarified the definition of human sexuality and specified when teachers must notify parents regarding controversial issues, ensuring consistency with related policies. XVI.A.2. Proposed Deletion of Policy 2310 Health Enhancement for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve the deletion of Policy 2310 Health Enhancement for final adoption. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. Randy Smith: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Richard Hess: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1 XVI.A.3. Proposed Policy 2320 Health and Human Sexuality Instruction for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve proposed Policy 2320 Health and Human Sexuality Instruction for final adoption. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. Randy Smith: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Richard Hess: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1 Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested Board approval of Proposed Policy 2320, Health and Human Sexuality Instruction, for final adoption. He explained that the new policy incorporates requirements from state law, including standards for instruction, opt-out provisions for parents, and clear procedures for notifying families when human sexuality is addressed. He emphasized that the updates are intended to provide clarity for teachers while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and consistency in communication with parents. XVI.B. Curriculum Committee Recommendations (Action Item) Motion: To accept the curriculum committee's recommendations as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. Randy Smith: Absent, Mindy Clayton: Yea, Carissa Coats: Yea, Richard Hess: Yea, Paul Jenkins: Yea Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1 Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, presented several curriculum items for Board approval following review by parents and the district curriculum committee. He recommended approval of the plays The Curious Savage by John Patrick, Xanadu, Sister Act Jr., and The Yellow Boat (with parent notification prior to auditions due to sensitive content). He also recommended approval of the book Atomic Habits for health/lifeskills classes, the novel Earthsea for middle school English, and The Art of War for high school social studies with emphasis on leadership and strategy. Additionally, he requested approval for the use of the i-Ready math software at the elementary level, noting schools may purchase it individually with available funds. XVI.B.1. Curriculum Committee Recommendation - Videos XVI.B.1.a. "The Fetal Ultrasound" video (Action Item) Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, requested Board approval of the Ultrasound Video for use in health and biology classes, as required under state law. He explained that legislation mandates the inclusion of two specific videos—one on ultrasound and one on conception/fetal development—when teaching human biology, contraception, or sexually transmitted infections. After reviewing available options with teachers and parents, the district selected videos that meet legal requirements and are appropriate for classroom instruction. Lords asked the Board to approve the ultrasound video for use under these guidelines. Motion: To approve "The Fetal Ultrasound" video for use in any classroom instruction on human biology, contraception, or sexually transmitted infection. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XVI.B.1.b “Fertilization and Childbirth" video (Action Item) Motion: To approve "Fertilization and Childbirth" video for use in any classroom instruction on human biology, contraception, or sexually transmitted infection. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XVII. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations XVII.A. Thunder Ridge HS Request to Change the District 93 Calendar to Accommodate the State Drama Competition in December (Thunder Ridge HS Only) (Action Item) Trent Dabell, Principal at Thunder Ridge High School requested Board approval to adjust the school schedule in order to host the State Drama Competition on December 5-6. He explained that the event would require the use of over half the school’s classrooms, making a regular school day unfeasible. The proposal included converting Monday, December 1, into a full instruction day (instead of an intervention day) and designating Friday, December 5, as a professional development day for staff, with no classes for students. Dabell noted that the plan would meet state funding requirements, minimize disruption to transportation and food services, and still provide teachers with contractual work time. Motion: To approve Thunder Ridge High School's request to change the district calendar for only Thunder Ridge to accommodate the state drama competition in December. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XVII.B. Continuous Improvement Plan (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme requested Board approval of the District’s Improvement Plan. He explained that while the state requires extensive documentation, the core priorities remain the same as those reviewed in June, with an added emphasis on improving middle school math outcomes. He noted that the required reports and data have been completed and asked the Board to approve the plan for submission to the state, with any necessary edits to be brought back following state review. Motion: To approve the District's Improvement Plan as presented. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XVIII. Board Closing Business XVIII.A. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) The following items were requested for future board meetings: • Boundary Discussion at the September 24th work meeting • Community meeting with public input on the proposed boundary changes on October 2, 2025, at The Little Theater at Bonneville High School at 7:00 p.m. XVIII.B. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. APPROVED: ______________________________________ Chairman ATTESTED: _______________________________________ Clerk DATE: ___________________________________