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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-08-2025 Minutes Regular Board 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 Amended Regular Meeting/Executive Session Wednesday, October 8, 2025, An Executive Session will begin at 6:00 p.m. Public portion of meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. District Office 3497 N Ammon Rd Idaho Falls, ID 83401 I. Chairman Jenkins welcomed everyone to the meeting. II. Roll Call Carissa Coats Present Randy Smith Present Mindy Clayton Present Richard Hess Present Paul Jenkins Present III. Amend the Agenda (Action Item) Pursuant to Idaho Code §74-204(4)(a), the Board is amending the agenda for this meeting to add the following item. To add: Curriculum Committee Recommendations under Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations as an action item. To add: Proposed Policy 4297 Access to Public Records for public review under Superintendent Reports and Recommendations as an action item. These items were received today and are time sensitive. Motion: To amend the agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IV. Approve the Executive Session Agenda and the Regular Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Executive Session agenda. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Richard Hess, 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. 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. Roll Call Vote Carissa Coats Yes Randy Smith Yes Mindy Clayton Yes Richard Hess Yes Paul Jenkins Yes The Board entered Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. V.A. Student Recommendations V.A.1. Student C-2026 (Action Item) Motion: To approve suspension only for Student C-2026. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V.A.2. Student D-2026 (Action Item) Motion: To approve suspension only for Student D-2026. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. V.B. Employee Recommendations V.B.1. Leave Without Pay - The following employees were discussed with the Board. Employee M-2026 Employee N-2026 Employee O-2026 V.B.2. Willow Creek Elementary Principal - The Executive Team and the Board discussed the recommendation for Willow Creek Elementary's principal. VI. Close Executive Session (Action Item) Motion: To close Executive Session. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. The Board closed Executive Session at 6:28 p.m. VII. Pledge of Allegiance The pledge of allegiance was led by Chairman Jenkins. VIII. The invocation was offered by Richard Hess. IX. Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. X. Roll Call XI. Declare Carissa Coats, Randy Smith and Richard Hess as Trustees of Bonneville Joint School District 93 (Action Item) Board Clerk Samantha Williams recommended that the Board declare Carissa Coats, Randy Smith, and Richard Hess as Trustees for Bonneville Joint School District 93. Motion: To declare Carissa Coats, Randy Smith, and Richard Hess as Board of Trustees for Bonneville Joint School District 93. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XII. Amend/Approve the Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the regular agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XIII. Board Opening Business XIII.A. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors - Chairman Jenkins welcomed those in attendance to the meeting and reminded those who would like to participate in public input to sign the sheet on the table. XIII.B. Staff/Student Recognition TRHS Honors Society - Recipients of the Overall Award of Excellence from the National Honor Society Guy Wangsgard, CFFO - 2025 School Business Official of the Year TRHS Honors Society: Brian Schultz, assistant principal at Thunder Ridge HS, commended the National Honors Society's accomplishments and leadership. The speaker recognized the efforts of current advisor Aubrey Brian and former advisor Natalie Woods, who is currently participating in an Einstein Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Woods prepared a statement noting that the Thunder Ridge NHS chapter received the National Award of Excellence, recognizing excellence in all four pillars of NHS—character, scholarship, leadership, and service. This award follows last year’s recognition for the Service Pillar of Excellence, highlighting the chapter’s ongoing growth and dedication. Mrs. Woods’ statement praised the students for their outstanding service projects, including fundraising that provided six months of hot meals for over 1,000 people in Ukraine, organizing two Red Cross blood drives, and volunteering at community and academic events throughout the district. Certificates were presented to the students in recognition of their achievements. Guy Wangsgard, CFFO: Superintendent Woolstenhulme recognized Guy Wangsgard, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, for being named the Idaho Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) Official of the Year. Dr. Woolstenhulme noted that Mr. Wangsgard is highly respected across the state for his professionalism, expertise, and selfless dedication to helping others. Although Mr. Wangsgard was unable to attend the IASBO conference in Boise to receive the award due to family commitments, Dr. Woolstenhulme accepted the award on his behalf. In his remarks, Mr. Wangsgard reflected on his career path and shared that his decision to move from banking to public education was driven by a desire to support student learning and literacy. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in education, emphasizing the value of contributing to a mission that benefits students and communities. XIII.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 relative to any items during the meeting unless on the agenda but may direct the Superintendent to report such items at a subsequent meeting. No individuals were signed up to provide public input. XIII.D. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the consent agenda. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XIII.D.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Regular Meeting/Executive Session - 09-10-2025 Work Meeting/Executive Session - 09-24-2025 XIII.D.2. Financial XIII.D.2.a. Accounts Payable $14,824,160.73 XIII.D.2.b. Contracts 2025-2026 Iona City Rental Agreement XIII.D.2.c. Surplus Items District Office - Books - Surplus District Office - Books - Surplus HHS - Wood Cabinet - Surplus XIII.D.3. Employees XIII.D.3.a. Conditional Employment XIII.D.3.b. Leave Requests Employee M-2026 Employee N-2026 Employee O-2026 XIII.D.3.c. Resignations and Terminations XIII.D.3.d. Retirements XIII.D.3.e. Stipends XIII.D.3.f. Transfers XIII.D.4. Students XIII.D.4.a. Early Graduation Requests XIII.D.4.b. Club Requests HHS Hack Club TRHS Board Game Club Fairview Elementary Leadership Club Black Canyon Clash Royale Club XIII.D.4.c. Trip Requests BHS Debate to ISU Blacksnake Debate Tournament - 01-0-2026 to 01-10-2026 BHS Debate to Twin Falls Debate Tournament - Twin Falls, Idaho - 12-12-2025 to 12-13-2025 TRHS Odyssey Dance Team to Union National Dance Competition - Orlando, Florida - 02-03-2026 to 02- 10-2026 BHS Choirs to Idaho ACDA Conference - Boise, Idaho - 10-02-205 to 10-03-2025 BHS Hope Squad to Hope Squad Training - Provo, Utah - 11-03-2025 to 11-04-2025 TRHS Student Council to IASC - Moscow, Idaho - 11-02-2025 to 11-05-2025 TRHS Band and Orchestra to San Francisco Symphony - San Francisco, California - 05-05-2026 TRHS Honors Society to National Honor Society - Washington D.C. - 02-25-2026 to 03-02-2026 TRHS Speech and Debate to Gate City Speech and Debate Tournament -Pocatello, Idaho - 11-07-2025 to 11-08-2025 XIII.D.5. School Support Organizations Cloverdale PTO Mountain Valley PTO Summit Hills PTO Black Canyon PTO Falls Valley PTO XIV. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda XV. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations XV.A. Willow Creek Elementary Principal Recommendation (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme announced the appointment of Mr. Steve Cziep as the inaugural principal of Willow Creek Elementary School, which will open in Fall 2026. Dr. Woolstenhulme noted that the position was intended for an internal hire and highlighted Mr. Cziep’s strong leadership skills, collaborative approach, and previous experience as principal of two district schools and one in the Pocatello Chubbuck School District. Mr. Cziep expressed appreciation to the Board and Executive Team for the opportunity and shared his enthusiasm for building a new school culture that brings together staff from across the district to create a unified and inclusive learning community. Motion: To approve the recommendation of Steve Cziep as principal at Willow Creek Elementary. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XV.B. Snapology Agreement with Rimrock Elementary for Afterschool STEM Classes (Action Item) Mr. Cziep presented a proposal to host Snapology classes, a STEM-based program that offers hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through LEGO robotics and engineering activities. Snapology operates in 46 states, including neighboring districts such as Jefferson County and Idaho Falls School District 91. Classes would run for six weeks, meeting once per week for 90 minutes, with a $95 registration fee paid by participating families. Twenty percent of proceeds will return to Rimrock Elementary as a fundraiser. All Snapology instructors undergo required background checks and fingerprinting in compliance with district policy. The initial proposal includes two concurrent sessions, one focused on LEGO robotics and the other on LEGO engineering. Interest levels are expected to be high based on past participation in similar programs. The Board expressed support for the program’s educational value and fundraising potential and asked to receive updates on its progress once implemented. Motion: To approve the agreement with Snapology to provide aftershool STEM classes for the 2025-2026 school year as a private service provider. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XV.C. 2028-2029 Proposed School Calendar (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed the proposed 2028-2029 District Calendar, explaining that the district is now three years ahead in its calendar cycle. The proposed calendar follows the same schedule pattern as prior years, with school beginning the week before Labor Day and ending the week after Memorial Day. Dr. Woolstenhulme noted that families have appreciated the consistency of this schedule and that past community feedback has repeatedly supported this structure. While the district could open the calendar for additional public input, previous surveys over the past decade have consistently produced the same results. Motion: To approve the 2028-2029 District Calendar as presented. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XV.D. Proposed 2026-2027 District Boundary Report Superintendent Woolstenhulme provided an overview of the boundary planning process leading up to the proposed 2026-2027 district boundary plan. Following the initial work session, the district gathered extensive community feedback through surveys, D93 Live sessions, and direct communication with patrons. Multiple revisions were made in response to input, resulting in three versions of the plan. Dr. Woolstenhulme explained that the final version reflects community feedback and balances student safety, school capacity, and neighborhood cohesion. Overall support for the plan increased from 61% to 69% through the revision process. Key adjustments included maintaining several neighborhoods at their current schools (such as Blackhawk at Woodland Hills, Founders Point and Hawks Landing at Rimrock, and Country Haven at Iona) and refining boundary lines to reduce the number of split school zones. The approved plan decreases elementary split boundaries from seven to five and better aligns attendance areas with community growth patterns. Dr. Woolstenhulme and the Board expressed appreciation for the significant public participation and collaboration throughout the boundary process, noting that while not all patrons agreed with the outcome, the plan reflects careful consideration of community feedback and district priorities. XV.D.1. Public Input on Boundary Report No individuals were signed up to provide public input for the 026-2027 elementary boundary presentation. XV.D.2. 2026-2027 Proposed District Boundary (Action Item) Motion: To approve the 2026-2027 proposed district boundary as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XV.E. Public Records Request Fee Schedule for Public Review (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed updates to state law allowing public entities to charge out-of-state requesters for public records requests that are otherwise free to Idaho residents. He noted that the district has received numerous repetitive requests from out-of-state, for-profit organizations seeking employee information or purchase orders. Motion: to approve the public records request fee schedule for public review. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XV.F. Proposed Policy 4297 Access to Public Records for Public Review (Action Item)In response, the district is proposing revisions to Policy 4297 - Public Records and a corresponding Public Records Request Fee Schedule to align with the new legislation. The updates clarify that free labor provisions apply only to Idaho residents and establish fees based on the actual hourly rates of qualified district employees processing the requests. Both the policy and the fee schedule will be posted for public review and a fee hearing prior to formal adoption at the November board meeting. Motion: To approve the Proposed Policy 4297 Access to Public Records for public view. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed XVI. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations XVI.A. FY 25 Audit Report (Action Item) • Auditor: Wipfli LLP (formerly Galusha). Presentation by Stephanie Gutierez (in person) and Becca Powell (remote). • Opinion: Clean/unmodified financial statement opinion; no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls. • Single Audit (federal programs): Testing (Child Nutrition cluster) underway; final issuance pending federal guidance release. Delay is nationwide and does not affect the District. Key FY25 highlights: • Received $52.5M in state school modernization revenue (capital projects fund) for projects including Willow Creek Elementary and Falls Valley remodel; construction in progress ≈ $21.8M. • Investment earnings increased to ≈ $5.4M; property tax collections for facilities increased (no new bonds issued in FY25). • Medicaid revenue up slightly (≈ $4.6M); federal aid down with ESSER/ARP ending. • General Fund: approximately 62 days cash on hand; materials & supplies spending up; fund balance decreased by ≈ $4.1M (assigned portion tied to open POs/projects). Next steps: Final Single Audit will be issued when federal compliance supplement is released; District will bring back any required approvals at that time. Motion: To approve the FY25 Audit Repot as presented. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XVI.B. 2025-2026 Fee Hearing Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Business and Operations, presented a proposed Hillcrest High School rental fee to allow the school to rent scenery, costumes, and similar items to community members and other organizations. The proposed fee allows up to 20% of the item’s replacement cost as the rental rate. The fee was properly advertised in the newspaper, and a public hearing was held; no public comments were received. The fee was approved as part of the 2025-2026 District Fee Schedule. XVI.B.1. Public Input: No individuals were signed up to provide public input. XVI.B.2. 2025–2026 Fees (Action Item) Motion: To approve the 2025-2026 fee document as presented. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XVI.C. Transportation System Upgrade (Action Item) Chief Financial and Operations Officer Guy Wangsgard presented a proposal to upgrade the district’s transportation routing software through Tyler Technologies. The current system is outdated and lacks GPS and real-time tracking capabilities. The new system will include GPS tracking, parent access to view bus locations, and a card-on/card-off system that records when and where students board and exit buses—improving safety and reducing instances of lost students. The system will also provide digital route information for substitute drivers, replacing paper route sheets. The total implementation cost is approximately $204,000, with the State Department of Education reimbursing about 50%. Annual ongoing costs are estimated at $43,000, also eligible for 50% reimbursement. The district plans to implement the system for summer school and be fully operational for the 2026-2027 school year. Motion: To approve the software as a service purchase agreement for Tyler Technologies transportation system upgrade purchase agreement. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XVII. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations XVII.A. Request to Move Forward with Bonneville High School Phase II Project (Action Item) Director of Facilities and Maintenance Cody Jackson presented plans for Phase II of the Bonneville High School renovation project, focusing on continued upgrades to modernize the 60-year-old facility. The proposed work includes: • Completion of roof replacement over the gym and A-Wing areas. • Full remodel of the upper A-Wing, including English and science classrooms. • Comprehensive HVAC upgrades throughout the building, including the auditorium and gym. • Auditorium renovation with new seating, flooring, ceiling, lighting, and sound systems. • Elevator replacements, bathroom upgrades, asbestos abatement, and related finish work. Construction is planned to begin in May 2026, with the upper A-Wing closed for the 2026-2027 school year. Ten portable classrooms will temporarily house displaced students. The total project cost is estimated at $8.4 million, including architectural and engineering fees. Funding will come primarily from state modernization funds ($7.9 million) and $600,000 in bond reserves designated for roofing. Dr. Woolstenhulme noted that Bonneville High School, the district’s oldest and largest high school, will receive the largest portion of the $52 million state modernization allocation, reflecting the scale and age of the facility. The Board expressed support for proceeding with the project as a long-term investment in district infrastructure. Motion: To authorize the district to begin the Bonneville High School phase II project. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XVII.B. Contract with NBW for Rocky Mountain Middle School Ceiling and HVAC Upgrade (Action Item) This discussion and contract approval has been tabled for the November meeting. No ACTION TAKEN XVII.C. Contract with NBW for Ammon Honors Academy Project (Action Item) This discussion and contract approval has been tabled for the November meeting. No ACTION TAKEN XVIII. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations XVIII.A. August PD Report Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, provided an overview of districtwide professional development activities. He reviewed the August professional development week, which included curriculum training for elementary teachers, content-specific sessions for secondary teachers, and professional learning opportunities focused on collaboration and instructional strategies. Classified staff also participated in training and recognition activities during that week. Mr. Lords explained the recertification requirements for teachers— six credits every five years—and how the district provides both in-house and college-credit options to support these requirements. Professional development funding comes from state and federal Title II sources. He highlighted ongoing professional learning initiatives emphasizing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), behavior supports, and curriculum alignment, as well as the integration of AI tools such as Magic School to assist teachers and students. The next major districtwide PD day will occur on November 4, with sessions focused on collaboration, curriculum work, and the use of AI in instruction. XVIII.B. InFocus Contract (Action Item) Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords requested approval to renew the district’s InFocus instructional software contract. The program was piloted last year and has proven effective in supporting classroom instruction. The proposed contract totals $97,000 per year for five years. A local business has expressed intent to fund the full five-year cost, and the district is finalizing that agreement. Once confirmed, Mr. Lords will report back to the Board regarding the donation. Motion: To approve the InFocus contract as presented. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XVIII.C. Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation for Initial Consideration. Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords presented Proposed Policy 3281 for initial consideration. The policy was originally drafted two years ago but delayed pending legal clarification on state legislation regarding restroom use, pronouns, and gender identity. Following the recent court action lifting the stay on the law, the district is now required to implement policies consistent with current Idaho state law. The proposed policy aligns district practice with these legal requirements and formalizes procedures already largely in place. Legal counsel will review the policy before it returns for final approval. XVIII.D. Curriculum Committee Recommendations (Action Item) Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords presented three supplemental curriculum materials for individual classroom use, each reviewed and approved by parent reviewers and the district’s Learning and Instruction Team: • Code Talker - English class novel at Thunder Ridge High School. • Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide - Supplementary text for drama classes at Hillcrest High School. • 5 Steps to a 5: AP Biology - Test preparation resource for AP Biology students at Bonneville High School. All three materials were recommended for approval following positive feedback from parent and district review committees. • Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two • Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide • 5 steps to a 5: AP Biology Motion: To approve the recommendations of the Curriculum Committee for the following items: Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide and 5 Steps to a 5: AP Biology. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Carissa Coats, Passed. XIX. Board Closing Business XIX.A. ISBA Resolutions (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme recommended that the district formally support two Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) resolutions: • Resolution No. 1 - Special Education Funding: Advocates for increased state funding to address the gap between state allocations and the actual costs of meeting student needs. • Resolution No. 14 - Open Enrollment Clarifications: Proposed by Boise School District, this resolution seeks clearer definitions of school and special education program capacity while maintaining parental rights under open enrollment law. Both resolutions address challenges currently faced by District 93 and were approved for official support. Motion: To approve the following ISBA resolutions: #1 Special Education Funding: Advocates for increased state funding to address the gap between state allocations and the actual costs of meeting student needs. and #14 Open Enrollment Clarifications: Proposed by Boise School District, this resolution seeks clearer definitions of school and special education program capacity while maintaining parental rights under open enrollment law. This motion, made by Carissa Coats and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed XIX.B. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) – Not needed. The following items were requested for future Board meetings: • Bus, Transportation staffing, sub pool • Emergency Operations Plan • Certified Staff Transfers Policy XIX.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 9:14 p.m.