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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-29-2026 Minutes Board 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  Carissa Coats  Richard Hess  Paul Jenkins  Randy Smith  Mindy Clayton Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 is an Equal Opportunity Employer Work Meeting/Executive Session Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 11:30 AM Mountain PLC Building 3442 E Iona Rd Idaho Falls, ID 83401 I. The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. II. Roll Call Paul Jenkins: Present Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Carissa Coats: Present III. Approve/Amend the Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IV. 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 Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. Roll Call Vote Paul Jenkins: Yes Randy Smith: Yes Mindy Clayton: Yes Richard Hess: Yes Carissa Coats: Yes The Board entered Executive Session at 11:33 a.m. IV.A. Student Recommendations IV.A.1. Student Q-2026 (Action Item) Motion: To approve suspension only for Student Q-2026. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. IV.A.2. Student R-2026 (Action Item) Motion: To approve the recommendation of conditionally readmit Student R-2026 to an alternative placement without an expulsion hearing and support the no contact contract order. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. IV.A.3. Student S-2026 Update The Executive Team gave an update on Student S-2026. IV.B. Close Executive Session (Action Item) Motion: To close Executive Session. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. V. Opening Board Business V.A. Welcome Visitors and Delegations VI. 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. Nobody signed up to speak during public input. VII. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations VII.A. Legislative Review Superintendent Woolstenhulme provided an overview of new legislation from the recent session and identified several policy updates that will be brought to the board. Key changes include new bullying reporting requirements with increased parent communication, revisions affecting teacher union payroll deductions and the master agreement, and a mandatory one- minute moment of silence at the start of each school day. He also discussed updated library material regulations, required school closures on election days beginning in 2028, expanded civics curriculum requirements, and a new strategic planning process for districts. Additional updates included laws regarding public recording of board meetings, student social media behavior outside of school, parent notification requirements related to gender identity issues, criminal penalties connected to bathroom law violations, and the need for a new district AI policy. Woolstenhulme noted that many of these changes will require careful policy review and implementation, and he anticipates bringing a significant number of policy revisions to the board over the summer. VII.B. 2026-2027 District Calendar Discussion Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed proposed calendar adjustments for the upcoming school year. Due to the timing of a new law regarding school closures on election days, the district will not recommend calendar changes related to that requirement until the following year. He noted that next year’s calendar includes one additional school day and proposed moving the second semester teacher workday from Monday back to Friday. The adjustment would allow Mondays to remain regular school days at the start of each trimester and would align the workday with state basketball tournaments, helping reduce attendance conflicts. The revised calendar will be brought to the board for action at the May meeting. VIII. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations VIII.A. Bobcat Compact Excavator Lease (Action Item) The board discussed the proposed lease agreement for equipment, including concerns about interest rates, residual values, and the long-term reliability of the machinery. Members noted that leasing provides the advantage of newer equipment with fewer maintenance costs and includes service agreements and additional attachments. There was discussion about whether purchasing equipment outright could eventually be more cost-effective, especially if the equipment remains in good condition and retains resale value. Board members also expressed concern about liability language in the lease agreement but acknowledged that the vendor has been a supportive business partner and has worked to accommodate the district with discounts and added equipment. Motion: To approve the Bobcat compact excavator lease as recommended. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. VIII.B. Update on Staff Reductions Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, updated the board on upcoming classified staff reductions as the district works to address significant overstaffing compared to state funding levels. He explained that reductions will occur through eliminating positions, reducing some full-time employees to partial full-time status without benefits, and shortening employee work calendars. District administrators estimate the district is approximately $7 million over the staffing levels funded by the state and noted that reductions will likely continue over multiple years. Jackson said the district is prioritizing internal hiring opportunities for affected employees and is asking the board to formally approve a reduction in force to help impacted employees preserve PERSI sick leave retirement benefits for up to three years. Board members discussed the causes of overstaffing, the financial challenges tied to insurance and declining enrollment, and possible long-term efficiencies, including equipment automation and exploring contracted custodial services. Administrators emphasized that staffing decisions are being based on operational needs, efficiency, and employee performance, while acknowledging the process involves difficult conversations for staff and principals. IX. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations IX.A. Supplemental Levy IX.A.1. Talking Points The board discussed ongoing communication efforts regarding the upcoming supplemental levy, including informational handouts, weekly family updates, a dedicated webpage, community outreach events, and social media engagement. Administrators and board members emphasized the importance of clearly explaining how the levy funds district programs and staffing, as well as the financial changes caused by shifts in state funding formulas and enrollment trends. Board members shared feedback from community conversations, noting concerns about tax increases, perceptions that the district was using program cuts as leverage, and expectations that the levy amount could be lowered if it failed initially. The discussion also highlighted the district’s efforts to remain transparent about potential cuts if the levy does not pass, while emphasizing that previous budget reductions have already been made. Members also discussed the importance of continued outreach, consistent communication with staff and families, and helping the public better understand how supplemental levy funds support extracurricular programs, student services, and district operations. IX.B. Financial Audit Recommendation (Action Item) Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, requested board approval to award the district’s audit contract to a new firm following an RFP process prompted by a significant price increase from the previous auditor. After reviewing multiple proposals, staff recommended selecting a more cost-effective firm at approximately $52,000, compared to about $90,000 the prior year. The firm recommended includes staff familiar with the district’s previous audit work, which administrators felt would help ensure continuity and a smooth transition. The board discussed the proposals and moved toward approving the recommendation. Motion: To approve the financial audit recommendation of Rudd and Co as requested. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations X.A. Praxium National History Day Travel Request (Action Item) Motion: To approve the student travel request from Praxium Middle School to compete in the National History Day in Washington D.C. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. X.B. Rocky Mountain Middle School National History Day Travel Request (Action Item) Motion: To approve the student travel request from Rocky Mountain Middle School to compete in the National History Day in Washington D.C. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI. Closing Board Business XI.A. NSBA Debrief Trustee Paul Jenkins reported that the NSBA Conference was highly valuable and well- organized, noting improved structure with consistent instructional tracks and strong sessions on topics such as school district "right-sizing," AI in education, and family engagement in governance. He emphasized that financial challenges and declining enrollment are widespread issues affecting nearly all school districts, not just Idaho. Jenkins also highlighted a session encouraging boards to evaluate their own effectiveness as a governing body, and he suggested the board consider implementing a formal self-evaluation process. He further noted the importance of board norms, self-reflection, and maintaining balance in board members’ roles, and discussed how other districts are also facing similar funding and enrollment pressures. XI.B. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) The following items were requested for future board meetings: • Tour of Willow Creek Elementary • Update District Calendar • School Visits XI.C. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 1:29 p.m.