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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2026 Minutes Amended Regular Board 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 Amended Regular Meeting Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 7:00 PM District Office 3497 N Ammon Rd Idaho Falls, ID 83401 I. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board Chair Carissa Coats. II. The invocation was offered by Richard Hess. III. Call to Order Board Chair Coats called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. IV. Roll Call Paul Jenkins: Present Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Carissa Coats: Present V. Items moved from the Consent Agenda to discuss in Executive Session (Action Item) There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. VI. Board Opening Business VI.A. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors Board Chair Coats welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded those who would like to participate in public input to sign the sheet. VI.B. Amend the Agenda (Action Item) Pursuant To Idaho Code §74-204(4)(A) Amend The Agenda For This Meeting As Follows: To add: Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity, Sex and Sexual Orientation under Superintendent Reports and Recommendations for initial consideration. To add: Proposed Policy 5335 Employee Use of Electronic Communication Devices under Superintendent Reports and Recommendations for initial consideration. To add: Proposed Policy 3500 Student Health Services and Physical Screenings and Examinations as a separate item for initial consideration. To add: Proposed Policy 2460 Dual Enrollment for deletion under Learning and Instruction reports and recommendations. To add: Superintendent and Executive Team Contracts as an action item under closing Board Business. To change: Proposed Policy 5210 Reporting Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect to public review. To change: Proposed Policy U-3570 Emergency School Closures to Proposed Policy 2210 for initial consideration. To remove: Parking lot painting bid from the agenda. To correct: Policy titles and numbering on the previously published agenda. These items were received today and are time-sensitive. Motion: To amend the agenda as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. VI.C. Approve the Amended Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the amended agenda. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VI.D. Introduction of Annie Reichelt as the Mountain Valley Elementary Principal. Planning and Personnel Executive Director Heath Jackson introduced Annie Reichelt as the new principal of Mountain Valley Elementary School. Mr. Jackson highlighted her 16 years of service with Bonneville Joint School District 93, noting her experience as a teacher at Hillcrest High School, instructional designer and teacher for Bonneville Online High School, and most recently as assistant principal while continuing her work in instructional design. He expressed confidence in her leadership and enthusiasm for the experience she brings to Mountain Valley Elementary. Mrs. Reichelt shared her appreciation for the opportunity to serve as principal and stated that she looks forward to building on the strong foundation already established at Mountain Valley. She noted that she has already met with faculty, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, and other employees and has been warmly welcomed by the school community. She expressed her commitment to supporting staff, fostering collaboration, and continuing the positive momentum at the school. Board members welcomed Mrs. Reichelt and congratulated her on her new leadership role. VI.E. Introduction of Amy Roberts as the principal at Falls Valley Elementary. Planning and Personnel Executive Director Heath Jackson introduced Amy Roberts as the new principal of Falls Valley Elementary School. Mr. Jackson recognized her six years of service with District 93, including three years as a teacher and interventionist at Bridgewater Elementary and the past three years as assistant principal at Tiebreaker Elementary. He also acknowledged her previous experience in Idaho Falls School District 91 and praised the leadership skills and administrative experience she has demonstrated throughout her career. Mrs. Roberts expressed gratitude and humility for the opportunity to lead Falls Valley Elementary. She reflected on the experiences and challenges that have prepared her for the role and shared her excitement about continuing the strong culture established at the school. She noted that she has already met with teachers, staff, and custodial personnel, participated in interviewing candidates, and began working with the Parent Teacher Organization to prepare for the upcoming school year. Board members congratulated Mrs. Roberts, expressed confidence in her leadership, and shared their enthusiasm for the positive impact she will have on the Falls Valley school community. VI.F. 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. No individuals signed up to provide public input. VI.G. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. VI.G.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Regular Board Meeting - 06-10-2026 Board Retreat - 06-09-2026 - 06-10-2026 Special Meeting - 06-15-2026 Special Meeting - 06-18-2026 Special Meeting - 06-20-2026 VI.G.2. Financial VI.G.2.a. Accounts Payable $15,161,184.38 VI.G.2.b. Contracts School Bus Purchase with Bryson Sales and Service HK Contractors Contract for Sewer Bypass VI.G.2.c. Surplus Items Technology - Chromebooks - Surplus VI.G.3. Employees VI.G.3.a. Conditional Employment VI.G.3.b. Resignations and Terminations VI.G.3.c. Retirements VI.G.3.d. Stipends VI.G.3.e. Summer Hires VI.G.3.f. Transfers VI.G.4. Students VI.G.4.a. FY27 IHSAA Overnight Travel VII. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda (Action Item) Not needed VIII. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations VIII.A. Lincoln HS Roof Bid (Action Item) Director of Facilities and Maintenance Cody Jackson presented a revised bid recommendation for the Lincoln High School roof replacement project. Mr. Jackson explained that although the Board had previously approved the project, the original low bidder identified that its proposal did not include the required Type 1 asbestos reports. Rather than proceeding with a change order, District staff determined that accepting the next lowest responsive bid would provide a more accurate and transparent cost for the project. Mr. Jackson recommended awarding the contract to Thomas Robinson Roofing in the amount of $188,000, noting that the bid included all required asbestos reporting and associated costs. Following a brief discussion regarding the bid details and asbestos-related expenses, the Board approved the bid recommendation. The Board also authorized the Superintendent to execute the contract upon confirmation that the final contract amount matched the approved bid, allowing the project to proceed without delay. Motion: To approve the Lincoln High School roof bid from Thomas D. Robison Roofing in the amount of $188,000.00 due to correct asbestos abatement requirements as presented. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VIII.B. Thomas D. Robison Roofing Inc Contract (Action Item) – contract not received - no action taken IX. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations IX.A. Cell Phone Policy Feedback Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords presented the results of the District's first-year review of the Student Communication Device Policy. Survey feedback from students and staff indicated that the policy has generally reduced classroom distractions while preserving teacher flexibility to incorporate technology for instructional purposes. Elementary schools reported the greatest success, with secondary students and staff also expressing overall support for the current approach. Mr. Lords noted that the most consistent feedback from both students and staff was the need for greater consistency in policy implementation across classrooms. While the red, yellow, and green classroom indicators provide teachers with flexibility, survey results suggested additional training and clearer expectations would improve uniformity. Staff also expressed support for explicitly addressing wearable technology, such as smartwatches, within the policy. The Board discussed balancing responsible technology use with the need to minimize classroom distractions. Board members emphasized the importance of consistent expectations within schools while preserving teachers' professional judgment. The discussion also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and instructional technology, the need for equitable student access, parent awareness of the policy, and preparing students to use technology responsibly. The Board supported continuing to refine the policy through additional staff training, classroom observations, and ongoing evaluation while maintaining the policy's focus on teaching appropriate technology use rather than simply prohibiting devices. IX.B. Proposed Policy 3050 Attendance for Public Review (Action Item) Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords presented Policy 3050 - Attendance for public review. He explained that the proposed revisions establish a process for self-directed learning plans when students will be absent for an extended period, generally one week or longer. Under the policy, parents, teachers, and administrators would collaborate to develop and approve a learning plan, allowing qualifying absences to be counted as attendance in accordance with state law. Board members discussed the educational value of family travel and experiential learning opportunities, as well as the potential impact on state attendance funding. The Board also explored ways to simplify the approval process through digital tools and standardized learning plans while minimizing the administrative burden on teachers. Staff indicated they will continue reviewing attendance data and implementation options as the policy moves through the public review process. Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 3050 Attendance for public review as requested. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. X. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations X.A. Williamsburg Contract (Action Item) Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme presented the proposed agreement with Williamsburg as the educational service provider for Bonneville Online High School for the 2026-2027 school year. He explained that recent changes in state law require online schools to enter into more detailed agreements with educational service providers, including a breakdown of the costs associated with services provided. The proposed contract complies with the new statutory requirements and establishes a maximum annual cost of $5,000 per student. Superintendent Woolstenhulme recommended continuing the partnership with Williamsburg for the upcoming school year while continuing to evaluate the program and associated costs. Motion: To approve the Williamsburg Contract as for educational purposes as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. X.B. Student Policies Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme provided an overview of the policy revisions being presented for the Board's initial consideration. He explained that the updates are driven by four primary objectives: • Aligning District policies with legislation that became effective July 1. • Renumbering policies to better align with the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) model policy manual. • Separating administrative procedures from Board policy to reduce confusion and place operational procedures under administrative authority. • Incorporating policy language that previously existed only in administrative procedures when appropriate. X.B.1. Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity, Sex and Sexual Orientation for initial consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that this policy had been under Board review previously but was not finalized while awaiting changes in state law. He stated that the revised policy incorporates newly enacted Idaho legislation and reflects the recent court decision upholding Idaho's law regarding participation in girls' and women's athletics. These developments provided additional guidance and allowed the policy to be finalized for initial consideration. X.B.2. Proposed Policy 3330 Student Discipline for Initial Consideration Superintendent Woolstenhulme noted that Policy 3330 is primarily a renumbering to align with the ISBA policy manual. The policy also includes updates necessary to comply with recent changes in state law. X.B.3. Proposed Policy 3500 Student Health Services and Physical Screenings and Examinations for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that this is a new policy created by separating portions of the District's previous healthcare policy to better align with the ISBA policy structure. He highlighted that recent legislation now allows school personnel to provide routine, non-emergency care—such as bandages and ice packs—without prior parental permission while continuing to authorize emergency medical care when necessary. He noted that the changes simplify day-to-day student health services while maintaining appropriate parental protection. X.B.4. Proposed Policy 3540 Providing Health Care for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that the District's existing healthcare policy has been reorganized into two separate policies to better align with the ISBA policy manual and recent state law. The revisions clarify the distinction between routine student health services and emergency medical treatment. He noted that the updated policy allows school personnel to provide routine, non-emergency care, such as bandages and ice packs, without prior parental permission while continuing to authorize emergency care when needed. The Board reviewed the proposed revisions as part of the initial consideration process. X.B.5. Proposed Policy 3540 Emergency Treatment for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that this policy was separated from the District's previous healthcare policy to specifically address emergency medical treatment. The revised policy aligns with current state law governing emergency care provided to students during the school day. X.B.6. Change Policy 3580 Dangerous and Adverse Weather Guidance for Elementary Schools to Proposed Policy 2211 for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme stated that, in addition to renumbering the policy, revisions expand the District's guidance for outdoor activities beyond cold weather. Based on experiences during the past school year, the policy now addresses high winds, extreme heat, and poor air quality to provide clearer expectations for student safety during recess and outdoor activities. X.B.7. Change Policy 3587 Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention Response to Proposed Policy 3285 for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented Policy 3285, formerly Policy 3587, for initial consideration. He explained that the policy is required by state law and applies specifically to student relationships, abuse, and sexual assault prevention and response. During discussion, Board members asked whether the policy also applied to employees. Superintendent Woolstenhulme clarified that employee-related matters are addressed separately through the District's Title IX and employee policies in the 4000 and 5000 policy series. The proposed policy was presented for initial consideration. X.C. Employee Policies X.C.1. Change Policy 5210 Reporting Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect to Proposed Policy 5260 for Public Review (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that the proposed policy, renumbered from Policy 5210, incorporates changes required by state law. The revisions clarify that school districts may conduct parallel internal investigations but may not substitute an internal investigation for the required reporting of suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the appropriate authorities. During discussion, Board members emphasized the importance of protecting both students and employees, including concerns regarding false allegations. Superintendent Woolstenhulme noted that provisions addressing knowingly false reports are addressed in the District's bullying, harassment, and intimidation policy and could be reviewed for adequacy. Motion: To approve changing Policy 5210 Reporting Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect to Proposed Policy 5260 for public review. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. X.C.2. Proposed Policy 5335 Employee Use of Electronic Devices for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented Policy 5335, which implements a new state law requiring employees to use District-approved communication platforms when communicating with students. He noted that District 93 has already been utilizing approved communication platforms for classroom instruction for several years and is well positioned to comply with the new requirements. He explained that additional work will be needed to ensure extracurricular programs, including athletics, fine arts, and other student activities, utilize approved communication systems. The Board discussed the potential use of a unified athletic communication platform to support compliance with the new law. X.C.3. Proposed Policy 5900 Prohibition on Staff Support of Social Transitions for Initial Consideration. There was no discussion on this policy. The superintendent provided the policy for initial consideration. X.D. Universal Policies X.D.1. Change Policy U-3570 Emergency School Closures to Proposed Policy 2210 for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that Policy 2210, formerly Policy 3570, is primarily a renumbering to align with the ISBA policy manual. He noted that the previous policy contained extensive administrative procedures regarding school closures and decisions about student activities. The proposed revision streamlines the policy by retaining Board-level direction while moving operational procedures to administrative regulations, allowing the District greater flexibility in responding to emergency situations. X.D.2. Proposed Policy U-4301 Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented revisions to Policy 4301 in response to recent state legislation addressing cyberbullying. He explained that the updated policy expands protections to include online bullying and clarifies that prohibited conduct may also involve third parties, including parents. Board members discussed concerns regarding online harassment directed toward school employees and the challenges of addressing inappropriate conduct by individuals who are not District employees or students. X.D.3. Proposed Policy U-4345 Weapons at School to Replace Policies 3325, 4345, and 5247 for Initial Consideration. Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that Policy 4345 consolidates multiple existing weapons policies into a single universal policy applicable to students, employees, and third parties. He noted that the change is part of the District's effort to eliminate duplicate policies while maintaining provisions unique to specific groups, including the Superintendent's delegated authority to authorize qualified employees to carry firearms in accordance with state law. X.E. Instruction Policies X.E.1. Proposed Policy 2353 Moment of Silence for Initial Consideration Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented Policy 2353 for initial consideration, explaining that the policy was developed in response to recently enacted state legislation requiring school districts to address moments of silence. X.E.2. Proposed Policy 2460 Dual Enrollment for Deletion for Final Adoption (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme recommended deleting Policy 2460, explaining that the policy duplicates recently updated dual enrollment language already adopted by the Board. Removing the duplicate policy will improve organization within the District's policy manual. Motion: To approve the deletion of Proposed Policy 2460 Dual Enrollment for final adoption. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. X.F. Community Relations Policies X.F.1. Policy 4400 Relations with the Law Enforcement and Child Protective Agencies for Deletion for Public Review (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme recommended deleting Policy 4400, noting that the policy's provisions have been incorporated into other District policies through previous updates required by state law. After confirming the content was addressed elsewhere in the policy manual, he recommended eliminating the redundant policy. Motion: To approve the deletion of Proposed Policy 4400 Relations with the Law Enforcement and Child Protective Agencies for public review. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X.G. School Facilities Policy X.G.1. Proposed Policy 9605 Facilities Separated by Sex for Initial Consideration Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented Policy 9605 for initial consideration, explaining that the policy had previously been placed on hold pending the outcome of litigation. With the injunction lifted and the related court proceedings concluded, the policy is now ready for Board consideration. He noted that the policy aligns District practice with current state law and reflects procedures the District has already been following. Superintendent Woolstenhulme stated that implementation will primarily focus on communicating the updated policy to administrators and staff during the District's August training meetings. XI. Board Closing Business XI.A. Superintendent and Executive Team Contracts (Action Item) The Board considered the fiscal year 2027 employment contracts for the Superintendent and Executive Team. Board members expressed their appreciation for the leadership, dedication, and service provided by the administrative team and thanked them for their continued commitment to the District. Motion: To approve the FY27 Superintendent and Executive Team contracts as presented. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XI.B. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) No action needed. Board Chair Coats asked for upcoming agenda items for future Board meetings. • Trustee Paul Jenkins inquired about the upcoming Professional Learning Communities (PLC) conference in Salt Lake City. Superintendent Woolstenhulme indicated that this can be discussed in a Board Work Meeting. • Discuss the District's Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives at an upcoming work session. • The Board discussed potential Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) legislative resolutions for the upcoming legislative session, including possible recommendations related to public records protections for mandatory abuse, abandonment, and neglect reporting documentation. Staff will review applicable deadlines and determine whether an additional work session is needed to consider proposed resolutions before the July 31 submission deadline. XI.C. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.