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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2026 Minutes - 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 Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7:00 PM District Office 3497 N Ammon Rd Idaho Falls, ID 83401 I. Board Chair Coats welcomed everyone to the meeting at 7:02 p.m. II. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board Chair Coats. III. The invocation was led by Randy Smith IV. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. V. Roll Call Paul Jenkins: Arrived late Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Carissa Coats: Present VI. Board Opening Business VI.A. Board Chair Coats welcomed everyone in attendance to the meeting. VI.B. Amend/Approve the Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the agenda. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. VI.C. Staff/Student Recognition Ammon Honors Academy - National History Day State Champions - Eli Merrill and Stirling Woods - 1st Place Group Documentary. Ammon Honors Academy - National History Day State Champions - Daphne Funk - 1st Place Individual Exhibit. The Board recognized Daphne Funk, Eli Merrill, and Stirling Woods for their achievements in National History Day. Eighth-grade history teacher and National History Day advisor Carly Fielding reported that 33 students from the school advanced to the state competition in Caldwell. Eli and Stirling earned first place in the group documentary category, and Daphne earned first place in the individual exhibit category. They were among 10 students from the school who advanced to the national competition in College Park, Maryland. Fielding shared that Daphne’s exhibit was selected to represent Idaho in a student showcase at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The students spoke briefly about their projects and their experience at the national competition. Board members congratulated them and presented certificates. VI.D. 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 patrons signed up for public input. VI.E. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Action: To approve the consent agenda. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VI.E.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Regular Board Meeting - 08-12-2026 VI.E.2. Financial VI.E.2.a. Accounts Payable $12,328,468.48 VI.E.2.b. Contracts Amended Contractual Agreement with Celebration Speech of Idaho, LLC VI.E.2.c. Surplus Items VI.E.3. Employees VI.E.3.a. Alternative Authorizations VI.E.3.b. Conditional Employment VI.E.3.c. Leave Requests VI.E.3.d. Resignations and Terminations VI.E.3.e. Retiree Contracts VI.E.3.f. Stipends VI.E.3.g. Transfers VI.E.4. Internships/Student Teachers VI.E.5. Students VI.E.5.a. Early Graduation Requests VI.E.5.b. Club Requests TRHS Book Club VI.E.5.c. Trip Requests TRHS Chamber Choir to Boise Idaho to Conference - 10-01-2026 to 10-02-2026 TRHS Choirs to Tour San Francisco - San Francisco, CA - 04-07-2027 to 04-11-2027 VI.E.6. School Support Organizations Ammon Honors Academy PTO Bonneville Bees Football Booster Club Cloverdale PTO Hillcrest Boys Basketball Booster Club Hillcrest Knights Baseball Booster Club Hillcrest Knights Girls Basketball Booster Club Hillcrest Swimming Booster Club Rimrock PTO Woodland Hills PTO VII. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda (Action Item) No items were moved from the consent agenda for further discussion. VIII. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations VIII.A. Universal Policies Superintendent Woolstenhulme introduced the proposed universal policy updates. He explained that most respond to laws that took effect July 1 and recommendations from the Idaho School Boards Association. He highlighted Policy U-3570, which would carry forward the district’s revised weather guidance from Policy 2210. The guidance addresses wind, precipitation, and other adverse weather conditions in addition to cold weather. VIII.A.1. Change Policy U-3570 Emergency School Closures to Proposed Policy 2210 for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To change Policy U-3570 Emergency School Closures to Proposed Policy 2210 for Final Adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. VIII.A.2. Proposed Policy U-4301 Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy U-4301 Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation for Final Adoption. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. VIII.A.3. Proposed Policy U-4345 Weapons at School to Replace Policies 3325, 4345, and 5247 for Final Review (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy U-4345 Weapons at School to replace Policies 3325, 4345, and 5247 for final adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IX. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations IX.A. D93 Construction and Projects Report Cody Jackson reported on construction and maintenance work completed over the summer and still underway across the district. He thanked maintenance, custodial, grounds, transportation, nutrition, and technology staff for their work preparing schools for opening. Willow Creek Elementary opened with nearly 800 students, and staff are addressing remaining issues as they arise. Cody highlighted work at Bonneville High School, including the A-wing remodel, rooftop heating and cooling units, auditorium finishing work, and the relocation of modular classrooms. At Rocky Mountain Middle School, crews completed improvements to hallways, classrooms, locker rooms, lighting, and heating and cooling systems; some bathroom and roof work continued after school began. He also described district wide flooring, painting, asphalt, irrigation, and parking lot work. Roof repairs at Lincoln High School were scheduled to begin, and the chip seal on Honeybee Lane was being redone after it failed to adhere properly. In response to Board questions, Cody said additional work remains at older schools, including Falls Valley, Fairview, and the vocational education area. He estimated that the district would be near the halfway point of its construction funding after planned projects are completed but said he would need to confirm the amount. He reported that most projects had cost less than originally estimated. At Willow Creek, utility relocation and related roadwork were still underway, with road improvements expected to continue into the following year. IX.B. Employee Policies Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed several proposed policy updates prompted by changes in state law and recommendations from the Idaho School Boards Association. He explained that Policy 5335, Employee Use of Electronic Communication Devices, addresses the requirement for employees to communicate with students through district-approved devices, platforms, and accounts. He also reviewed Policy 5900, Employee Response to Student Social Transition Requests, which addresses parent notification when a minor student makes certain requests concerning names, pronouns, facilities, activities, or overnight accommodations. A Board member emphasized that employees are to notify parents rather than counsel students in place of their parents. Dr. Woolstenhulme described minor updates to Policy 5500, Personnel Records, and proposed renumbering two policies to align with the ISBA model policy manual, including renumbering Policy 5240 to 5270, Professional Conduct and Responsibilities. He also introduced new Policy 5390, Employment References and Prevention of Sexual Abuse, which addresses additional disclosures required of job applicants. IX.B.1. Proposed Policy 5335 Employee Use of Electronic Communication Devices for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5335 Employee Use of Electronic Communication Devices for final adoption. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. IX.B.2. Proposed Policy 5900 Employee Response to Student Social Transition Requests for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5900 Employee Response to Student Social Transition Requests for final adoption. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. IX.B.3. Proposed Policy 5500 Personnel Records for Public Review (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5500 Personnel Records for public review. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IX.B.4. Proposed Policy 5200 to 5280 Code of Ethics for Public Review (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5200 to 5280 Code of Ethics for public review. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. IX.B.5. Proposed Policy 5240 to 5270 Professional Conduct and Responsibilities for Public Review (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5240 to 5270 Professional Conduct and Responsibilities for public review. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. IX.B.6. Proposed Policy 5390 Employment Referrals and Prevention of Sexual Abuse for Public Review (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 5390 Employment Referrals and Prevention of Sexual Abuse for public review. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. IX.C. School Facilities Policy IX.C.1. Proposed Policy 9605 Facilities Separated by Sex for Final Adoption (Action Item) Dr. Woolstenhulme reported that legal counsel is reviewing questions raised about Policy 9605, Facilities Separated by Sex, including its relationship to another district policy and how a student’s biological sex would be verified. The policy will return to the Board after that review. No action taken. X. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations X.A. Pay to Play Fees Superintendent Woolstenhulme and school administrators discussed questions from families about the increase in extracurricular participation fees from $100 to $200. They explained that $170 of each fee goes toward student transportation and does not cover its full cost; the remaining $30 stays with the school. They said gate receipts and activity card revenue help schools pay for officials, event staffing, safety, equipment, and other activity expenses, while coaching stipends are funded separately. Board members raised concerns about the combined cost of participation fees and admission for families, particularly those with several children or limited income. Administrators described available family passes, payment arrangements, donations, and assistance for students who cannot afford the fee. They emphasized that they work with families, so cost does not prevent a student from participating. A Board member asked the district to examine whether parents or guardians could attend their own children’s games without paying admission. Administrators noted that reducing gate revenue would affect activity budgets and agreed to review the potential cost with athletic directors and report back. X.B. Proposed Policy 4240 School Support Organizations for Final Adoption (Action Item) Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, presented proposed revisions to Policy 4240, School Support Organizations. He explained that support organizations have been coming to the Board for annual recognition for several years. The proposed revision would add a review of their income and expenditures during that process, so the district can confirm they are in sound financial standing and that funds collected from families are used appropriately. Guy also clarified that booster clubs and other support organizations should raise funds independently to support school programs. They should not collect payments from parents as a condition of a student’s participation. Motion: Proposed Policy 4240 School Support Organizations for final adoption. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X.C. Federal Programs Procedure Document Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, presented the district’s LEA federal programs procedures manual. He explained that the manual documents how the district complies with federal requirements for its use of federal funds, including purchasing, surplus property, employee time and effort records, and recordkeeping. Staff update the manual as federal guidance changes. Due to clerical error this item was tabled for the Board Work Meeting XI. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations XI.A. Mastery Based Learning Resolution (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented an updated resolution supporting mastery-based learning. He explained that it reinforces the district’s expectation that every student learn the essential outcomes in each class. It also references state provisions that provide flexibility in how the district counts instructional time and student attendance on Mondays. A Board member asked whether students in AP, dual credit, or other college-level courses may be required to attend every Monday. Dr. Woolstenhulme explained that teachers may require attendance when they need the time to meet course requirements. Unlike other classes, those courses may also introduce new instruction on Mondays when needed. He said he would expect teachers to communicate any Monday attendance requirement clearly to students and families. Motion: To approve the Mastery Based Learning Resolution as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. XI.B. Ladderly Contract with Bonneville Joint School District 93 (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme updated the Board on the proposed Ladderly contract, which was still being finalized by the district’s legal counsel and Ladderly’s counsel. He explained that Katie Piper, a district employee, is also a founding partner of Latterly and has a financial interest in the company. Legal counsel advised that the Board should specifically address that interest while Katie remains employed by the district. Dr. Woolstenhulme explained that a conflict-of-interest agreement was being prepared. Because Katie was continuing to work for the district while the agreement and contract were unfinished, he requested temporary authorization for her to remain employed with that disclosed financial interest until the next Board meeting. He anticipated bringing the conflict-of-interest agreement and the proposed Latterly contract back for consideration in October. Motion: To move to temporarily authorize district employee Katie Piper to continue her employment with the district while holding a disclosed financial interest in Latterly, until the Board's next meeting, when a conflict-of-interest agreement and the proposed Latterly contract are expected to return for consideration. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI.C. Overture Contract with Bonneville Joint School District 93 (Action Item) Dr. Woolstenhulme said the district was close to finalizing its contract with Overture, which provides educational services for Bonneville Online Elementary. He asked the Board to approve the contract subject to final approval by the Board’s legal counsel so services to students and families could continue without interruption. Motion: To approve the Overture contract pending and based on legal counsel. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XI.D. Student Policies Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed several student policies updated to reflect changes in state law. Policy 3330, Student Discipline, includes minor revisions to align with the new provisions. He explained that revisions to Policies 3500 and 3540 distinguish routine care from services requiring parental consent. Employees may provide basic care for minor injuries without obtaining consent first. Specific parental consent is still required for services such as vision and hearing screenings, fluoride treatments, and care provided by sports medicine trainers. The district plans to seek consent for each applicable service rather than rely on a blanket form. Dr. Woolstenhulme also discussed elementary guidance for indoor recess during adverse weather, including high winds and precipitation as well as cold temperatures. That policy is being renumbered from 3580 to 2211. Finally, Policy 3587, Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, is being renumbered to 3285 to align with the ISBA model policy manual. XI.D.1. Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity, Sex and Sexual Orientation for Final Adoption (Action Item) No action taken. XI.D.2. Proposed Policy 3330 Student Discipline for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 3330 Student Discipline for final adoption. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. XI.D.3. Proposed Policy 3500 Student Health Services and Physical Screenings and Examinations for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 3500 Student Health Services and Physical Screenings and Examinations for final adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI.D.4. Proposed Policy 3540 Emergency Treatment "Providing Health Care" for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 3540 Emergency Treatment "Providing Health Care" for final adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI.D.5. Change Policy 3580 Dangerous and Adverse Weather Guidance for Elementary Schools to Proposed Policy 2211 for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To change Policy 3580 Dangerous and Adverse Weather Guidance for Elementary Schools to Proposed Policy 2211 for final adoption. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XI.D.6. Change Policy 3587 Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention Response to Proposed Policy 3285 for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To change Policy 3587 Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention Response to Proposed Policy 3285 for final adoption. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XI.E. Learning and Instruction Policies Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, reviewed several policies with the Board. For Policy 2353, Moment of Silence, he shared feedback from principals that students, including kindergarten and first grade students, have been participating in. Schools have incorporated the moment of silence into their routines in different ways, including after the pledge or while students are lining up. Lords explained that Policy 2400, Provision for Special Education, would refer to the current Idaho Special Education Manual adopted by the State Board of Education. The district’s separate Policy 2410, Special Education Handbook, was proposed for deletion. The Board also briefly discussed the district’s generative AI policy. Lords said it needed further work following input from legal counsel and would remain under initial consideration. A separate policy concerning the selection of curricular materials was discussed as a numbering change to align with the ISBA policy manual. XI.E.1. Proposed Policy 2353 Moment of Silence for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2353 Moment of Silence for final adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI.E.2. Proposed Policy 2400 Provision of Special Education for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2400 Provision of Special Education for final adoption. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI.E.3. Proposed Policy 2410 Special Education Handbook for Deletion for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2410 Special Education Handbook for Deletion for final adoption. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XI.E.4. Proposed Policy 2540 to 2520 Selection and Adoption of Curricular Materials for Public Review (Action Item) Motion: To approve Proposed Policy 2540 to 2520 Selection and Adoption of Curricular Materials for public review. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XI.E.5. Proposed Policy 2540 Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education for Initial Consideration (Action Item) No motion needed. XI.F. Curriculum Committee Recommendations (Action Item) Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring: HHS (English/Elective Courses) The Two Towers: HHS (English/Elective Courses) The Return of the King: HHS (English/Elective Courses), Noses Off - play Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction, presented the curriculum committee’s recommendations for materials requested by teachers. A Hillcrest High School teacher requested The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King for high school English classes. Lords explained that the books had been reviewed by the district leadership team and families. He clarified that materials approved for a grade level may be used at other district schools serving that grade level. Lords also presented a request from Bonneville High School to use a backstage murder mystery comedy. He said he would check with the teacher about one section of the work to ensure it meets state requirements. Motion: To approve the Curriculum Committee's recommendations as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XII. Board Closing Business XII.A. ISBA Resolution on 4-Year Supplemental Levies (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme explained that the Coeur d’Alene School District had invited D93 to co-sponsor an Idaho School Boards Association resolution that would allow supplemental levies to run for up to four years instead of the current two. He said several local legislators saw the benefit of reducing the need for frequent renewal elections, although they cautioned that the proposal could face opposition over property taxes. A Board member asked that the record clarify that a longer levy term would not require the district to collect the full amount authorized. Dr. Woolstenhulme confirmed that voters approve a maximum amount and the Board could collect less, or stop collecting it before the term ends, if the district’s funding needs changed. Motion: To co-sponsor the ISBA Resolution on 4-Year Supplemental Levies. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Paul Jenkins, Passed. XII.B. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) No action needed. Board members did not request any items for upcoming Board meetings. XII.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 8:36 p.m.