Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2022 Minutes Work Session-Special 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  Chad Dance  Paul Jenkins  Greg Calder  Carissa Coats  Randy Smith Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 is an Equal Opportunity Employer Work Session/Special Meeting/Executive Session Wednesday, January 26, 2022 11:30 AM FLITTE Program 2125 Monticello Dr Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Call to Order: Chairman Dance called the meeting to order at 11:47 a.m. Roll Call Paul Jenkins Present Greg Calder Present Carissa Coats Present Randy Smith Present Chad Dance Present Chairman Dance Welcome Visitors and Delegations and expressed gratitude to Heather Gerard and her wonderful staff and students for the delicious lunch and for hosting the meeting. Ohers in attendance were: Dr. Woolstenhulme, Superintendent, Jason Lords, Executive Director or Learning and Instruction, Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, Guy Wangsgard, Chief Financial Operations Officer, John Pymm, Director or Facilities and Maintenance, Dr. Yvonne Thurber, Director of Special Education, Rex Miller, Director of Federal Programs and Academic Interventions, Ken Marlowe, Director of Social Emotional Learning, Austin Kahout, Lance Miller, Lincoln High School Principal, Doug McLaren, Thunder Ridge Principal, Heather Gerard, 18-21 Program Coordinator, Robin Manship, 18-21 Program teacher, Cara McCartney, Bridgewater Elementary Principal, Gordon Howared, Director of Safe Schools and Technology, Phillip Campbell, D93 News, Samantha Williams, Board Clerk Approve/Amend Agenda (Action) Chairman Dance asked for a motion to approve or amend the agenda MOTION: Paul Jenkins moved to approve the agenda. Carissa Coats seconded. Motion carried. Discussion Items Mexico Immersion Trip - Doug McLaren, Thunder Ridge H.S. Principal Chairman Dance invited Doug McLaren to present to the Board the Mexico Immersion Trip information that Thunder Ridge’s Spanish teacher, Mr. Robertson would like to start planning. There has been a lot of work put into this. Thunder Ridge is currently offering a spanish certificate through ISU. Thirty-nine students are targeted to earn the certificate this year. Mr. Robertson has added a face to face enrichment activity for students. This year Mr. Robertson has taken students to the feeder elementary schools to teach the younger kids spanish. This immersion trip would be a capstone of what they have been learning. The number of students who would attend the trip can be anywhere from eight to ten students with four chapersones. With the permission from the Board, Thunder Ridge would like this trip to go through the school. They plan to fly out of Salt Lake City to Cancun. This trip presents a great opportunity for the kids to take in the culture. Both Austin and Cara are trained to take kids abroad. They are knowledgeable about the culture and have chosen a relatively safe location. Meeting with the Executive Team, the concerns that have been expressed are what happens when or if things go wrong in a foreign city. Doug McLaren is supportive of Mr. Robertson’s trip proposal. he thinks this would be a great opportunity for these kids who have worked really hard to not only learn the language, but the culture. Greg asked how long will the trip be. Mr. McLaren stated 2 that the trip would be for ten days give or take. The accomodations would be an Airbnb. Dr. Woolstenhulme stated that any concerns that the district has with this trip has no bearing on Doug or Austin’s abilities. The challenge is if we approve this, how do we define a line. We will ultimately take on the liability with this trip. If Austin goes with another organization, the liabilitly falls on them. ICRMP says if we do approve this trip, we will need to get secondary insurance. Chairman Dance asked about costs. Mr. McLaren explained that the parents will cover the cost of the trip, Thunder Ridge is not asking for district financial support. The educational goal of this trip is for students to learn and be immursed in the culture, interacting with native speakers and further learn how to understand the language and to communicate. Board member Randy Smith thinks this is valuable and asked about having parents sign a disclaimer before they go on the trip to help with liability concerns. Dr. Woolstenhulme stated that after discussion with the district’s attorney, it was decided that disclaimers are not worth the paper it’s written on. Board Member Randy Smith asked if there was a possibility to hire body guards. Mr. McLaren said that could be a possibility. The idea is to have them stay with host families to increase the immersion. Mr. McLaren in closing said that this trip is something we are looking at down the road. This year is too late to get a trip planned and organized. The purpose of this discussion is to see if Austin can begin working on submitting a Student Travel Request. Vice Chair Paul Jenkins thinks it's a great idea. Board Member Carissa Coats loves the incentive, and that high school is a great time to have this experience. Chad likes the idea of the trip to be Board approved and through the district if the insurance and liability and other concerns are addressed. The Board gave the green light for Mr. Robertson and Mr.McLaren to put together a proposal for a student travel request. Facility 12 Year Plan - John Pymm, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, and Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel. Chairman Dance Invited John Pymm to discuss the Facility 12 year plan. John asked if any Board had any questions. Carissa asked what the reality is of our current spacing situation – the committee recommended consolidation. We are not set up for that right now. We are really over crowded at Summit Hills. One idea is to move the ERR into the schools. Heath turned to time over to Dr. Yvonne Thurber, Director of Special Education. She stated that they would like to do the following: 1. Try to stay with the status quo as possible 2. Take the resources we have and spread them out 3. Keep the Development resources and non-verbal where they are. 4. Parents are tired of their kids always being moved (SPED) Mr. Jackson said that growth is booming on the Iona corridor, and it’s happening within special education programs as well. The areas where these programs as, is our highest population growth areas. Open Enrollment is better, Mountain Valley has seen a shift and is sitting pretty good right now. Busing is another issue. He ath says, please just be aware that we are having these discussions, these are not decisions being made right now. Mr. Jackson gave an overview of Falls Valley. They have five classrooms for preschool and three classrooms for GATE, which meets four days a week. As far as the option for all day kindergarten, at this time it is not feasible to have at every school. We would need at least 25 classrooms, and we just don’t have that. In the district’s 12 year plan we do have 2 elementary schools on the schedule. Of course Timing is in the air at this time. The reality is we have twenty-eight empty classrooms throughout the district, meaning we do not have full-time teachers in the classrooms but they are being utilized in other ways.Some of those classrooms could help with the Special Education issues. If we are going to solve the overcrowding in the Iona corridor with boundary changes, we will need those classrooms if there is a boundary shift. Iona Elementary is not ADA accessible. Time table for the first elementary school will be because of the Iona corridor. We do have growth on the south side of the district as well. John Pymm explained that the general direction that maintenance can addres is the Ammon cafeteria, which is the biggest concern right now. We have issues with the room, foundation, floors, ADA accessibility. To solve this short term we can turn two empty classrooms into a cafeteria and truck in food from Hillview. Another concern that can be addressed is to add spaces to the high school’s science rooms with limited remodeling. These are items that can be taken care of without bonding. John Pymm, further discussed the properties and facililities that the district owns. The parcels are as follows: • 6 acres behind Lincoln – it’s leased by a cabinet maker – we would have to do a re plat to for divisional rights • 25 acres on 97th north, a mile within Fairview • 13 acres on Hitt Rd, adjacent to the hit pit, across the street from Costco. We have been approached by people who would like to purchase this ground from us. 3 (Board Member Greg Calder commented that he would like an estimate on those parcels) • 19 acres remains from Black Canyon – it is not recommend to liquidate this property, especially with the growth in that area. • Campbell gym Regarding Campbell Gym – Heather Gerard who is the district’s 18-21 coordinator stated that Campbell Gym is a great location for the FLITTE program. The students are in walking distance to the many outings that they go. Lifetime sports uses this gym and it is very useful to have. Mr. Jackson brought to the Board’s attention of future boundary changes. He exclaimed that boundary changes are not well received. Since we built Summit Hills we have had 2 boundary changes. They are an emotional and parents are very vocal considering these measures. Heath asked for some direction from the school board on what level of boundary changes do they want the district to consider? We are still faced with the same problems, the same schools that we had issues with 2 years ago, still exist. Boundary changes buys us 1-2 years. The school that Heath is most worried about is Iona. Kindergarten enrollment increased from 100 to 125 studnets. If this trend continues we will be in real trouble. One option is busing kids to other schools that have room. However, we are limited on bus drivers to have that work. We are very constrained as it is. Dr. Woolstenhulme asked the board how to proceed with what was discussed. The Board asked for the following to be looked into and to have them ready for further discussion for the next meeting on February 9, 2022. • list of parcels that you would like to see surplused so we can get an appraisal. • Look into doing a survey for the public on the recommedations that the Facilities Committee presented to get a broader opinion. • Proposed boundary changes • Proceed with the Ammon Cafeteria proposal by converting two classrooms for a makeshift cafeteria Contracting Transportation Chairman Dance invited Dr. Woolstenhulme to discuss contracting transportation for the district per the Board’s request. Dr. Woolstenhulme explained that the district contacted some companies. We would have to build a transportation building and then lease it out to the company. There could be possible cost savings, but that is a big “could”. Board member Paul Jenkins inquired about the drivers, and the personnel. Dr. Woolstenhulme stated that we would not lay off any transportation personnel. Companies are struggling to find drivers as it is. One of the the biggest concern is PERSI for those who qualify. The company talked about ways to grandfather. The bottom line is there is no guarantee the district will save on costs. Right now we are in great shape with our bus rotations, and we have great management. The company can send us a questionaire, I think we should give them their du diligence and fill it out. Board members Paul Jenkins and Chad Dance agreed. ISBA Day on the Hill Chairman Dance asked if there were any Board members are or would like to attend ISBA Day on the Hill (Feb. 21-22) Chairman Chad Dance, Board members Paul Jenkins and Randy Smith expressed interest in attending. Dr. Woolstenhulme asked those individuals to let Samantha, the Board Clerk know what their plans are so she can get registration and hotel accommodations completed. NSBA (National School Board Association) Conference Chairman Dance asked if there were any Board members who would like to attend NSBA in San Diego, CA – April 2-4. Board members Paul Jenkins and Carissa Coats voiced and interest and once again Dr. Woolstenhulme informed those individuals to let Samantha, the Board Clerk know so she can get them registered and set up hotel accommodations. 4 Idaho Law Conference Chairman Dance asked if there were interested in attending the Idaho Law Conference. Apr. 24-26. Board Chair Paul Jenkins expressed interest and will let Samantha, the Board Clerk know how to proceed with registration and acommodations. Superintendent Recommendations & Reports School Closure / Hybrid Schedule (Action Item) Chairman Dance invited Superintendent Woolstenhulme to discuss possible school closure/hybrid schedule due to COVID/Staffing. Dr. Woolstenhulme started the discussion by stating the situation changed dramatically after the Special Meeting last Thursday evening. This created some challenging situations. We would like to recommend emergency closure for the district offices and schols on Friday, January 27th. Communication to teachers will be that, there is to be no instruction. However, if we have to close again, online learning will be implemented. We have exhausted all all emergency closures for the year. MOTION: Carissa Coats moved to approve emergency closure for Friday, January 27th as presented. Randy Smith seconded. Motion carried. MOTION: Paul Jenkins moved to approve emergency closure for elementary schools on Friday, January 14, 2022. Carissa Coats seconded. Motion carried. Policy 1510 Board Agenda Items for Initial Consideration There was no action on this item due to being Initial Consideration. Chairman Dance asked if there was a call for agenda items for upcoming meetings Randy Smith expressed interest in a Trade School – Dr. Woolstenhulme will reach out Senator Lent and Rick Aman for more information. Call for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings Praxium Mastery Academy Exhibit Night - January 27, 2022 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting - February 9, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - BHS Little Theater ISBA Day on the Hill - February 21-22, 2022 - Boise, Idaho Board Work Session - February 26, 2022 - Ucon Elementary Executive Session (Action Item) Chairman Dance stated that the Board will enter into Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) To consider dismissal or disciplining or hear complaints or charges brought against a public school student. The Executive Session will be closed to the public as permitted by law. MOTION: Carissa Coats moved to enter into Executive Session for the reason stated. Randy Smith seconded. The roll call was: Roll Call Vote: Paul Jenkins Yes Greg Calder was not present, had to leave Carissa Coats Yes Randy Smith Yes Chad Dance Yes Student Recommendations (Discussion) Student 22-AF Chairman Dance invited Cara McCartney, Principal at Bridgewater Elementary to disucss Student 22 -AF. The recommendation for Student 22-AF is three day suspension. 5 Student 22-AG Chairman Dance invited Lance Miller, Principal of Lincoln High School to discuss and present information on Student 22-AG to the Board. Mr. Miller and Jason Lords, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction recommeded expulsion without a hearing and to be conditionally re-admitted into Bonneville Online High School for Student 22-AG. Employee Recommendation (Discussion) Employee Z2022 Chairman Dance invited Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel to discuss Employee Z2022. The recommendation is to approve Employee Z2022 to be released from contract. Motion to Move into Open Meeting (Action) Chairman Dance asked for a motion to move back into open meeting. MOTION: Carissa Coats moved to enter back into open session. Randy Smith seconded. Motion carried. Student Recommendations (Action Items) Student 22-AF Student 22-AF did not need to have an action.The recommendation was three day suspension. Student 22-AG MOTION: Paul Jenkins moved to approve Student 22-AG to expulsion without a hearing and to be conditionally re-admitted into Bonneville Online High School as discussed. Randy Smith seconded. Motion carried. Employee Recommendation (Action) Employee Z2022 MOTION: Randy Smith moved that Employee Z2022 be released from their contract as recommended. Carissa Coats seconded. Motion carried. Chairman Dance asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting MOTION: Paul Jenkins moved to adjourn the meeting. Carissa Coats seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 2:31 p.m. APPROVED: ______________________________________ Chairman ATTESTED: _______________________________________ Clerk DATE: ___________________________________