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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-2026 Minutes Amended Regular Meeting and 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  Carissa Coats  Richard Hess  Paul Jenkins  Randy Smith  Mindy Clayton Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 is an Equal Opportunity Employer Amended Regular Meeting/Executive Session Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 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. Welcome Board Chair Coats welcomed everyone in attendance at the meeting. II. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. III. Roll Call Paul Jenkins: Present Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Carissa Coats: Present IV. Items moved from the Consent Agenda to discuss in Executive Session (Action Item) Not needed. 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, (1)(d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code; and (1)(j) to consider labor contract matters authorized under section 74-206A(1)(a) and (b), Idaho Code. The Executive Session will be closed to the public as permitted by law. Motion: To enter Executive Session. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton 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 6:02 p.m. V.A. Student Recommendations V.A.1. Student Suspension Report Superintendent Woolstenhulme reviewed the latest student suspension report. V.B. Employee Recommendations V.B.1. Labor Contracts The Executive Team and the Board discussed labor contracts. V.C. Litigations and Complaints V.C.1. Case #26-03 Superintendent Woolstenhulme discussed Case #26-03 with the Board. V.D. Hillview Event Elisa Saffle, Principal at Hillview Elementary, briefed the Board and the Executive Team on a recent security event at Hillview Elementary. V.E. Close Executive Session (Action Item) Motion: To close Executive Session. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. VI. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board Chair Coats. VII. The invocation was led by Guy Wangsgard. VIII. The meeting was called to Order at 7:08 p.m. IX. Roll Call Paul Jenkins: Present Randy Smith: Present Mindy Clayton: Present Richard Hess: Present Carissa Coats: Present X. Board Opening Business X.A. Welcoming of Delegates and Visitors X.B. Amend the Regular Agenda (Action Item) A Board Member moves that, pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-204(4)(a), the Board amend the agenda for this meeting as follows: To add: TRHS Yearbook to Yearbook Conference - Caldwell, ID - 0726-2026 to 07-29-2026 to the Consent Agenda under Student Travel. To add: TRHS Girls Basketball to Utah Tech Team Camp - St. George, UT - 05-31-2026 to 06-04-2026 to the Consent Agenda under Student Travel. To add: TRHS eSports to tournament – Caldwell, ID – 05-14-2026 to 05-16-2026 To add: Proposed FY2027 Administrator Salary Schedule as an action item under Superintendent Reports and Recommendations. To add: Select Health Employee Insurance Contract as an action item under Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations. To remove: BHS – 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Champion – Scout Scott from the Staff/Student Recognition Agenda Item. These items were received today and are time-sensitive. Motion: To amend the agenda. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. X.C. Approve the Amended Regular Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the amended agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. X.D. TRHS Student Council Thunder Ridge High School Student Council students recently presented their annual report to the Board of Trustees, highlighting a year filled with leadership, service, fundraising, and school unity initiatives. Students shared favorite projects from each class, including movie nights, pizza parties, Easter egg hunts, teacher appreciation activities, campus clean-up efforts, and creative fundraisers that brought students together while supporting important causes. One of the most meaningful projects discussed was the council’s "Adopt-a-Family" service effort, where students raised money, shopped for gifts and necessities, wrapped presents, and personally delivered items to families in need during the holiday season. This year, the program supported 25 families and created lasting memories for both students and recipients. Students also reflected on the leadership skills they have gained through Student Council, including communication, teamwork, humility, relationship-building, and service to others. Advisors praised the students for their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to creating a positive culture at Thunder Ridge High School. X.E. 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 public comments were received, and the public hearing was closed. X.F. Approve Consent Agenda (Action Item) Motion: To approve the consent agenda. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. X.F.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings Regular Board Meeting/Executive Session - 04-08-2026 Board Work Meeting/Executive Session - 04-29-2026 X.F.2. Financial X.F.2.a. Accounts Payable $15,133,347.01 X.F.2.b. Contracts Celebrations Speech of Idaho, LLC - Special Services Moreton & Company The Children's Adventure Center TC & K Services, LLC dba Adventure Speech Therapy Educational Psychology Support Services LLC AA Kinetic Physical Therapy Peterson Therapy Services, Inc Vista Services, LLC Panorama Green Soliant Health, LLC 4 Pillars of Success Rudd & Company X.F.2.c. Surplus Items Maintenance - Exercise Bike - Surplus Maintenance - Kimball Piano - Surplus Falls Valley - Books - Surplus Child Nutrition - Various Kitchen Supplies/Pizza Ovens - Surplus Cloverdale - Books - Surplus Technology -- Servers/Switches - Surplus Technology - Servers/Hard Drives - Surplus Cloverdale - Books - Surplus X.F.3. Employees X.F.3.a. Conditional Employment X.F.3.b. Leave Requests Employee AR-2026 X.F.3.c. Resignations and Terminations X.F.3.d. Retirements X.F.3.e. Stipends X.F.3.f. Summer Hires X.F.3.g. Transfers X.F.4. Students X.F.4.a. Early Graduation Requests X.F.4.b. Club Requests TRHS - Poetry Club HHS - Club America BHS - Magic: The Gathering TRHS - eSports Club X.F.4.c. Trip Requests BHS - Bonneville Hope Squad - Salt Lake City, Utah - 05-04-2026 to 05-05-2026 HHS - Yearbook Conference - Caldwell, ID - 07/26/2026 to 07-29-2026 HHS - Hillcrest Handbell Choir - Cincinnati, Ohio - 7/13/2026 to 07-18-2026 TCHS - SkillsUSA Competition- Atlanta, Georgia - 05-31-2026 to 06-06-2026 TRHS - Student Council to Leadership Conference - Logan, Utah - 06-01-2026 tp 06-03- 2026 TCHS Autobody to SkillsUSA Competition - Atlanta, GA - 05-31-2026 to 06-06-2026 TRHS Ballroom to Heise Hot Springs - Ririe, Idaho — 05-29-2026 to 05-30-2026 TRHS Girls Basketball to Utah Tech Team Camp - St. George, UT - 05-31-2026 to 06-04- 2026 TRHS Yearbook to Yearbook Conference - Caldwell, ID - 0726-2026 to 07-29-2026 X.F.5. School Support Organization TRHS Boys Soccer Booster Club XI. Items Moved From the Consent Agenda XII. Finance and Operations Reports and Recommendations XII.A. Fee Hearing Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, presented the proposed fee schedule for Board review. The document included approximately 15 proposed fee changes, consisting of both increases to existing fees and the addition of new fees. The proposed fee schedule was included in the Board packet for review and consideration. During discussion, it was noted that some of the proposed fee increases, including athletic participation fees, are part of the district's ongoing budget reduction and financial sustainability efforts. The proposed fee schedule will be brought back to the Board for further consideration and possible approval at a future meeting. XII.A.1. Fee Hearing Public Input A public hearing was opened to provide an opportunity for public comments regarding the proposed fee adjustments. No public comments were received, and the public hearing was closed. XII.A.2. Fee Document (Action Item) Motion: To approve the fee document as presented. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XII.B. Elevate Academy Budget Review Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, presented a financial review of Elevate Academy. He reported that Elevate is in a stable financial position, operating within its means and not running a deficit. Budget projections were generally consistent with audited financial results, with the primary variance related to capital expenditure resulting from the school's delayed opening. Mr. Wangsgard noted that his review identified a few compliance items, including missing expenditure reporting categories on the Transparent Idaho website and the absence of approved budgets and audits on the school's website. Elevate promptly addressed the reporting issue and was advised to post the required financial documents to ensure compliance with state law. He also reviewed Elevate's federal funds compliance manual and found the required policies and procedures to be in place and appropriate. Additionally, he reported that Elevate's FY2025 audit, conducted by Quest CPAs, received a clean opinion with no significant concerns identified. Overall, the review found Elevate Academy to be in good financial standing and compliant with applicable financial requirements. XIII. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations XIII.A. Proposed FY27 Administrator Salary Schedule (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme requested Board approval of a revised administrative salary schedule. He explained that while the Board previously approved keeping administrative salaries flat and eliminating the mileage stipend, district leadership believes it would be more transparent for executive leadership team members to absorb the $1,200 reduction directly in their salaries rather than through the mileage allocation. The proposed revision makes no other changes to the salary schedule and includes a $1,200 reduction to the salaries of Superintendent Woolstenhulme, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords, and Executive Director of Finance and Operations Guy Wangsgard. Motion: To approve the proposed FY27 Administrator Salary Schedule as presented. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XIII.B. Bonneville Online Elementary Eligible Education Expenses Resolution (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented a proposed resolution for public review addressing eligible educational expenses for students enrolled in Bonneville Online Elementary. The resolution is in response to new state legislation governing virtual schools and educational service providers, which requires greater transparency, accountability, and school board oversight of virtual education programs. He explained that under the new law, educational service providers may no longer reimburse families directly for educational expenses. Instead, eligible expenses must be approved and paid by the school district, with internet access reimbursement remaining the primary exception. The resolution establishes a framework for how the district will manage and approve these expenses while maintaining as much flexibility as possible for participating families. Superintendent Woolstenhulme noted that the proposal is intended as a starting point rather than a final policy and recommended approval for public review only. This will allow the district to gather feedback from families, staff, and partners, including Overture Learning, before developing a formal policy. Discussion also included questions regarding how the new requirements may affect Bonneville Online High School and existing partnerships with curriculum providers. Further review and discussion will occur before final adoption. Motion: To approve the Bonneville Online Elementary Eligible Expenses Resolution for public review. This motion, made by Randy Smith and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XIII.C. Proposed Policy 9610 District Facility Rental for Final Adoption (Action Item) Motion: To approve proposed Policy 9610 and 9610P District Facility Rental for final adoption. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XIII.D. Proposed Policy 1260 Authorization Signatures for Final Adoption (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented Policy 1260 for final adoption. The proposed revisions align district policy with current state law by increasing the Superintendent’s authority to sign contracts and agreements up to $100,000 without prior Board approval. The policy also authorizes principals to approve and sign purchases up to $2,000, consistent with existing purchase order procedures. The changes are intended to clarify signature authority, improve efficiency, and establish clear purchasing responsibilities throughout the district. No public comments were received on the policy during the review period. Motion: To approve Policy 1260 Authorization Signatures for final adoption. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XIV. Planning and Personnel Reports and Recommendations XIV.A. Permission to Construct a Hitting Facility and Naming Rights (Action Item) Rob Harris, Thunder Ridge Baseball Booster Club President, presented a proposal to construct a shared indoor hitting and training facility for the Thunder Ridge baseball and softball programs. The proposed facility would be located between the existing baseball and softball fields and provide year-round space for hitting, pitching, and skill development while reducing demand on gym space during the winter months. Mr. Harris explained that the estimated project cost is approximately $230,000 to $250,000 and that he hopes to secure full project funding through sponsorship from Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) in exchange for naming rights to the facility. No commitments have been made, and any project would be contingent upon securing all necessary funding before construction begins. Board members discussed the proposed location, construction options, long-term maintenance considerations, project oversight, and funding safeguards. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that all project funds are secured before construction begins and that the district would not incur unexpected costs. The Board expressed appreciation for the community-led effort and discussed providing a letter of support to allow further discussions with ICCU regarding potential sponsorship and funding. Motion: To authorize the Board Chair and Superintendent Woolstenhulme to provide a letter of support for the proposed Thunder Ridge indoor hitting facility project and to allow district administration to continue discussions with potential sponsors regarding project funding and naming rights, contingent upon all project costs being fully funded and approved before construction begins. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XIV.B. Roof Bid Recommendation for Lincoln HS (Action Item) Cody Jackson, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented a recommendation to award the bid for the Lincoln High School roof replacement project. The project includes installing a new roof on the East Building, East Center, Administration Building, and a small portion of the cafeteria roof. The main building roof was replaced approximately ten years ago and is not included in the project. Mr. Jackson reported that Right Roofing submitted the lowest responsive bid in the amount of $183,528 for a 30-year membrane roofing system. Construction is expected to begin during the summer, with the possibility of extending into early fall if necessary. He recommended that the Board approve the bid and authorize Wright Roofing, Inc. to proceed with the project. Motion: To accept the bid from Wright Roofing, Inc. in the amount of $183,005.28 for the Lincoln High School roof replacement project as recommended. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XIV.C. Resolution to Declare a Reduction in Force for Classified Support Staff (Action Item) Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, presented a resolution declaring a reduction in force (RIF) for classified staff as part of the district's ongoing efforts to address budget reductions and declining revenues. He explained that the resolution formalizes the district's workforce reduction process, which may include attrition, resignations, terminations, reduced work hours, and reduced work calendars. Mr. Jackson noted that the primary purpose of the resolution is to protect affected employees' accumulated sick leave benefits through PERSI. Under Idaho law, employees impacted by a reduction in force may retain their accumulated sick leave for up to three years if they return to eligible educational employment, rather than losing those benefits after one year. He emphasized that the resolution does not authorize additional staff reductions beyond those already communicated but ensures that impacted employees receive the maximum benefit and protection available under state law. Motion: To approve the Resolution to declare a reduction in force for classified staff as presented. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Richard Hess, Passed. XIV.D. Select Health Employee Insurance Contract (Action Item) Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning and Personnel, presented a recommendation to transition the district's health insurance coverage to Select Health beginning in the 2026-2027 plan year. He explained that the district received three insurance proposals after working with its insurance committee, the BEA, and its insurance broker, GBS of Idaho. Select Health submitted the lowest increase at 12.2%, compared to approximately 20% for the district's current carrier, PacificSource, and 24% for the statewide school insurance pool. Mr. Jackson noted that Select Health would expand access to Intermountain Health facilities while maintaining local in-network healthcare options for employees. He also explained that several contract provisions required clarification and revision before execution, including participation requirements and the district's employee opt-out incentive program. He requested authorization for Superintendent Woolstenhulme to execute the contract once the identified revisions were completed and approved by district administration. The recommendation was supported by both the district and the BEA through the negotiations process and was presented as a cost-saving measure while continuing to provide quality healthcare coverage for employees. Motion: To authorize Superintendent Woolstenhulme to execute the Select Health Employee Insurance Contract, contingent upon the revisions discussed by the Board being incorporated into the agreement and receiving final approval from district administration. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XV. Learning and Instruction Reports and Recommendations XV.A. Proposed Policy 3030 Dual Enrollment for Public Review (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme presented revisions to Policy 3030, Dual Enrollment, and recommended that the updated policy remain under public review for an additional month. He explained that recent discussions with neighboring superintendents and guidance from the Idaho State Department of Education prompted further clarification regarding student participation in activities, field trips, and other school-sponsored events while dual enrolled. The proposed revisions provide additional directions on which activities and programs dual- enrolled students may participate in and which may be excluded. Due to the significance of the changes and the recent guidance received, Superintendent Woolstenhulme recommended extending the public review period to allow for additional feedback before bringing the policy forward for final adoption. Motion: To approve Policy 3030 Dual Enrollment for public review as recommended. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XV.B. New Course Approvals (Action Item) Executive Director of Learning and Instruction Jason Lords presented new high school course approvals for the 2026-2027 school year to the Board of Trustees, highlighting the district’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities and engaging students in meaningful learning experiences. The proposed additions reflect extensive collaboration between teachers, department leaders, and schools across the district. District leaders emphasized that many of the new courses are designed to spark student interest, strengthen career readiness, support graduation requirements, and provide students with more personalized pathways for success. New course offerings include innovative classes such as Backyard Biology, Field Science, and Science in Film: Fact, Fiction & More, which give students hands-on and real-world learning opportunities in science. Students interested in business and technology will have access to courses like Digital Marketing, QuickBooks Accounting, Intro to Interactive Media, Web Design, and Graphic Design using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Additional electives such as History of Organized Crime, World Religions, The History of Toys and Games, Epic Eras - Adventures in History, and Latino Literature are designed to help students connect learning to their personal interests while expanding critical thinking and cultural understanding. Fine arts opportunities are also growing with courses including Advanced Painting, Guitar Ensemble, AP Music Theory, and expanded choir and art offerings. District leaders noted that these diverse and creative course options not only help students discover new passions, but also help set Bonneville Joint School District 93 apart by offering engaging experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation. Motion: To approve the new course requests as recommended. This motion, made by Paul Jenkins and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. XVI. Board Closing Business XVI.A. Update 2026 Board Meeting Calendar (Action Item) Superintendent Woolstenhulme requested a revision to the Board meeting calendar by moving the scheduled August 26, 2026, work session to September 2, 2026. He explained that August 26 date falls during the district's teacher professional development week, making it difficult for district administrators to participate. Additionally, recent changes in state law require the district to receive valuation data from the State Department of Education before setting the annual L-2 tax levy, and that information is not available until August 31. Moving the work session to September 2nd would allow the district sufficient time to receive the required data and prepare the necessary tax levy information for Board consideration. Motion: To approve the updated 2026 Board Calendar, reflecting the rescheduling of the August 26th Board Work Meeting to Wednesday, September 2nd as recommended. This motion, made by Richard Hess and seconded by Mindy Clayton, Passed. XVI.B. Chukars Baseball Game The Board and the Executive Team discussed a date to attend a Chukars game. The Board decided Saturday, August 29th, would be the best date for everyone. XVI.C. Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings (Action Item) Board members expressed the following items to be on future board agendas: • Dual Credit Pressure • Ammon Road concerns XVI.D. Adjournment (Action Item) Motion: To adjourn the meeting. This motion, made by Mindy Clayton and seconded by Randy Smith, Passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. APPROVED: ______________________________________ Chairman ATTESTED: _______________________________________ Clerk DATE: ___________________________________