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minutes meeting date 2026-01-15 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 22598 characters · official file · plain text
Ririe Joint School District #252 Thursday January 15, 2026 6:30 pm Regular School Board Meeting Minutes 6:30 pm – The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees met on Thursday January 15, 2026 at 6:30 pm for their regular monthly School Board meeting, which was also streamed live as a courtesy on: Ririe Bulldogs YouTube Channel 2. Board Chair Cook welcomed all those in attendance and asked everyone to please rise and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. All did so. 6:30 pm – Board Chair Cook asked that roll call be taken. Roll call was taken and those in attendance were as follows: Board Chair Brigham Cook, Vice Chair Angela Reed, Trustee Dallin Howell, Trustee Mike Hansen, Superintendent Jeff Gee, and Business Manager/Co Treasurer Trapper McCallister and Board Clerk/Co Treasurer Kristi Hamilton. Assistant Treasurer Megan Coles was not present for tonight’s meeting. 6:31 pm - Board Chair Cook entertained a motion to set and adopt the agenda. Angela made a motion to set and adopt the agenda as posted. Mike seconded; passed unanimously. 6:32 pm – Swearing in of New Board Members a. Board Chair Cook thanked Angela Reed and Megan Coles for their time serving on the Board. He then asked Darby Taylor and Kevin Landon to take their seats at the Board table. He welcomed both of them to the Board and informed they will now be sworn in. Kristi Hamilton, Board Clerk then proceeded to swear Darby and Kevin in by both repeating the Oath of Office. 6:35 pm – Item 5/Reorganization of the Board – Board Chair Cook informed that January is the month where the reorganization of the Board takes place. He explained the process and responsibilities of each position. Board Chair – Board Chair Cook opened nominations. Dallin nominated Brigham Cook to serve as Board Chair. Darby asked Brigham if he wanted to be Board Chair again. Brigham informed that he is okay to serve as the Chair again. He commented that with 2 new Board Members taking seat at this meeting, having continuity wouldn’t be a bad thing. Darby asked if anyone else were interested in serving as Board Chair. No one responded. She commented that she doesn’t think her or Kevin should be made Chair since they are both brand new to the Board. She asked Mike Hansen if he was dying to be Board Chair. Mike commented that he isn’t dying to do it, but would be willing if he were nominated. Discussion occurred. Brigham asked Kristi what her thoughts are about continuity. Kristi commented that in the 25 years she has served as Board Clerk, she believes keeping continuity would be a good thing for another year, especially with 2 new trustees taking seat this meeting. Kevin Landon then nominated Mike Hansen to serve as Board Chair. Darby seconded. All other Board Members voted aye. Board Chair Cook asked if there were any further discussion or any other nominations. There being none, he entertained a motion to cease nominations. Kevin made a motion to cease nominations. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. Mike Hansen then took over as Board Chair. Brigham Cook moved to a different seat on the Board table. Vice Chair – Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any nominations for Vice Chair. Darby nominated Dallin Howell to serve as Vice Chair. Brigham Cook seconded; passed unanimously. Board Chair Hansen then asked if there were any other nominations. There being none, he entertained a motion to cease nominations. Brigham made a motion to cease nominations. Darby seconded. Dallin Howell will serve as Vice Chair. Treasurers – Kevin Landon nominated Kristi Hamilton & Trapper McCallister to serve as Board/District Treasurers. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any further discussion or nominations. There being none, he entertained a motion to cease nominations. Brigham made a motion to cease nominations. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Kristi Hamilton & Trapper McCallister will serve as Board/District Treasurers. Board Clerk – Brigham nominated Kristi Hamilton to serve as Board Clerk. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. Brigham made a motion to cease nominations. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Kristi Hamilton will serve as Board Clerk. Assistant Treasures – Kevin nominated Pat Williams and Maigan Summers to serve as Assistant Treasurers. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. Dallin made a motion to cease nominations. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. Pat Williams & Maigan Summers will serve as Assistant Treasurers. Set Date, Time & Location of Board Meetings. Board Chair Hansen informed that the Board has typically been meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month, with the Work Meeting usually beginning at 6:00 pm, and the Regular Board Meeting usually beginning at 7:00 pm. He asked if the Board would like to keep it all the same or talk about other options. Discussion occurred regarding moving the day to the 3rd Monday of each month. Superintendent Gee commented that the only issue with Monday’s is when Districts are held, which might be held on a few Mondays during year, but other than that, holding the meeting on Monday might be a good time to do so. Brigham commented that the Board has always tried to leave Mondays alone, and he believes the community would expect them to continue that. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Kevin made a motion to keep meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month, with the Work Meeting beginning at 6:00 pm and the Regular Meeting beginning at 7:00 pm in the Board Room, unless otherwise posted. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 6:38 pm – Item 6/Scheduled Delegations a. City of Ririe – Mayor Kimmel approached the Board with an update of what is happening in the City. He informed of 28 homes that will be built on the old fairgrounds property. He informed of another site where approximately 42 homes will be built and a possible development on the south side of town that will build approximately 48 homes. He explained further. He informed that he presented Superintendent Gee with a letter requesting that the District consider moving the Electronic Marquee to a different location. He informed that this is not a demand, but rather a suggestion. Discussion occurred. Mayor Kimmel informed that Pam Huffaker has been assigned by the City to be a liaison between the City and the School District. He explained. Board Chair Hansen thanked Mayor Kimmel for coming to Board Meeting tonight with an update from the City. b. Department Updates Positive Happenings – Superintendent Gee brought up the document of Positive Happenings and reviewed. He talked about Mrs. Baker’s English class writing children’s books and presenting them to the 1st grade students. He informed that Mrs. Baker has been doing this for several years and the 1st grade students really love it. He then informed of the BPA Regional Competition. He informed that 9 out of 13 students qualified for State. He informed that Lucy Boone signed with USU to run track and cross country. He commented that USU is a D1 school and everyone is very excited for her. Discussion occurred. c. Building Reports Stacey Barrett gave a brief update of what has been happening within Special Education. She explained the difference between IEP’s and 504’s. Mr. Martineau gave a brief update about the Elementary students reading at home. He explained in detail. He informed that they are doing all they can to encourage students to read at home. He then went over the iReady information and explained. He informed that the 6th grade teachers are trading classes for different subjects. He explained further. Dr. Teske gave an update on student attendance, test data, success rates, STAR testing, and arena registration, etc… He commented that behavior has been better and he attributes things to the hard working teachers who are working hard to improve classroom engagement and participation. He commented that the Math teachers have been working really hard to meet students where they are at. He informed they will be meeting with ISU again in February where they will be focusing on priorities and building confidence. He informed that the semester ended smoothly. Darby asked if he feels having finals after Christmas Break is good, because the Board has talked about moving them to before Christmas Break. Dr. Teske informed that he really prefers them after the break. He explained. He informed that the stress level was down by doing finals after the break. He commented that we have the best of both worlds here. He explained further. The Board thanked Stacey, Mr. Martineau, and Dr. Teske for their reports tonight. 7:11 pm – Board Chair Hansen informed that the Board will move to Item 8/Unscheduled Delegations now, before entering into Executive Session. 7:11 pm – Item 8/Unscheduled Delegations - Board Chair Hansen informed that Unscheduled Delegations are a call to the public and are added to the Board Agenda as a courtesy. He then reminded those present that the Board will allow 3 minutes per person, per topic. All Comments are expected to be respectful and directed to the Board as a whole. Comments regarding District Personnel and/or Students are prohibited. The Board will not discuss, approve, or disapprove any topic brought before the Board during Unscheduled Delegations; but may include it on a future agenda for Board discussion. He then asked if anyone who was present at the meeting has signed up to speak or if there were any comments or concerns submitted via email. There was one. a. 7:13 pm - Angela Reed – Angela introduced herself and informed that she lives in Zone 5. She thanked the Board for letting her address them tonight. She commented that there have been a lot of things running through her mind over the past few months. She commented that she is delighted to see all of the good and positive things happening in the district. She commented that she is very thankful for all of the teachers and staff in Ririe and being able to get a small window into what they do day-to-day is inspiring. She commented that she is so thankful for the Administrative Team and informed that the time she was able to work with them she saw all of them put in hours upon hours of extra time to support Ririe School District and the students. She commented that even though at times it might not have always been perfect, she knows they have always had the best interest of the children at heart and have always done what they thought was right. She commented that a Board should serve and lead with honesty and integrity, always adhering to the Boards Code of Ethics while doing so. She commented that Board members should put in the time to educate themselves on matters regarding public education, and they should also attend trainings, workshops, and participate in opportunities to learn and grow so they can better know what it means to be the best Board member possible. She commented that the Board’s job is to implement policy to help support the districts goals to provide the best education for our youth. She commented that it is not just about a Board members’ kids or your grandkids, but rather it is about all of the children in the school district. She commented that the Board should work with and support the Administrative Team to create the best possibility for success for Ririe students. She commented that it is not the Board’s job or role to dictate or try to control every little detail in the district. She commented that is why we hire educational professionals. She commented that every Administrator in our district has served in Education for over 20+ years each, which she thinks is incredible and she values their experience. She commented that if a Board members’ expectation is perfection, she encourages them to look in the mirror and see if they are capable of that themselves. She commented that the Board’s job/role is to discuss issues and concerns with the Superintendent and then work towards solutions… not to slander and judge out in the community, because that only hurts our community and our schools when Board members come in with agendas or an axe to grind. She commented that she loves this community and will continue to serve and support the district in any way that is needed. She commented that she hopes the Board is able to come together and work with the Administrative Team to do what is best for the district and to provide the best education for our kids. She commented that she hopes all of the Board remembers to always keep the best interest of the students at heart. She began to make another comment but Board Chair Hansen informed Angela that her allowed time was up. She thanked the Board for the time she was given. 7:16 pm – Item 7/Executive Session. Board Chair Hansen informed the Board will move into Executive Session at this time. He then entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to move out of Open Session at this time, pause the livestream, and move into Executive Session to discuss personnel, student & legal items pursuant to Idaho Code §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(d)(3) and §74-105 (21), Records other than public expenditure records, relating to the nature, location, or function of cybersecurity devices, programs, or systems designed to protect computer, information technology, or communications systems against terrorist or other attacks. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. Roll call vote was called. Board Chair Mike Hansen, Brigham Cook, Kevin Landon, Darby Taylor, and Dallin Howell were all in favor by individual votes of “aye”. The public was asked to step out into the hall at this time and the livestream meeting was paused during Executive Session. 7:16 pm - The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees having properly opened Executive Session pursuant to section §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(d)(3) and §74-105 (21), Idaho Code, in the Ririe JR/SR High School Media Center, directly thereupon entered into discussion of all items on the Executive Session agenda. 7:51 pm – Superintendent Gee invited the public back into the Board Room at this time and the livestream was resumed. 7:52 pm – Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to move out of Executive Session and move back into Open Session at this time to discuss all remaining items on the Open Session Agenda. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. 7:53 pm – Item 9/Unfinished Business a. Discussion/Action Item – Technology Audit Update. Board Chair Hansen briefly explained. He informed that a District- wide Technology Audit was performed and a report was given to the Board in Executive Session, pursuant to Idaho Code §74-105 (21), Records other than public expenditure records, relating to the nature, location, or function of cybersecurity devices, programs, or systems designed to protect computer, information technology, or communications systems against terrorist or other attacks. He explained further. b. Discussion/Action Item – Board Policy; Section 8000 – 2nd & Final Reading. There being no further discussion necessary on this item, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Reading of Board Policy; Section 8000. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. c. Discussion/Action Item – Board Policy; Section 9000 – 2nd & Final Reading. There being no further discussion necessary on this item, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Reading of Board Policy; Section 9000. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. d. Discussion/Action Item – Protection Against Retaliation Policy – 2nd & Final Reading. Board Chair Hansen asked if any further discussion were needed on this policy. There being none, he entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Reading of the Protection Against Retaliation Policy as presented. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. e. Discussion/Action Item – Jr/Sr High School Student Handbook – 2nd & Final Reading. Superintendent Gee informed that the new verbiage regarding minor and major offenses has been added. He read over the verbiage. There being no discussion, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Reading of the Jr/Sr High School Handbook verbiage changes as presented. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. 7:59 pm – Item 10/New Business a. Discussion/Action Item – HS Boys Basketball Overnight Trip Amendment. Superintendent Gee informed that this trip was added after all overnight trips were approved. He explained further. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the HS Boys Basketball Overnight Trip as discussed. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. b. Discussion/Action Item – Reduction in Force (RIF) policy; 5740. Superintendent Gee informed that he wanted everyone to be aware that there is a possibility of holdbacks in funding with the Legislature. He explained in detail. c. Discussion/Action Item – Students. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to deny admission to Students A & B. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. 8:03 pm – Item 11/Reports a. Superintendent Report Zoom Meeting Update – Superintendent Gee informed that more people joined the Zoom meeting this month than last. He briefly went over what was discussed. He informed that he feels like the meetings are positive. Day on the Hill Information – Superintendent Gee informed that Day on the Hill is coming up in February. He asked all Board members to let Kristi know by Monday if they will be attending this so she can get them registered and reserve a hotel room for them. Dallin informed that he will be attending. Kristi will get Dallin registered and a room reserved for him, and will wait to hear from all other Board members. b. Business Manager Report Lunch Balances – Trapper informed that Lunch Balances are adding up and there are a lot of outstanding balances. He informed that Kiara would like to do some sort of fundraising to cover these. He informed that Kiara is doing all she can to collect the money owed. He explained further. Superintendent Gee commented that there are those who are struggling and those who just don’t want to pay their bill. Darby commented that she is in favor of this. She asked if the Free & Reduced Form can be required to be filled out when registering for school. Trapper commented that we cannot make that a requirement. He explained. Discussion occurred. Trapper commented that he wants to make sure the Board is okay with Foodservice doing a fundraiser. Board Chair Hansen informed that the Board is in favor of this and asked that a link to the fundraiser be posted on the District website of where people can make donations. Baseball Discussion – Trapper commented that they would like to get a survey out to the community regarding starting a Baseball program. He informed that he has been told that there is a lot of interest for this from the community. Discussion occurred. Brigham asked if a new baseball field would be needed. Trapper informed that yes, a new field would be needed because the current softball field is not the required size for a baseball field. He explained further. Board Chair Hansen asked if the cost for a new field would be roughly the same as the softball field was. Trapper informed that it will be higher, due to several reasons. He explained. Trapper informed that they have not priced anything yet because they wanted to find out first if the Board is interested in them pursuing obtaining further information. Board Chair Hansen commented that the Board is interested and would like Trapper to research this further. 8:09 pm – Item 12/Personnel a. Applicant’s A, B – Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve Applicant’s A & B for hire as recommended by Administration. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. 8:09 pm – Item 13/Consent Agenda Items a. Action Item – Approve Regular Amended School Board Meeting Minutes (11-20-25). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions regarding the Amended Minutes. There were none. b. Action Item – Approve School Board Regular Meeting Minutes (12-18-25). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Regular Minutes. There were none. c. Action Item – Approve School Board Work Meeting Minutes (12-18-25). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Work Meeting Minutes. There were none. d. Action Item – Approve Bills Payable Report. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions regarding the Bills Payable Report. There were none. e. Action Item – Approve Financial Report – Trapper went over the report in detail. He informed that the target for this month is 50%. He informed that overall we are at 46%. There were no questions or further comments. f. Action Item – Approve Schools Activity Funds Report. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions on the Schools Activity Funds Report. There were none. 8:13 pm – There being no further discussion on the above Consent Agenda Items, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items and process the Bills Payables. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. 8:14 pm – Item 14/Review Work Items Superintendent Gee, Kevin, & Darby will review Board Policy; Section 1000 before the February Regular School Board Meeting Trapper will research more information regarding building a Baseball Field Superintendent Gee & Trapper will check on the Lease Return on Buses Superintendent Gee & Trapper will research more information on the Wolf River Property and Cook property Superintendent Gee will bring more information to the Board regarding the RIF Policy 8:16 pm – There being no further discussion necessary in tonight’s meeting, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to adjourn. Brigham so moved. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. Reviewed & Approved: February 23, 2026 Board Chair: Mike Hansen Board Clerk: Kristi Hamilton
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