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minutes meeting date 2026-03-19 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 23228 characters · official file · plain text
Ririe Joint School District #252 Thursday March 19, 2026 7:00 pm Regular School Board Meeting Minutes 7:00 pm – The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees met on Thursday March 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm for their regular monthly School Board Meeting, which was also streamed live as a courtesy on: Ririe Bulldogs YouTube Channel 2. Board Chair Hansen welcomed all those in attendance and asked everyone to please rise and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. All did so. 7:00 pm – Board Chair Hansen asked that roll call be taken. Roll call was taken and those in attendance were as follows: Board Chair Mike Hansen, Board Trustee & Assistant Treasurer Darby Taylor, Trustee Brigham Cook, Superintendent Jeff Gee, and Business Manager/Co Treasurer Trapper McCallister and Board Clerk/Co Treasurer Kristi Hamilton. Trustees Dallin Howell and Kevin Landon were not present. 7:01 pm - Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to set and adopt the agenda. Darby made a motion to set and adopt the agenda as posted. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. 7:01 pm – Item 5/Scheduled Delegations – Discussion/Action Items a. City of Ririe. Mayor Kimmel informed that he gave all City information during the Work Meeting. He summarized. He then commented that the City received notice this week that they will be receiving two grants for sidewalks, and curb & gutter. He explained. b. Student Council Report. The Junior Student Council approached the Board and informed of things that have been happening. They then informed of a Leadership Conference they as the Junior Class Student Council Presidency would like to attend. Each of them explained a portion of what the Conference will cover and what they believe it will benefit them. They informed that they have had this planned out for a while and all of the money has been raised to go. They commented that they are really excited and believe it will help them grow as individuals and as students. Brigham asked how long the Conference is. They informed it is 3 days. They also informed that they will be renting a car to travel there. They informed that Mrs. Odell and Mrs. Davey will be chaperones. Discussion occurred. Mrs. Odell informed that this class presidency has been with her in student council since they were in 7th grade. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the Junior Class Presidency to attend the Leadership Conference as presented and requested. Darby seconded: passed unanimously. c. 8th Grade Field Trip Request. Mrs. Howard and some 8th grade students approached the Board to request approval to take their annual 8th grade trip. They informed that they will be traveling to Draper, UT on April 29th for the day, where they will visit Loveland Aquarium and Skinny Dogs. They informed that there will be 45 students and 6 adults going. They informed that the entire 8th grade class will attend. They informed that the cost is $34 per person and if there are any who cannot afford it, they will make sure they can attend. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen asked why they chose Skinny Dogs. They commented that they have been there before and they really like it. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Darby made a motion to approve the 8th Grade Trip to Utah on April 29th as presented and requested. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. d. Livia Stokes – DYWR 2026 Report. Livia approached the Board with her report of DYWR 2026. She introduced herself and informed that DYWR is one of the oldest and largest scholarship programs. She commented that Ririe is truly something special. She informed that Jody Nelson was awarded the DYW Excellence Award. She informed that she was able to see firsthand how the Ririe’ program works. She explained how it teaches young women how to give back, confidence, and work ethic, among many other things. She commented that she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to attend the State Program due to a torn ACL, but the Board leaders were determined to find a way for all of the girls participate. She informed it was pretty stressful but she made the best of it. She informed there were 35 girls at the State level representing Idaho. She informed that she made 35 new friends. She then informed that during the past year she made 6 public appearances, completed her Be Your Best Self Project, which was filling 40 boxes of homemade fudge and delivering them to women around the community. She explained further. She informed that through the program she earned $6,500 in scholarships. She commented that she used to be shy but is now confident and comfortable in front of a crowd. She commented that the program taught her to be the best version of herself. She asked the Board if they had any questions. Comment was made that they appreciate everything she has done over the last year and for representing Ririe so well. She then asked the Board if she could get a picture with them. Board Chair Hansen thanked her for coming and giving her report tonight. e. Department Updates Positive Happenings – Superintendent Gee brought up the list of Positive Happenings and reviewed. He talked about FCCLA attending their State Competition, BPA, Mrs. Bakers class writing and giving books to 1st grade students, the 6th grade Invention Convention, which 2 students qualified for state at, HS Girls Basketball being District Champs and bringing home the Consolation Trophy from State, Eden Jensen hitting 1000 points in her HS Career, HS Wrestling winning Districts and taking 5th place at State, HS Boys Basketball being District Champs and bringing home the 3rd place Trophy from State, Kody Landon hitting 1000 points in his HS Career, the Senior Showcase for both Girls and Boys Basketball, HS Softball, and HS Track. He commented that there have been and are a lot of good things going on around here. f. Building Reports Special Education – Superintendent Gee informed that Ms. Barrett was not able to be here tonight so there won’t be a report on Special Education in this meeting. Elementary School – Mr. Martineau commented that he is excited about all the reading that is going on at the Elementary School. He informed that he told the students that if they get to 67% in a month, someone will get to throw a pie in his face at the next assembly. He then thanked Darby Taylor for heading up the Cereal fundraiser for the summer food program. He then tanked the PTSO for the amazing food they brought in for the staff during Parent-Teacher Conferences. He informed that the 4th grade classes had an Idaho History Day on the 17th where Daughters of the Pioneers came to the school and did some fun stuff with the kids. He informed that the Kindergarten students and Teachers dressed up like they were 100 years old for 100 days of school. Jr/Sr High School – Dr. Teske informed that we are half way through the 2nd semester already. He then brought up his spreadsheet and went over some numbers. He informed that Tutoring Friday last week was a great success. He informed that the Passing Rate has gone up. He then commented on Parent-Teacher Conferences that are coming up. He informed that STAR Testing will begin soon. He also informed that ISAT Tests will be in April. 7:28 pm – At this time, Superintendent Gee called Dallin Howell to join the meeting so the Board could officially go into Executive Session. 7:28 pm - Item 6/Executive Session - Board Chair Hansen informed that the Board will move into Executive Session at this time. He then entertained a motion. Darby made a motion to move out of Open Session at this time, pause the livestream, and move into Executive Session to discuss personnel & student items pursuant to Idaho Code §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(3), Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. Roll call vote was called. Board Chair Mike Hansen, Darby Taylor, Brigham Cook, 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. 7:28 pm - The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees having properly opened Executive Session pursuant to section §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(3), Idaho Code, in the Ririe JR/SR High School Media Center, directly thereupon entered into discussion of all items on the Executive Session agenda. 7:52 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. Darby 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. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. 7:52 pm – Break 7:55 pm – Back from Break 1. 7:55 pm – Item 7/Unscheduled Delegations - Call to the Public. Board Chair Hansen informed 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 had signed up to address the Board or if there were any emails submitted. There was one patron who signed up to address the Board tonight. a. Jordell Lovell – Jordell approached the Board and introduced herself. She informed that she was happy to be here and loves Ririe. She commented that she grew up on a farm in Washington State. She commented that she loves the direction the school is taking with more interest in AG. She thanked the Administration and Board for that. She informed that she has some thoughts concerning the District Calendar. She commented that it has been great having no school on Fridays, and having some of those as remediation days. She commented that there are a lot of parents in the district from the AG Community. She asked if there were a way to push the beginning of school back one week. She thanked the District for adding air conditioning to the classrooms but still feels it is too hot to start school in late August. She commented that it is hard for kids to study when it is hot. She informed that the County Fair is also one week before school is scheduled to start and it would be nice for kids to have a little break after that before school starts. She commented that she would love to see the AG students looked at also like sports are looked at. She explained further. She commented that she feels sports could still start when they do, with school starting later. She commented that she is grateful for what has happened in our district and is wondering if there are any options to push school starting back a week. She suggested taking less days off during Thanksgiving and Christmas Breaks. She thanked the Board for giving her time and listening. 7:59 pm – Item 8/Unfinished Business a. Discussion/Action Item – Board Policy; Section 1000 – 2nd & Final Reading. Board Chair Hansen asked if there was any further discussion needed on this section. There being none, he entertained a motion. Darby made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Reading of Board Policy; Section 1000 as presented. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. b. Discussion/Action Item – 2026-2027 District Calendar – 2nd & Final Reading. Superintendent Gee brought up the Calendar and summarized. He informed that he received 4 emails from patrons after sending out his email to all district parents, staff, and patrons asking if they had any comments on the Proposed Calendar. He explained. He informed that 2 people asked about getting rid of or having a shorter Fall Break. He informed that one major reason the District started having a full week for Fall Break is because from the 1st day of school through the 1st Friday in November is when our divisor for funding is set. He informed that several years ago the District was contacted by the SDE saying that we were losing funding due to low attendance being reported during certain weeks in late September, early to mid- October, typically around Harvest and Hunting seasons. At that time the SDE informed us that it would be more beneficial if the District took the consistently low attendance days off completely, rather than reporting low attendance. Superintendent Gee commented that he strongly recommends not getting rid of Fall Break, based 100% on what the SDE recommended years ago. He commented that it could be a substantial amount of funding if our attendance is reported lower. Discussion occurred. Brigham asked if there is anywhere to find 4 days somewhere else that could make starting a week later happen. Darby asked if just 2 days off during Fall Break would be an option. Superintendent Gee informed that a few years ago we did that during Thanksgiving Break and we had low attendance the week before and after, along with a lot of staff who took the other 2 days during that week off as well, which caused a lot of stress finding substitutes and low attendance was also reported. He commented that if the Board wants the committee who drafted and recommended this calendar to go back and find other options then in his opinion the calendar would also have to be sent back out to the public for their input. He reminded the Board that he sent this one out to everyone in the District that we have contacts for and only received 4 comments back, which indicates to him that a very large majority of people don’t have any issues with this calendar. He commented that one of the only options to start a week later would be to end the school year in June, which he is almost certain no one wants that to happen. Discussion occurred. Matt Harris commented that he was on the Calendar Committee this year and everyone unanimously decided that going into June and ending after Memorial Day would not work. He commented that he understands the starting in August comments, but the committee all felt like this is a great calendar and were 100% unanimous in presenting it to the Board. He commented that it boils down to if we want an extra week off or low funding. Brigham commented that we could add some Fridays into the calendar, which would be better than going into June. Discussion occurred. Brigham suggested going back to the committee and also talk to more people to see if there is an alternative option. Board Chair Hansen commented that he is fine with this Proposed Calendar. Darby commented that she would like to hear Dallin and Kevin’s thoughts before deciding. c. Discussion/Action Item – Update 6th Grade Reading Books. Superintendent Gee informed that 6 parents reviewed and read the books and all 6 are in favor of approving them. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 6th Grade Reading Books as presented. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. d. Discussion/Action Item – Elementary School Bond. Board Chair Hansen informed that this item was discussed during the Work Meeting earlier. He gave a brief summary of the discussion. e. Discussion/Action Item – Supplemental Levy. Board Chair Hansen informed that this item was also discussed during the Board Work Meeting earlier. He summarized. He asked the public and community members to contact their Board representative, Superintendent Gee, or Trapper McCallister if they themselves or know someone who would like to host a Supplemental Levy Information meeting in their home. He informed that there is a Pamphlet available and if anyone is interested they can pick one up in the District Office, Jr/Sr High School Office or Elementary School Office. He commented that if anyone has questions, they should reach out to Administration. 8:13 pm – Item 9/New Business a. Discussion/Action Item – Board Policy; Section 2000 – 1st & Final Reading. Superintendent Gee summarized. Brigham asked for more time to review this section because he wasn’t able to get through it all. Board Chair Hansen commented that he read over the section and is good with it being approved as a 1st Reading tonight. Brief discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 1st Reading of Board Policy; Section 2000 as presented. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. b. Discussion/Action Item – ISBA Policy Updates – 1st Reading. Board Chair Hansen informed that Superintendent Gee went over all of these Policy Updates in the Board Work Meeting earlier. He entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 1st Reading of the ISBA Policy Updates as presented. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. c. Discussion/Action Item – Time and Effort Policy – 1st Reading. Superintendent Gee informed that he went over this in the Board Work Meeting earlier. He briefly summarized. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 1st Reading of the Time and Effort Policy as presented. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. d. Discussion/Action Item – Open Teacher Negotiations & Appoint Board Liaisons. Superintendent Gee explained. He informed that Teacher Negotiations are typically opened at this time of year. He informed that Mike and Megan served as the Board liaisons last year. Brigham recommended that Dallin and Darby serve as Board Liaisons this year. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to Open Teacher Negotiations and appoint Dallin Howell and Darby Taylor to serve as the Board liaisons. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. Brigham then explained how the process works. e. Discussion/Action Item – Construction Liaison and Spending Limit. Superintendent Gee informed that this item was discussed during the Board Work Meeting. He then gave a brief explanation. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to appoint Kevin Landon to serve as the Board Liaison, via the Business Office, for the Construction of the AG/CTE Building and set the Spending Limit of the contingency fund for any unforeseen items not included in the original contract, not to exceed $70,000. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 8:18 pm – Reports – Discussion/Action items a. Superintendent Report Zoom Meeting Update. Superintendent Gee commented that the Zoom Meeting earlier today went well. He commented they competed with a track meet at the same time, but still had several people attend. He explained what was went over in the meeting. He commented that overall it was good. School Board Training Opportunities. Superintendent Gee informed that he included a LINK on the Board information of what different training options are available for the Board through the ISBA and IASA. He asked the Board to look through the list and decide what trainings they would like to do, if any. AG/CTE Building Update – Parking. Superintendent Gee informed that Construction has begun, thus the staff parking lot is closed. He informed that all vehicles will park in the south parking lot. He explained how the buses will work also. Discussion occurred. b. Business Manager Report District Auditor Contract. Trapper informed that Quest CPA Firm would like a 3-year contract with the District. He informed that this was discussed in detail during the Board Work Meeting earlier. He briefly summarized the discussion. He informed that Quest CPA’s have been great to work with and are less expensive than most firms who do School District Audits. He informed that the 3-year contract will run as follows: $9,500 the 1st year, $10,000 the 2nd year, and $10,500 the 3rd year. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve a 3-year Contract with Quest CPA’s as discussed. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 8:30 pm – Item 11/Personnel a. Applicant’s – A, B, C. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve Applicant’s A, B, C for hire, as recommended by Administration. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. b. Employee’s – A, B, C. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to accept the Resignations of Danielle Olson – District Nurse, JJ Moss – JrHS Boys Basketball Coach, and Randy Martineau – Elementary School Principal as presented. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 8:31 pm – Item 12/Students – There was nothing for this item tonight. 8:31 pm – Item 13/Consent Agenda Items a. Action Item – Approve School Board Regular Meeting Minutes (2-23-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Regular Minutes. There were none. b. Action Item – Approve School Board Work Meeting Minutes (2-23-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Work Meeting Minutes. There were none. c. Action Item – Approve School Board Special Meeting Minutes (3-10-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Special 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 75%. He informed that overall we are at 68%. 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. 8:34 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. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 8:35 pm – Item 14/Review Work Items Superintendent Gee and Trapper McCallister will visit with the Architect’s as discussed Superintendent Gee will contact the Calendar Committee to see if there is an option to start school one week later Superintendent Gee will reach out to Dallin and Kevin regarding the date(s) for a Special Meeting Board Trustees will look over the list of Training Opportunities 8:38 pm – Brigham asked if the budget has been set by the State yet. Superintendent Gee informed that it has not. He commented that he will let the Board know as soon as that happens. Brief discussion occurred. 8:40 pm - There being no further discussion necessary in tonight’s meeting, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to adjourn. Brigham so moved. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. Reviewed & Approved: April 16, 2026 Board Chair: Mike Hansen Board Clerk: Kristi Hamilton
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