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minutes meeting date 2026-05-21 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 28554 characters · official file · plain text
Ririe Joint School District #252 Thursday May 21, 2026 7:00 pm Regular School Board Meeting Minutes 7:00 pm – The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees met on Thursday May 21, 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 Vice Chair Dallin Howell, Board Trustee & Assistant Treasurer Darby Taylor, Trustee Brigham Cook, Trustee Kevin Landon, Superintendent Jeff Gee, Business Manager/Co Treasurer Trapper McCallister and Board Clerk/Treasurer Kristi Hamilton. 7:01 pm - Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to set and adopt the agenda. Brigham made a motion to amend the agenda and add Item 9l/Discussion on Credits, in good faith due late timing of the item. Kevin seconded, passed unanimously. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to set and approve the amended agenda. Brigham made a motion to set and adopt the amended agenda as discussed. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. 7:01 pm – Item 5/Scheduled Delegations – Discussion/Action Items a. City of Ririe. Mayor Kimmel approached the Board with an update on some City items. He commented that most people are aware of the safety project that will take place at the Maverick intersection. He explained in detail. He commented that the grant they received specifies that it needs to be done this Fall and because of that it will be ongoing when schools starts. He commented that he has a couple of concerns. He asked if there will be a shuttle bus to shuttle kids between schools. He commented that they do not want kids walking through the construction area. He informed that the targeted completion date is October 15th. Superintendent Gee informed that there is a shuttle bus to take kids from school to school. Mayor Kimmel then informed that he was asked by the ITD if the District has made a determination on relocating the Marquee. He then informed that there will be a “No U-Turn” sign put up at the Elementary School. He informed that the City will not allow buses to block 1st West next school year either. Mayor Kimmel then thanked the AG/CTE Dept for the sign they created for the Veterans Memorial Hall. He commented that it looks great and the City will be having a small ceremony on June 9th to hang it. He informed that he has talked to Jake and Jon about this and invited them to attend. He commented that the Board and Administration are also invited to attend. b. Department Updates Positive Happenings. Superintendent Gee brought up the list of Positive Happenings and highlighted and reviewed all. He informed that this week has been a very busy week. He informed that the Graduates did a walk by the students at the JrSr High School and also at the Elementary. He informed they have done this the last couple of years and it has been very positive. He informed that the Scholarship Awards Night and Graduation last night were both a big success. He commented that more scholarships were given this year than he can ever remember. He commented that this group of graduates are amazing. He congratulated them all and wished them the best moving forward. He then thanked Dairy West for partnering with us to get a new Milk Cooler. He informed of AG Days and commented it was a great success. He informed that a Blackhawk helicopter landed on the football field during the event. He thanked the PTSO for all they did for our Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. He informed of Book Buddies, where kids at the Elementary School write books and come read them with the Sophomores. He then informed of the 6th grade State Champions at the Invention Convention that was held in Northern Idaho. He congratulated all who participated. He encouraged the Board to judge that next year. He informed that Ririe has a lot of very creative kids. He then informed that Jordan Hamilton was named Coach of the Year by the Post Register/Jefferson Star Sports Awards. Lucy Boone was awarded Cross Country Athlete of the Year, and Ririe Football was awarded Game of the Year. He congratulated them and all of the Ririe athletes that were nominated this year. He informed that Prom was a huge success, along with State Track and State Golf. He read over all athletes who participated and what they were awarded. He informed that Girls Golf took 2nd place at the State Tournament and the Boys took 7th. He informed that the Boys Golf Team won the District Championship for the 4th year in a row. He commented that a lot of awesome things have been going on around here. He then took a moment and introduced Sara Westfall, the new Elementary School Principal. Sara approached the Board and briefly introduced herself. She informed that she is super excited to be here at Ririe for the students, staff and community. Board Chair Hansen thanked and welcomed her. Building Reports – Superintendent Gee informed that tonight these reports will be done in Executive Session, because staff will be discussed. 7:16 pm – Board Chair Hansen informed that at this time the Board will move to Item 7/Unscheduled Delegations, Item 8/Unfinished Business, and Item 9/New Business. 7:16 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 were none. 7:17 pm – Item 8/Unfinished Business a. Discussion/Action Item – Superintendent Evaluation. The Board will come back to this item after Executive Session. b. Discussion/Action Item – Hiring Policy. Superintendent Gee commented that the reasoning for changing some of the verbiage is because he does not like passing off calling references to committees. He informed that he prefers to call references himself as the Superintendent. He explained further. He then went over the other changes he is suggesting and explained. Discussion occurred. Brigham gave some suggestions. Discussion occurred. Brigham commented that he has some concerns. He explained. Superintendent Gee commented that Brigham’s suggestions would fall under procedure, rather than policy. Brigham commented that he thinks it is more important to have them in policy, rather than procedure. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee explained why a Classified Employee can begin working before Board approval. He informed that all Classified employees are made aware that the position, even when started before Board approval, is always contingent upon being approved by the Board. He explained further. He suggested the Board approve this as a 1st reading tonight. Dallin agreed and asked Superintendent Gee to write up the procedure for this policy and bring it before the Board in the June Regular Board meeting. Discussion occurred. Kevin made a motion to approve the 1st Reading of the Hiring Policy as discussed. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. c. Discussion/Action Item – Elementary School BOND. Board Chair Hansen informed that there is no discussion needed on this item tonight. 7:29 pm – Item 9/New Business a. Discussion/Action Item – Teacher Negotiations. Dallin commented that he and Darby met with Matt Park to discuss Teacher Negotiations. He informed that things have gone very smoothly. He informed that they are happy with the salary schedule and the bonus procedure. He commented that Mr. Park thought there are some things that are beginning to look like a Master Agreement, and they are not interested in having one of those. Brigham asked why they think it looks like a Master Agreement. Dallin explained. He commented that they all agreed that the risk is very minimal that a certified employee would leave right after they receive a bonus. Brief discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee informed that the bonus was give right before Christmas last year and all of those who received it were very grateful it came at that time. Brigham commented that he is confused of what they are asking to change. Dallin informed they would like to just get rid of some of the verbiage regarding the bonus. He explained further. Discussion occurred. Dallin informed that the Teachers thought that getting the bonus in December was really good and they were happy with it and would like to keep it the same this coming year. Brigham asked if a bonus can be given without any documentation. Superintendent Gee informed that there is nothing that requires us to have it in writing. Discussion occurred. Dallin then informed that the insurance increase for the upcoming fiscal year is 3.2%. He informed that they would like the Board to consider covering the entire increase, rather than ½ of it, as was offered. He informed that after talking with Trapper about this, the amount to cover the full increase would be approximately $25,000 overall. He commented that Trapper expressed we are pretty tight in our carryover, but he can make it work if that is what the Board approves. Darby commented that in the past the district has covered ½ when the increase was high, but since it is a minimal increase this year, she would like to see the district cover then entire amount. Superintendent Gee reminded that whatever is approved for the teachers will also be given to the Classified Staff who are on the district insurance, and the $25,000 amount includes them. He commented that we have to make sure we are taking care of our Classified staff as well. He informed that currently our Fund Balance is sitting at approximately 3-4 months of operating expenses, which our accountants are happy with. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee informed that moving forward he feels we can also do an increase for the Classified staff with those on the pay schedule being able to move to the next level and those who have been here over 15 years getting a 3% increase. He commented that the amount to provide increases for Classified staff will be approximately $38,000. He informed that as of today, the amount Trapper and he believe can put added to the Fund Balance will be around $200,000 and if those figures are correct, he feels the district can cover the 3.2% insurance increase in full, along with the Classified increases. Discussion occurred. Brigham commented that we need to make sure the Classified Staff are getting the raises they deserve. He commented that we already don’t pay them enough and we want to make sure that the people who are doing the day-to-day work are getting the raise they deserve. Superintendent Gee informed that this is the 2nd year in a row that the state is not increasing discretionary funds. He explained in detail. He informed that he and Trapper have gone through things and they are both 100% confident they can give Classified staff a raise this year. Discussion occurred. Dallin then commented that they will simplify the verbiage on the Teacher Negotiation with Mr. Park and bring it back to the Board to be approved in the Regular June Board Meeting. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion on the 3.2% insurance increase. Dallin made a motion to approve paying the entire 3.2% insurance increase for all staff who receive the district insurance. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. b. Discussion/Action Item – Canvas the Vote. Superintendent Gee informed that he put this on here in hopes we would have the Official Election results from Bonneville and Jefferson Counties on the Supplemental Levy vote, but we do not. He informed this will be added to the June Board Agenda. c. Discussion/Action Item – SRO Contract. Superintendent Gee explained that this item was discussed during the Work Meeting earlier. He commented that the remainder of the Grant funds, along with the funds from the Supplemental Levy, specifically for the SRO will be used to pay for this in the upcoming year. He informed that the Grant funds will be done at the end of 2027, but he is always looking for another Grant to apply for. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve the SRO Contract for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $107,243.00 as presented. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. d. Discussion/Action Item – June Board Meeting Date. Board Chair Hansen informed that a discussion regarding moving the June meeting to a different day was discussed earlier in the Work Meeting. He informed that the Budget Hearing is set for June 18th, and will remain then. Superintendent Gee informed that he will not be in town on June 18th. Board Chair Hansen informed that he will also be gone that entire week. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee informed that he is happy to call in if needed. Dallin, Kevin and Darby all commented that they are happy to leave the Regular Meeting on June 18th. e. Discussion/Action Item – Set Board Goals & Planning Meeting Date, Location, Time. Board Chair Hansen informed that this item was discussed in the Work Meeting earlier. He explained. He then entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to hold the Board Goals & Planning Meeting on Monday, June 8th in the Board Room, beginning at 5:00 pm. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. f. Discussion/Action Item – Classified Compensation. Superintendent Gee informed that this item was discussed in the Work Meeting earlier and does not require a motion. He explained. g. Discussion/Action Item – Special Education Contracts. Stacey Barrett approached the Board and explained the Contracts. She informed that the first contract has a $200 increase. She informed it is for CIP training and explained. She then explained the remainder of the Contracts in detail. There being no questions, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the Special Education Contracts as presented. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. h. Discussion/Action Item – Open Enrollment. Superintendent Gee informed that this item was partially discussed in the Work Meeting. He informed that there were fewer Kindergarten students attend Kindergarten Roundup this year than in the past. He explained. Dr. Teske gave a projection of how many students will be enrolling in online learning and how that affects our enrollment. He commented that online learning is becoming more popular across the state. He explained. He commented that the class sizes at Ririe are good. He commented he is pro small class size and believes that is the best way to learn. He commented that Ririe does an amazing job with this and it is a positive thing. He commented that more growth means more money for the school district, but overall our numbers have been flat lining over the last few years. He commented that he is not against Open Enrollment. He commented that if kids are taking online courses instead of face-to-face that will make our class sizes a little smaller also. He explained further. Dallin asked Dr. Teske if he wants to change the number of maximum class sizes and allow more Open Enrollment students to attend. Dr. Teske commented that we just never know where the bubble is going to come from. Board Chair Hansen explained why the numbers were set in the first place. Superintendent Gee informed that the State changed the statue regarding Open Enrollment which requires district’s to accept Out of District applicant’s if there is room in the grade they are requesting. He informed that the final decision used to be up to the district’s discretion, but not anymore. He commented that when the new statute went into effect, it required us to set limits per grade. He explained further. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee then displayed another document with information that is done yearly and compiled by Mr. Harris regarding all of the activities. He read over the document and asked if there are any questions from the Board for Mr. Harris. He informed that the percentage of out of district participants has been going down every year. He explained. Discussion occurred. i. Discussion/Action Item – Budget. Board Chair Hansen informed that this item was discussed during the Work Meeting earlier. a. Discussion/Action Item – Strategic Plan. Brigham commented that he would like us to have a Strategic Plan regarding our student capacity so that as we start to grow in numbers, we can inform the community when we reach the maximum amount set per grade. Superintendent Gee informed that we already have that information on the district website, and have had it there for the past 7 years, but it is not written in the district plan. Brigham commented that he would like it in the Strategic Plan. He explained further. He commented that he would also like Education Goals included in the Strategic Plan. He suggested that when the Administration and Board sit down to discuss Capital projects, they start the discussion over again on the Strategic Plan. Superintendent Gee informed that the State is going to give guidelines of what the Strategic Plan needs to entail. Brigham commented that he wants to keep this item on the agenda regularly to work on and talk about continuously. Discussion occurred. b. Discussion/Action Item – Board Policy; 2440. Superintendent Gee summarized and informed that this item was discussed during the Work Meeting earlier. Board Chair Hansen commented that he is slightly uncomfortable with the wording that if a student gets a 60% on their final exam they fail the class. He explained his concerns. Dr. Teske commented that he will brainstorm with his team about that and possibly come up with some different wording. He commented that the worst case scenario is that the student would have to retake the class so it wouldn’t hurt their GPA. He commented that he hears what Board Chair Hansen is saying. Brigham commented that we have to maintain a standard and doesn’t know how we can maintain a class that we have no control over. He commented that 60% is not a hard ask. He commented that he is okay with the 60% verbiage. Dallin suggested changing the verbiage from “will” to “may” which he believes will give the Teachers and Administration the discretion to decide. Board Chair Hansen commented that if a student works hard in the class and has a good grade all the way through, then scores a 59.5% on their final, they fail, and he does not agree with that. Brigham commented that there is a purpose to school and at some point we have to stop lowering the standards. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee asked if the Board would like to approve this as a 1st Reading tonight and have more discussion on this next month. Dallin made a motion to approve the 1st Reading of Board Policy; 2440 as discussed tonight. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. c. Discussion/Action Item – Credit Discussion. Brigham commented that he would like to understand this better. He commented that we want to keep kids in the classroom and the discussions has been to keep kids in school during the day rather than ½ day or less. He commented that he doesn’t necessarily have a problem with this, but would like to understand it better. Superintendent Gee explained this and why he thinks this is a good idea. He informed that several community members have asked about this. He informed that he set up a meeting with the person who runs this program through University of Idaho. He informed that the University has something set up where students can take classes and get credit for them. He explained in further detail. Dr. Teske commented that the AG Teachers are on board with this because it offers another avenue for students who are doing other things than are being taught in our AG classes to earn credits. Brigham commented that it feels like we are just giving kids the opportunity not to be in the classroom which he thought we were trying to get away from. He commented that it sounds like a good program, but feels it is opposite of what we are trying to do, which is keep the kids in the classroom. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee reminded the Board that their directive to him was to find more opportunities for the kids, so that is what he has been doing. He commented that he is thoroughly impressed by this. He commented that every student will receive a certificate of participation. He informed that the courses are Pass/Fail. No letter grades will be given. Brigham commented that he is fine with having something like this in place, but is concerned with students going home at 10:00 am. Board Chair Hansen asked if there is an estimate of how many students as of now would be participating in this. Dr. T informed 1-3 at this time. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee informed that University of Idaho is looking to increase the number of courses they are going to offer. Brigham asked if there is a way to take this back to the AG Department to give the students taking these courses a letter grade. Discussion occurred. 8:32 pm – At this time, the Board went back to the motion made on the Insurance Increase with the Teacher Negotiation Agreement because Kristi reminded them that Kevin Landon will have to abstain from the vote due to his son being a contracted employee of the District. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve paying the entire 3.2% insurance increase for all staff who receive the district insurance. Dallin seconded; Kevin Landon abstained. Motion passed with 4 aye votes. 8:32 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. 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 items pursuant to Idaho Code §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(3), Darby seconded; passed unanimously. Roll call vote was called. Board Chair Mike Hansen, Vice Chair Dallin Howell, Darby Taylor, Brigham Cook, and Kevin Landon 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. 8:32 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. 11:48 pm – Superintendent Gee invited the public back into the Board Room at this time and the livestream was resumed. 11:48 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. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. 11:49 pm – Item 10/Reports – Discussion/Action Items a. Superintendent Report Superintendent Negotiation. Superintendent Gee asked the Board to look at the 2nd sheet in his information. He informed that it is a spreadsheet of all Superintendents in Region 6/Southeast Idaho. He explained. He informed the Board that his Contract is 250 days per year, and most other Superintendents are much lower than that. He commented that he would like his Contract changed to 240 days, which is still higher than most Superintendents in our area. He then asked the Board to consider giving him the same increase of 3% that was approved for the Classified Staff and a 3rd year on his rolling Contract. Brief discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve a 240-day Contract for Superintendent Gee, along with a 3% salary increase and a 3rd year on his rolling Contract. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Superintendent Gee thanked the Board. Superintendent Evaluation. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the Evaluation of Superintendent Gee. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. b. Business Manager Report. Nothing to report tonight. 11:52 pm – Item 11/Personnel – Discussion/Action Items a. Applicant’s – A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve Applicant’s A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K for hire as recommended by Administration. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. b. Employee’s – A, B, C, D, E, F. Darby made a motion to accept the resignations of: Hilary Scott - HS Head Volleyball Coach, Kaylee Brown- HS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach, Jennifer Moore - Elementary Para Professional, Lynne Sickinger - HS Assistant Volleyball Coach, Jasmine Lindstrom - HS Assistant Volleyball Coach, and Suzi Barrett - Jr/Sr HS Assistant Track Coach. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. 11:54 pm – Item 12/Students. There was nothing for this item tonight. 11:54 pm – Item 13/Consent Agenda Items a. Action Item – Approve School Board Regular Meeting Minutes (4-16-26). 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 (4-16-26). 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 (4-30-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Special Meeting Minutes. There were none. d. Action Item – Approve School Board Special Meeting Minutes (5-18-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Special Meeting Minutes. There were none. e. Action Item – Approve Bills Payable Report. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions regarding the Bills Payable Report. There were none. f. Action Item – Approve Financial Report – Trapper went over the report in detail. He informed that the target for this month is 91%. He informed that overall we are at 82%. There were no questions. g. 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. 11:56 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. 11:56 pm – Item 14/Review Work Items Superintendent Gee, Darby and Board Chair Hansen will review Board Policy; Section 4000 before the next Board Meeting Superintendent Gee will look into the cost of relocating the Marquee Superintendent Gee will work with Kita on a Bus Pattern The Board Goals & Planning Meeting will be held on June 8th in the Board Room, beginning at 5:00 pm Superintendent Gee will bring information regarding a Facilities Master Plan to the Goal Meeting on June 8th Trapper, Dallin & Darby will work with Matt Park regarding the Teacher Negotiations Agreement and Bonus Agreement Sheet Dr. Teske will work with his team on the verbiage discussed tonight on Board Policy; 2440 11:59 pm – There being no further discussion in tonight’s meeting, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to adjourn. Brigham so moved. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Reviewed & Approved: June 18, 2026 Board Chair: Mike Hansen Board Clerk: Kristi Hamilton
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