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minutes meeting date 2025-10-15 · fetched 2026-09-16 · 12093 characters · official file · plain text
Buhl Joint School District No. 412 Board of Trustees DRAFT Minutes of Regular Board Meeting October 15, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. The Board of Trustees of Buhl Joint School District No. 412, Twin Falls and Gooding Counties, State of Idaho, met in its properly posted monthly meeting in the Buhl High School Library, located at #1 Indian Territory, Buhl, Idaho, on October 15, 2025. The regular session was called to order by Board Chair Melissa Kippes at 6:00 p.m. In attendance were Board Chair Melissa Kippes, Vice Chair Paul Pettit, Trustees Jenny Hopkins, Jennie Ridley, and Carla Critchfield (via speakerphone). Superintendent Angie Oparnico, Clerk of the Board Dena Felix, Business Manager Krista Moyer, and Administrators Cyndi Cooper, Kayla Kelly, Sandra Lobo, Mauri Gowans, and Katie Horner were also present. Opening Items - The meeting began with a roll call to ensure a quorum was present, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Chair Melissa Kippes announced that public comments on agenda items require submission of Form 4105F to the Board Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Approval of Agenda (discussion/action) - With no additions or deletions to the agenda, Trustee Paul Pettit moved and Trustee Jenny Hopkins seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comment – Board Chair Melissa Kippes opened the floor to public comments. Forms 4105F were submitted by the individuals addressing the Board. JD Gould thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. He noted the state is projecting a $56.5 million deficit in the school budget and the Governor’s Office is requesting a 4% reduction across the board. He inquired whether the Business Manager or Superintendent have had any discussions with the state and when the reductions are projected to take effect. Michelle Shaddy requested clarification regarding the audit and the movement of funds. REGULAR MEETING Student Spotlight (information) - Vice Principal Katie Horner, along with high school social media marketing students, presented information on the district’s positive public relations efforts, including posts highlighting sports, upcoming events, and student recognition. The district’s Instagram account can be found at @insidebuhlhigh. Audit Report 2024/2025 School Year - Mike Burr (discussion/action) - Mike Burr (Auditor/CPA) presented the audit report for the 2024/2025 school year, noting that the audit was completed successfully. He addressed Michelle Shaddy’s concern regarding fund transfers, explaining that most transfers were related to reconciling the ESSER accounts. The ESSER accounts were overspent by approximately $400,000. After discussion and questions, Trustee Paul Pettit moved, and Trustee Jennie Ridley seconded, a motion to accept the 2024/2025 Audit Report and approve the 2024/2025 Annual Report as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Buhl Education Association Report (information) - BEA President Jennifer Miller was not in attendance - no report given. Presentation Regarding Bower’s Field (information) - Allyn Reynolds presented information to update Bower’s Field, including lighting, bleachers, restrooms, and ticket booth, while preserving the original lava rock from the 1939 facility. The committee has eleven members, seven of whom are Buhl High School graduates. Updates are planned in phases using donations to avoid burdening the community, with estimated costs of $3.5 to $5 million. REPORTS (information) Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Oparnico reported: District Goal: Implement Professional Learning Communities (PLC) districtwide to increase student achievement. (This is a multi-year process.) Focus Areas: Essential Standards Vertical Alignment Assessments Student Achievement Communication Information: PLC Guiding Coalition - Book Study Vertical Alignment Projects - See Maintenance Report Administrative Updates: Kayla: 49 hours (Sept 15-Oct 9) - meetings, paperwork, supervision Angie: 72 hours - supervision, professional development Upcoming Events: BMS Chocolate Fundraiser Chobani Food Boxes - Oct 21 PES Math/Literacy Night - Oct 23 Daylight Saving Time Ends - Nov 2 Election Day - Nov 4 District Reporting Requirements Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) due to state - Oct 1 District & Charter School Salaries Reported - Oct 15 ISEE Data Submission - Oct 15 2024/2025 Health Plan Information Report - Oct 28 Annual Statement of Financial Condition - Oct 28 IFARMS Annual Financial Report - Oct 31 Special Distribution Reporting - Oct 31 ISEE Financial Transparency - Oct 31 Student Transportation Report - Oct 31 Professional Development & Training The First Days of School - Harry & Rosemary Wong (Elementary) Region IV Superintendent Meeting - Oct 15 Guiding Coalition - Oct 28 ISBA Convention - Nov 12–14 Ukeru Training - Nov 17 PLC Vertical Alignment - Nov 17 Guiding Coalition - Nov 18 Federal Programs – Sandra Lobo Attending Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Conference - Oct 23-24 Maintenance – Doug Walker Responding to FMX repair requests as received. Installing new sinks in Popplewell upper wing on non-school Mondays. Weekly mowing and painting of playing fields; equipment fully operational. Continued watering, sprinkler repairs, weed control, and tree trimming. Completed district office move. Installing new locks for Popplewell upper wing restrooms. Replacing final heating/cooling unit at BHS; awaiting crane scheduling. Routine filter changes for all HVAC units. New boiler installed and insulated; pending final inspection. Resolved BMS power outage and subsequent system repairs. Addressed 7th Street Gym fire alarm due to roof leak; roof repair and rewiring pending. Technology - Chris Fields ISEE October data upload completed (establishes funding for first half of school year / group effort from everyone involved with district data). Coordinating district data efforts and aligning new reporting requirements. Discussing security updates with software vendors. Evaluating new Viewboard displays for repair and replacement needs. Monitoring ongoing internet reliability issues with Fatbeam; exploring alternatives for the next e-Rate cycle. Food Service - Michelle Shaddy Participation continues to increase. Preparing for Chobani’s “Let’s Eat Week” - distribution at bus stops and pickup areas at Popplewell and BMS. Food service will be fully staffed pending board approval. Financial Report - Krista Moyer Financial Reports through September 30, 2025 The General Fund LGIP account houses our state base payment, and the School District Facility Fund. The SDFF was $1,052,706 which includes the $650,000 that will cover the tax burden from the levy, leaving nothing additional for the taxpayers to pay. The remaining $402,706 can be used for maintenance and facilities. Fund 436 has our school modernization funds (HB521) which is allocated over 10 years and saved for capital projects. General fund expenses are slightly lower compared to budget for salaries and benefits. Supply expenses are about half of what they were this time last year. JD Gould previously asked during public comment about the Governor’s 4% budget reduction request and how the district was addressing it. He was informed that K–12 education is exempt, but the district continually looks for areas to save money during the budgeting process. Student Achievement Report - Curriculum Director Mauri Gowans presented the district academic achievement goals and reported the testing at Popplewell Elementary has not yet been completed due to the state implementation of a new testing platform. Consideration to Approve the Consent and Confirmation Agenda (discussion/action) - Waive the reading of the minutes of the previous board meeting as they were submitted to each board member. Approve the regular meeting minutes of September 17, 2025 Approve the September financial statements Approve the September vouchers Approve the school building checking accounts for September Personnel Recommendations Approve new hire/transfers: Jamie Story (High School Food Service) Olivia Swensen (Popplewell Elementary Para) Ty Popplewell (7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach) Annie Sisson (7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach) Trustee Paul Pettit made a motion to approve the Consent and Confirmation Agenda, the motion was seconded by Trustee Jenny Hopkins. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION/ACTION CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE 2024/2025 AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORT (discussion/action) - Action on this item was completed earlier in the meeting as noted above. No further action taken on this duplicate agenda item. ISBA FALL CONVENTION (discussion) - ISBA Annual Convention will be at Coeur d'Alene Resort November 12-14, 2025. Superintendent Oparnico, Board Clerk Dena Felix, Business Manager Krista Moyer, and Trustee Jenny Hopkins will be in attendance. BOWER’S FIELD LIGHTING (discussion/action) - Trustees discussed safety concerns related to the facility’s lighting and condition of the track, as well as the potential use of facility funds. Trustee Paul Pettit moved, and Trustee Carla Critchfield seconded a motion for the Superintendent to begin the process for bids of Bower’s Field lighting replacement and track repairs. Motion carried unanimously. HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RECRUITMENT (discussion) - Superintendent Oparnico presented an update on recruitment efforts for the High School Principal position for the 2026/2027 school year, noting that the district has received five applications. She has contacted other area superintendents to discuss recruitment strategies and has also reached out to the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) for guidance. Feedback received indicated that it is often most effective to develop and promote leadership candidates from within the district. Trustee Hopkins inquired whether the Danielson certification is a requirement and if the lack of one would exclude applicants; Superintendent Oparnico stated she was uncertain. Trustee Jennie Ridley asked if there has been any communication with the current applicants. Board Chair Melissa Kippes emphasized the importance of keeping the position visible and actively posted. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE FIRST READING OF THE FOLLOWING POLICIES (discussion/action) - 7235F2 Personal Activity Report 7400 Miscellaneous Procurement Standards After reviewing the above policies, Trustee Paul Pettit moved and Trustee Jenny Hopkins seconded a motion to approve the first reading of Policies 7235F2 and 7400. Motion carried unanimously. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CHANGES TO CROSS-REFERENCES OF THE FOLLOWING POLICIES (discussion/action) - 1313 Conflicting Policies and Procedures 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom 2705 Military Compact Waiver 3030 Part-Time Attendance/Dual Enrollment 3060 Education of Homeless Children 3250 Distribution and Posting Materials 3270 District Access to Electronic Information, Services, Networks 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation 3005 Entrance, Placement, and Transfer 3070 Students of Legal Age 3265 Student Owned Electronic Communication Devices 3320 Substance and Alcohol Abuse 3330 Student Discipline 4310 Contact with Students 5265 Employee Responsibilities Regarding Harassment 8130 Transportation of Students with Disabilities 8120 Bus Routes, Stops and Non-Transportation Zones 8190 Emergencies Involving Transportation Vehicles After reviewing the above policies, Trustee Jenny Hopkins moved and Trustee Paul Pettit seconded a motion to approve the changes as presented to the above-referenced policies. Motion carried unanimously. Public Comment - Board Chair Melissa Kippes opened the floor to public comments. No public comments were received. Upcoming Events (information) - The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Buhl High School Library. Adjourn (action) - There being no further business, Trustee Paul Pettit moved and Trustee Melissa Kippes seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m. Clerk of the Board Date
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