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minutes meeting date 2026-04-15 · fetched 2026-09-16 · 14343 characters · official file · plain text
Buhl Joint School District No. 412 Board of Trustees DRAFT Minutes of Regular Board Meeting April 15, 2026 - 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 April 15, 2026. The regular meeting was called to order by Board Chair Jennie Ridley at 6:00 p.m. In attendance were Board Chair Jennie Ridley, Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins, Trustees Carla Critchfield, Cody Gilland, and Alisa Atkinson. Superintendent Angie Oparnico, Clerk of the Board Dena Felix, Business Manager Krista Moyer, and Administrators Cyndi Cooper, Kayla Kelly, Sandra Lobo, and Mauri Gowans were also present. Opening Items - Roll call confirmed a quorum. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board Chair Jennie Ridley stated that public comments on agenda items require submission of Form 4105F to the Board Clerk prior to the meeting. Approval of Agenda (discussion/action) - Trustee Jenny Hopkins moved to approve the agenda as presented. Trustee Carla Critchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comment - Board Chair Jennie Ridley opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were received. Student Spotlight (information) - Ag Teacher Derek Jones, along with FFA students Conrad Jerke and Jacob Martinez, presented on FFA leadership activities. Ten students attended the state convention held April 1-4, 2026, in Twin Falls at CSI. During the convention, members participated in livestock evaluation, aquaculture, a Jayco trailer tour, general sessions, and leadership workshops. The FFA greenhouse sale is scheduled for May 1-2, 2026. State CDE competitions will be held in Moscow from May 30 through June 5, 2026. Buhl Education Association Report (information) - No report given. Reports (information) - Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Oparnico reported on district goals for 2025-2026, including continuing implemetnaion of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to improve student achievement. Focus on essential standards, vertical alignment, assessments, and communication. The Superintendent provided updates on district operations, upcoming events, and program areas. Professional development efforts continue to focus on assessment analysis through PLCs. Administrative time was reported for district leadership; Kayla 25 hours, Angie 32 hours. Upcoming events include Prom (April 18), BHS Greenhouse Sale (May 1-2), POPS Concert (May 19), 8th Grade Recognition (May 21), 5th Grade Play (May 13-15), Kindergarten Celebration (May 26), and High School Graduation (May 28). District reporting requirements include the Quarterly Financial Report and budget hearing notification, both due April 30, 2026. Staff will also participate in upcoming trainings and conferences throughout April. Enrollment and attendance remain stable across the district, with open enrollment applications showing slight increases at the elementary and high school levels. Suspensions were minimal. Updates were also provided in the following areas: Federal Programs: Upcoming CSFGA workshop scheduled May 6 Curriculum & Assessment: ISAT, MAP, and IRI testing in progress Maintenance: Ongoing facility maintenance, inspections, and preparation for summer projects Technology: Security system updates, network maintenance, and Chromebook evaluation Athletics: Spring sports participation remains strong, with teams showing continued development Food Service: Meal participation remains consistent across schools Special Education/Federal Programs Director Sandra Lobo presented information on ongoing coordination with neighboring districts (including Wendell and Hagerman) to develop a shared program for students ages 18-21 due to low enrollment across districts. Anticipated growth in student numbers in the following school year. Idaho Pathways Partnership Pilot: District accepted into pilot program for the 2026-2028 school years. Focus: improving transition outcomes for students with disabilities (ages 10-24). Partners include Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR), Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL), Idaho Competitive Integrated Employment (ICIE), Center for Independent Living, State Department of Education, and participating districts. Goal: strengthen community partnerships and post-school outcomes. English Learner (EL) Enhancement Grant: Awarded $15,000 annually for three years ($45,000 total). Funds to support after-school tutoring, summer school, and potential extended learning opportunities. General: Positive outlook expressed regarding program participation and grant funding. 10-minute ISBA Training - Superintendent reviewed the ISBA training Dealing with the Media. Confirmation of Board Chair Jennie Ridley as spokesperson. Financial Report - Krista Moyer Financial Reports through March 31, 2026. General Fund Summary is at about 96.34% for revenue received. One more payment expected for this fiscal year from the state. Expenses are at 50% expensed, but have longer in the fiscal year to accrue, so we will end closer to revenues. We have started receiving invoices for our subscriptions such as Powerschool and Skyward. Will see more of those over the months until the end of the fiscal year. State and Federal Funds Explained Federal funds are used to supplement, not supplant financial obligations. Meaning we cannot replace general fund dollars with federal, we use them alongside. Federal funds are reimbursement based Each year we have an allocation to budget to and must spend within those allocations. (Salaries/Benefits, supplies, contracted services, etc) At year end, there cannot be any negative amounts on the audit, so money should be transferred from the LGIP to the general fund to cover the amount of “overages” at the end of each year. After the first of the year, the money is transferred back into the LGIP. Two years ago, we did not have a business manager at the end of the year to complete the transfer, so the audit showed that the money would have been transferred from Food Service since that fund had a cash balance large enough to cover the negative amounts. No money was actually transferred. Last year I went through the audit and was unaware of that process, so the same thing happened. This year we have new auditors, so I will work with them on the appropriate process. 1. 251 - Title IA - Improving Basic Programs Most broadly used Federal Program. Purpose of Title I-A: Supports schools with a high percentage of low-income students. Available school wide – ours covers Popplewell and BMS We are also required to set aside money for: · Homeless needs (tutoring, transportation, hygiene supplies) · Equitable Services for private schools (We pay for tutoring) 2. 253 - Title IC - Education of Migratory Children The purposes of the migrant education program are to: • Assist states in supporting high-quality and comprehensive educational programs and services during the school year and, as applicable, during summer or intersession periods, which address the unique educational needs of migratory children. • To ensure that migratory children receive full and appropriate opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet. • To help migratory children overcome educational disruption, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, various health-related problems, and other factors that inhibit the ability of such children to succeed in school. • To help migratory children benefit from State and local systemic reforms. 3. 255 - CSI Up Stands for “Comprehensive Support and Improvement for Underperforming Schools” Schools are identified based on ELA proficiency and growth, Math proficiency and growth, growth on the English Language Proficiency Assessment, and chronic absenteeism. Schools in the bottom 5% of these areas using a 3-year average are eligible for the grant. No longer qualify for this grant, but have funding left to spend this year. We used our funding for: · Stipends for Building Leadership Team · PLC Training · Supplemental Intervention Materials SPED Programs There are three main sources of funding for Special Education Programs and must be spent in this order: 1. General Funds (Maintenance of Effort) 2. Medicaid Eligible Expenditure Federal Reimbursements 3. IDEA Part B Federal Entitlement Grants IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Act 4. 257 - IDEA School Age (Ages 6-21) 5. 258 - IDEA Preschool (Ages 3-5) Four Sections to IDEA - we have Part B which includes provisions related to formula grants that assist states in providing a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities ages 3 through 21. • The purpose is to assist states in meeting the costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. • The grant is for the excess costs related to the education of children with disabilities. • Excess costs are costs that would not have been incurred if the LEA did not have a special education program. • Students in the special education program are general education students first, but IDEA is exclusively for the special education portion. 6. 260 - School Based Medicaid This is used to pay therapy services covered under Medicaid. We are reimbursed by Medicaid for a portion of the services and pay the rest out of the general fund. Student Achievement Report - Curriculum Director Mauri Gowans presented the Class of 2026 senior projects, outlining the specific criteria and requirements for completion. Following the presentation, the Board expressed a desire to highlight the students' impact on the community, specifically the total hours volunteered and funds raised. It was recommended that these achievements be shared via social media and featured in the Inside Buhl High publication. 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 March 18, 2026 Approve the special meeting minutes of March 20, 2026 Approve the March financial statements Approve the March vouchers Approve the school building checking accounts for March Personnel Recommendations Approval of new hires: Stacy Wilson - High School Golf Coach Shandra Bettencourt (High School Kitchen Manager) Sarah McHan (Food Service Worker) Approval of resignations/retirements/terminations/leaves: Madison Allred - High School JV Volleyball Coach Jason Evenson - Technology Assistant Trustee Alisa Atkinson moved to approve the Consent and Confirmation Agenda as presented. Board Chair Jennie Ridley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion/Action Items: Buhl High School/Wakapa Graduation (discussion) - All trustees will be present at the Buhl High School/Wakapa graduation on May 28, 2026. Board Training (discussion) - The Board of Trustees attended training at the Buhl High School Library on April 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with Dr. Heather Williams. Process to Set the 2025-26 School Year Budget (discussion) - A budget workshop was scheduled for April 14, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the high school. No action was taken. Budget Recap Session (discussion) - Superintendent Oparnico provided a budget update, including recent activity at the state level and potential impacts on education funding and policy. Request for Use of Football Safety Equipment for Football Camp (discussion/action) - Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the use of football safety equipment for football camp June 30 through July 9, 2026. Trustee Jenny Hopkins seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Consideration To Approve The First Reading and Only Reading of The Following Policies (discussion/action) - Policy 3000 Entrance, Placement, and Transfer Policy 3010 Open Enrollment Policy 3010P Open Enrollment - Procedures Policy 3340 Corrective Actions, Punishment, and Denial of Enrollment After reviewing the above policies, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the first and only reading of policies 3000, 3010, 3010P, 3340. Trustee Alisa Atkinson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Consideration to Approve the Second Reading of the Following Policy (discussion/action) - Policy 3085P Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Policy - Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure, Requirements, and Definitions After reviewing the above policy, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the second reading of policy 3085P. Trustee Jenny Hopkins seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Board Update (discussion/action) - The Board discussed the purpose of maintaining this item as a standing agenda topic and considered opportunities to improve communication and reporting. Discussion included simplifying the maintenance report, implementing a student-supported Chromebook repair program as a training opportunity, and developing a Superintendent’s newsletter to highlight monthly calendars, key dates, and athletic events. Trustees also discussed distributing the newsletter in both electronic and printed formats, with printed copies to be shared at community locations such as the senior center, post office, and local grocery stores. The Board requested an update on information from the upcoming legislative roadshow. Trustee Carla Critchfield made a motion to authorize Superintendent Oparnico to implement these communication efforts in both electronic and paper formats. Trustee Jenny Hopkins seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comment - Board Chair Jennie Ridley 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, May 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Buhl High School Library. Adjourn (action) - There being no further business, Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Carla Critchfield seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Clerk of the Board Date
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