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Buhl Joint School District No. 412
Board of Trustees
DRAFT Minutes of Regular Board Meeting
May 20, 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 May 20, 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 (via speaker phone), Cody Gilland, and Alisa Atkinson. Superintendent Angie Oparnico, Clerk of the Board Dena Felix, Business Manager Krista Moyer, and Administrators 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 Alisa Atkinson 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) - Ms. Chavez and students from Latinos in Action presented highlights from the school year, including participation in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, attendance at the Latinos in Action conference, community visits, Día de los Muertos activities, and scholarship awards. Students shared accomplishments, including awards received in multiple categories and scholarships earned.
Buhl Education Association Report (information) - The Association thanked the board members for participating in negotiations.
Reports (information) -
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Oparnico reported on district goals for 2025-2026, including continuing implementation 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 The grant has concluded. The district still has access to the coach (who has been with the district for two years) for coaching support, but it will be on an as-needed basis (the "bat signal" for help). The district plans to continue aligning assessments with essential standards even without the grant.
Buhl High School reported an 89% FAFSA completion rate.
Legislative Updates (with handout):
* Course Fees (Rural Schools): There is no cap on enrollment in rural schools (which was a previous concern).
* Course fees are $40 for graduation requirement courses.
* Course fees are $100 for electives (not meeting graduation requirements).
* Dual credit fees can utilize advanced opportunities money.
* For rural schools, there is a one-week priority enrollment period before larger schools can apply.
* IDLA (Idaho Digital Learning Academy): Parents cannot directly enroll a student; the student must be tied to a high school. "Custom sections" (often used when a teacher is ill or leaves) have been discontinued except in emergency situations.
* HB 623 (Moment of Silence): Mandates a 60-second moment of silence daily for all grades in Idaho public schools (effective July 1st). This time is for reflection, meditation, prayer, or other silent activity. Teachers cannot direct prayer or meditation. Instruction on what to do during this time is prohibited. Parents will be notified so they can direct their children on how to use this time. Information will be shared via social media and parent registration materials.
* HB 516 (Teacher Unions Bill): Restricts union activities within schools and defines "representational activities." Districts must invoice the Local Education Association (LEA) for time used to conduct business, billing "no less than twice a year." The district believes this will not impact the LEA because they negotiated no union business during the workday.
* SB 1227 (AI in Schools): Requires the State Department of Education (SDE) to develop a statewide artificial intelligence (AI) framework for K-12 schools (deadline approx. September). Once developed, districts will need to adopt policies for AI. SDE will develop standards, assessments, and professional development.
* SB 1339 (Strategic Performance Plans): Repeals the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) previously approved in October. By October 1st, 2027, each district must submit a strategic plan to the SDE. The SDE is developing rubrics to evaluate these plans. The district has a scheduled planning process involving coaching (with Heather) to develop the plan starting in the new fiscal year (July 1st). Scheduling and dates will likely be discussed at the next board meeting.
Administrative time was reported for district leadership: Kayla 25 hours, Angie 32 hours.
Upcoming events include 8th Grade Recognition (May 21), Kindergarten Celebration (May 26), and High School Graduation (May 28). Upcoming district reporting requirements and state/federal grant deadlines were reviewed.
District reporting requirements include summary of Supplemental Levy Expenses due June 1, 2026.
Enrollment and attendance remain stable across the district, with open enrollment applications showing slight increases at the elementary and high school levels. Suspensions remained minimal.
Updates were also provided in the following areas:
* Federal Programs: Consolidated State Federal Grant Application (CSFGA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA Part B Application
* Maintenance: Ongoing facility maintenance, inspections, and preparation for summer projects. It was noted that the 7th Street Gym boiler needs a motor replaced. Superintendent Oparnico will check on warranty.
* Technology: May ISEE data submission is being prepared, network firmware updates were completed, Chromebook replacement planning is underway for incoming 6th grade and freshman students, and ISAT testing was completed without technical interruptions.
* Athletics: Spring sports seasons have concluded, with track advancing 12 athletes to the state competition. Coaches reported positive participation and continued student growth throughout the season.
* Food Service: Meal participation remains consistent across schools.
10-minute ISBA Training - Superintendent reviewed the ISBA training Roberts Rules of Order Cheat Sheet.
Financial Report - Krista Moyer
Financial Reports through April 30, 2026
General Fund Update: Ms. Moyer reported that the General Fund is tracking closely to the approved budget, with a projected fiscal year-end balance of approximately $1.3 million. The District received its final regular state apportionment distribution on May 15, 2026.
Federal Programs & Grant Review: The Board reviewed the current allocations, compliance criteria, and utilization strategies for the following district funds:
1. 261 - Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment
Title IV is a federal program used to enhance academic achievement by supporting well-rounded education, safe and healthy schools, and effective technology use.
When you are awarded over $30,000 you must split spending into three categories:
20% well-rounded education
20% safe and healthy schools
60% Technology
The district satisfies these requirements through the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), student counseling services, and the 1-to-1 Chromebook initiative.
2. 263 - Carl Perkins Vocational Education
Perkins V is the most current version of the program which focuses on improving student academic and technical achievement. This is a supplement to the CTE program.
The Perkins grant must be written each year to include the specific items purchased or spent on such as equipment or travel to PD training.
3. 265 - IDEA Mini Grant
Utilized strictly for Special Education professional development, including the SPED Education Summit and SPED Data Drill-Down training.
4. 270 - Title III Language Acquisition
Utilized to supplement educational tools, technology, and training for English Language Learners (ELL).
5. 271 - Title II-A Improving Teacher Quality (Supporting Effective Instruction)
Focused on professional development and maximizing teacher effectiveness. To optimize resources, the District utilizes federal transferability authority to redirect these funds into Title I-A for broader application across district priorities.
6. 284 - GEAR UP
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a federal grant program that focuses on early intervention strategies to assist low-income and first-generation students to graduate and be prepared for college education.
7. 290 - Food Service Program
Operational updates were provided for the breakfast and lunch programs at Popplewell Elementary and Buhl High School, noting that Buhl Middle School students utilize the high school facilities for meal services.
Special Education (SPED) Funding Sequence: Ms. Moyer outlined the regulatory funding sequence required to maintain compliance with federal Maintenance of Effort (MOE) standards, confirming expenditures are drawn in the following mandatory order:
1. General Funds (Local 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 - The law is divided into four Part (A through D). The District operates under 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
Reviewed as the fund framework used to process therapy services covered under Medicaid, where the District receives a partial federal reimbursement and covers remaining balances through the General Fund.
Student Achievement Report - Curriculum Director Mauri Gowans presented assessment results for multilingual learners. Assessment data showed significant growth in English language proficiency across all grade levels, with 96% of elementary students, 97% of middle school students, and 93% of high school students demonstrating growth. Staff reported that improvements in staffing, curriculum, testing procedures, and instructional support contributed to the positive results.
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 April 15, 2026
* Approve the April 2026 financial statements
* Approve the April 2026 vouchers
* Approve the school building checking accounts for April 2026
* Personnel Recommendations
* Approval of new hires:
* Ana Nunez Fierro (Custodian)
* Nikki Jacobson (High School Math Teacher)
* Amy Eilers (High School Math Teacher)
* Approval of resignations/retirements/terminations/leaves:
* Reggie Pugsley (Middle School Wrestling & Football Coach)
* Deborah Lyga (Special Education Teacher)
* Damon Haddon (High School Auto Tech Teacher)
* Sage Craig (High School Volleyball Coach)
* Kenny Lively (High School Softball Coach)
Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins moved to approve the Consent and Confirmation Agenda as stated. Trustee Alisa Atkinson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion/Action Items:
Community Eligibility Program (discussion/action) - Food Service Supervisor Shannon Theurer provided an update on the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), which provides free meals to students. Data reviewed indicated that the current student percentages are not sufficient to financially support continued participation in the program. Trustee Alisa Atkinson moved to discontinue the CEP Program for the 2026-27 school year. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Amended District Calendar (discussion/action) - The Twin Falls County Fair is a week later this year. The calendar dates have been updated to reflect the fair week of September 2-4, 2026. Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins moved to approve the amended district calendar as presented. Trustee Carla Critchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Review Bids for Football Stadium Lights (discussion/action) - Superintendent Oparnico reported that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the football stadium lighting project had been properly advertised and posted in the official newspaper.
The District received one (1) bid response:
* Bidder: Electric 1 West
* Bid Amount: $348,787.00
Trustee Alisa Atkinson presented the board with a detailed list of questions regarding the bidding process.
After further discussion, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve moving forward with the football stadium lights as presented with the bid. Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins seconded the motion.
Vote being had on the above and foregoing item, and the same having been counted and found to be as follows:
Jennie Ridley Aye
Jenny Hopkins Aye
Alisa Atkinson Nay
Cody Gilland Nay
Carla Critchfield Aye
And no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the membership in favor thereof, the Board Chair declared said resolution adopted.
Review Bids for BHS Roof Replacement (discussion/action) - Superintendent Oparnico reported that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the high school roof replacement project had been properly advertised and posted in the official newspaper.
The District received one (2) bid responses:
* Bidder: Heck Roofing
* Bid Amount: $340,000.00
* * Bidder: Cedar Draw Construction
* Bid Amount: $348,000.00
Superintendent Oparnico noted that Heck Roofing has done previous repairs at the district. Her recommendation is to accept the lower bid with awareness that a change order may be presented. It was mentioned that Heck Roofing did not include their bid bond. After discussion, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve moving forward with the bid from Heck Roofing for roof repair/replacement this summer. Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins seconded the motion.
Vote being had on the above and foregoing item, and the same having been counted and found to be as follows:
Jennie Ridley Aye
Jenny Hopkins Aye
Alisa Atkinson Aye
Cody Gilland Aye
Carla Critchfield Aye
And no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the membership in favor thereof, the Board Chair declared said resolution adopted.
Negotiations Update (discussion) - Board Chair Jennie Ridley reported that negotiations were completed earlier in the day. Discussion topics included HB 516, revisions to the sick leave bank, salaries and benefits, reduction of the annual HRA contribution from $1,000 to $500 per employee, and compensation for substitutes and coverage units for certified staff at a rate of $25 per hour.
Approve Issuing Contracts for the 2026-27 School Year (discussion/action) - Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins moved to approve the issuance of the contracts for the 2026-27 school year. Trustee Carla Critchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Consideration To Approve The First Reading and Only Reading of The Following Policies (discussion/action) -
Policy 2395 IDLA Classes
Policy 7400 P3 Miscellaneous Procurement Standards - Requirements and Restrictions for
Procurement Under a Federal Award - Competition
Policy 7400 P4 Miscellaneous Procurement Standards - General Procurement Standards for
Federal Awards
Policy 7403 Procurement of Goods and Services for School Meal Programs
Policy 7455 Federal Debarment and Suspension
After reviewing the above policies, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the first reading of policies 2395, 7400 P3, 7400 P4, 7403, and 7455. Trustee Alisa Atkinson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Board Update (discussion/action) - The Board discussed Superintendent Oparnico updating the community addressing the status of the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), the football stadium lighting project, upcoming roof replacement, the amended school calendar, the budget cuts memorandum, the need for substitute teachers, and a district news email list. No action taken.
Public Comment - Board Chair Jennie Ridley opened the floor to public comments. Melissa Kippes thanked the board for approving the football field lighting project.
Upcoming Events (information) - The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 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 7:52 p.m.
Clerk of the Board Date
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2026
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