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minutes meeting date 2026-06-17 · fetched 2026-09-16 · 14019 characters · official file · plain text
Buhl Joint School District No. 412
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting
June 17, 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 June 17, 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, Trustees Carla Critchfield, Cody Gilland, and Alisa Atkinson (via speaker phone). Vice Chair Jenny Hopkins was not in attendance. Superintendent Angie Oparnico, Clerk of the Board Dena Felix, and Business Manager Krista Moyer 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 Carla Critchfield moved to approve the agenda as written. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment - Board Chair Jennie Ridley opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were received.
Public Hearing - Proposed 2026-2027 School Year Budget (discussion/action) - Board Chair Jennie Ridley opened the public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 school year budget. No public comments were received.
Superintendent Oparnico reviewed the budget development process, noting that the Board held three budget work sessions to review projected revenues and expenditures. Discussions focused on maintaining fiscal stability while minimizing impacts on students and staff. Due to flat state funding and rising operational costs, the District evaluated staffing levels, benefits eligibility requirements, and other expenditures to align ongoing expenses with available revenues.
It was noted that benefits eligibility would be adjusted to comply with applicable requirements, with employees working 30 or more hours per week qualifying for benefits. The District also explored implementing an insurance waiting period but determined it was not feasible due to regulatory requirements.
Business Manager Krista Moyer presented the proposed budget. She reviewed projected revenues, expenditures, and fund balances, including local tax revenue, levy revenue, state funding, federal funds, and food service revenues. The Board discussed the importance of maintaining adequate fund balances to ensure payroll obligations, operational expenses, and reimbursement-based federal programs can be sustained throughout the year.
Board members acknowledged the financial challenges facing school districts statewide and reiterated their commitment to making fiscally responsible decisions while maintaining educational opportunities for students. The public budget work sessions were noted as opportunities for community participation throughout the budget development process.
General Fund Budget Highlights:
* Estimated Beginning Balance: $1,300,000
* Local Tax Revenue: Includes $650,000 from the approved levy
* Other Local Revenue: Includes pay-to-participate fees, facility rentals, and donations
* State Revenue: Includes funding for salaries, benefits, discretionary spending, transportation, and other state-allocated items
* Estimated Ending Balance: $1,400,000
Following discussion, Carla Critchfield made a motion to accept the 2026-2027 school year budget as presented. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Schedule Public Hearing for Consideration of School Fee Increase - The Board discussed proposed admission fee increases for middle school activities and a proposed increase to the middle school yearbook fee. A public hearing will be scheduled at the July board meeting to consider the proposed fee increases. No action taken.
Student Spotlight (information) - None given.
Buhl Education Association Report (information) - None given.
Reports (information) -
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Oparnico reported on upcoming district activities, including attendance at the Idaho Association of School Administrators conference, completion of required state reporting, and teacher evaluation submissions.
Enrollment data was reviewed, showing relatively stable enrollment compared to the previous year. The Superintendent also reported that the District had been awarded a three-year McKinney-Vento grant, with an estimated first-year award of approximately $12,500.
Curriculum updates included the purchase of supplemental instructional materials and curriculum replacements using levy funds. A detailed report regarding levy expenditures will be provided at a future meeting.
Facilities and maintenance projects currently underway include:
* High school roof replacement
* Middle school parking lot seal coating
* Elementary school plumbing project
* HVAC replacement projects
* Annual gym floor maintenance at the middle school and high school
The Board also received an update regarding summer athletic programs, weight room activities, and coaching vacancies.
Financial Report - Krista Moyer
Financial Reports through May 31, 2026
* General Funds are trending as expected
* One large expense in May was a 50% payment to Heck Roofing ($170,000)
Student Achievement Report - Superintendent Oparnico presented information regarding MAP growth assessment results for grades 6-11. Overall growth was observed between fall and spring assessments in both reading and mathematics. Areas identified for additional review included seventh-grade reading and mathematics growth and ninth-grade reading growth.
Administration reported that assessment data would be further analyzed to identify potential instructional supports, resources, or professional development opportunities to improve student achievement in identified areas. A comprehensive assessment report will be presented later in the year to assist with goal setting for the upcoming school year.
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 May 20, 2026
* Approve the special meeting minutes of March 13, 2026, April 14, 2026 and May 5, 2026
* Approve the negotiation meeting minutes of May 12, 2026 and May 20, 2026
* Approve the May 2026 financial statements
* Approve the May 2026 vouchers
* Approve the school building checking accounts for May 2026
* Personnel Recommendations
* Approval of new hires:
* Maisen Brown (IT Temporary Summer Help)
* Kyndelynn Loos (HS Cheer Coach)
* Monica Oviedo (JV Volleyball Coach)
* Maysi Bright (7th Grade Volleyball Coach)
* Jennifer Bright (Food Service Worker)
* Alternative Authorizations:
* Molly Breland (Special Education)
* Approval of resignations/retirements/terminations/leaves:
* Shannon Theurer (Food Service Director)
* Ailaine Higgins (HS Para)
* Audrey Ontiveros (PES Para)
* Hannah Truscott (PES Para)
* Erika Simmons (MS Volleyball Coach)
Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the Consent and Confirmation Agenda as stated. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion/Action Items:
Discuss Negotiations Process / Consideration to Ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the 2026-27 School Year (discussion/action) - The Board reviewed the negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement for the 2026-2027 school year. Discussion included updates related to sick leave bank language, compensation for teachers covering classes during preparation periods, and implementation of an employee exit survey process. The Board discussed developing the exit survey collaboratively and receiving annual summary reports to help identify opportunities for organizational improvement.
Trustee Alisa Atkinson moved to ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the 2026-27 school year. Trustee Carla Critchfield seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Dates for Board Training, Strategic Planning (discussion/action) - The Board discussed strategic planning and training opportunities. Administration will coordinate with the facilitator to propose September meeting dates, preferably after Labor Day, and evaluate holding the initial session alongside a regular board meeting. No action was taken.
Board Self Assessment (discussion) - The Board reviewed the annual board self-assessment process. Members discussed the value of completing the assessment at this time, particularly with new board members serving on the Board. It was noted that the assessment would provide useful information to guide future board training and strategic planning efforts.
Board members were directed to complete and submit their assessments to the Clerk, who will compile the results into a summary report for Board review. Individual responses will remain confidential.
Review Student Handbooks and Student Athletic Handbooks (discussion/action) - The Board reviewed the Elementary Student Handbook, Middle School Student Handbook, and Middle School Athletic Handbook. Discussion focused on alignment between handbook language and Board policies, policy references, attendance procedures, dress code revisions, athletic participation requirements, and handbook consistency. Administration will make the discussed revisions, consult with ISBA as needed. Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the first reading of the Popplewell Elementary student handbook, Middle School student handbook, and Middle School Athletic Handbook. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Consideration To Approve The First Reading of The Following Policies (discussion/action) -
Board of Trustees
Policy 1405 School Board Use of Email and Social Media
Instruction
Policy 2150 Copyright
Policy 2150P Copyright Compliance
Students
Policy 3255 Student Dress
Personnel
Policy 5360 Dress and Appearance
Non-Instructional Operations
Policy 8103 Vehicles Other Than School Buses Used as Transport
After reviewing the above policies, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to approve the first reading of policies 1405, 2150, 2150P, 3255, 5360 and 8103. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Consideration to Approve the Second Reading of the Following Policies (discussion/action) -
Instruction
Policy 2395 IDLA Classes
Financial Management
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 second reading of policies 2395, 7400 P3, 7400 P4, 7403, and 7455. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Board Update (information) - Trustees discussed topics for the Superintendent’s community update, including the recent budget hearing and upcoming strategic planning. Methods to expand outreach were discussed, such as a community email subscription list, social media, and the district website. Trustees expressed appreciation for recent community letters.
Public Comment - Board Chair Jennie Ridley opened the floor to public comments. No public comments were received.
Executive Session (action) - The Board Chair announced that the next order of business would be the consideration of the Board recessing into executive session for the purpose of conducting further business.
Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to enter into executive session. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. The following resolution was presented:
BE IT RESOLVED. That the Board of Trustees of School District No. 412 recess from an open meeting into executive session pursuant to Section 74-206(1)(a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need.
(i) Employee Candidate 2026-2027 A
Vote being had on the above and foregoing resolution, and the same having been counted and found to be as follows:
Jennie Ridley 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.
The board went into executive session at 7:34 p.m.
Open Session/Reconvene Regular Meeting - The board reconvened into open session at 7:47 p.m.
Upcoming Events (information) - The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Buhl High School Library.
Adjourn (action) - There being no further business, Trustee Carla Critchfield moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Cody Gilland seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Clerk of the Board Date
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 2026
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