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Blackfoot District #55

January

minutes meeting date 2026-01-22 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 17712 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text

Board of Trustees’ Meeting January 22, 2026
District Office 6:30 p.m.
270 East Bridge Street
Blackfoot, Idaho

Minutes

Chairwoman Bonnie Hepworth called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Hepworth welcomed the
audience and led them in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Hatch administered the Oath of Office to Cleon Chapman, Mary Jo Marlow, and Taryn Shoyo.

Board members in attendance were Chairwoman Bonnie Hepworth, Vice Chairman Carlos Mercado,
Treasurer Cleon Chapman, Trustee Mary Jo Marlow, and Trustee Taryn Shoyo. Also in attendance were
Superintendent Brian Kress, Assistant Superintendent Ryan Wilson, Board Clerk Jennifer Hatch, and
Federal Programs Director Becky Walker.

Approval of the Agenda- There were no changes to the posted agenda.
Public Forum — No one came forward during Public Forum.

Superintendent Update (Information) — Mr. Kress welcomed Ms. Shoyo to the board. She has been a
strong advocate for tribal students in our district for years and we are excited to have her as part of our
board. We have hit the ground running in 2026. We have great things happening in our schools. We have
so many talented students in a variety of ways. We provide many different ways for students to showcase
their talents. The FFA Banquet and Auction is Saturday, January 31%. If any board member would like to
attend please let Mr. Kress know. The legislative session began last week. It will be interesting to see how
things play out. You may have heard that Mr. Kress will receive a very short haircut on Monday. Mr.
Kress presented a challenge to the wrestling team that if they beat Snake River in their match this week,
they could shave his head. After a few stressful matches, our wrestlers beat Snake River and are very
excited to hold him to his promise on Monday.

Legislative Update (Information) — When you listen to the legislative session kick off and you don’t
hear one word about money, that speaks volumes about the challenges we will face this session. The JFAC
did forecast a slightly better revenue outlook than the Governor spoke of. Mr. Kress will keep us updated
on HB 93. Roughly 7,000 students have applied and the $50 million that was earmarked should cover that
amount. Mr. Kress is also watching HJR 7 (the Blaine Amendment Repeal). This is a proposed
constitutional amendment to allow public funds to flow to parochial schools.

November and December Financial Reports (Information) — The November and December Financial
Reports were presented by Mr. Kress.

School Fund Reports (Information) — A year ago, the board adopted a policy that called for the board
members to review the school funds on a monthly basis. Moving forward, Mr. Kress will be sharing a
Google Drive with you that will contain a FY26 School Funds Report folder. All schools will have
individual folders containing the bank statements and a fund report. The fund report will show a running
total of their accounts and which categories they have money in and what is being spent in each category.
Mr. Kress likes that it allows the secretaries and Mr. Kress to work on the document simultaneously. The
board members will have continual access to information regarding the schools and their funds. The
secretaries will have this ready before the February board meeting and at that time Mr. Kress will send
the link to the board members.

1 Board Meeting Minutes 1/22/2026

Quarterly Policies (Information) — Mr. Wilson presented the following policies for the first reading for
the fourth quarter: Policy 502: Student Handbooks, Policy 549- Prohibition of Gang Activities, Policy 569:
School Wellness, Policy 814- Budget Implementation and Execution (changed from Monthly Budget and
Treasurer’s Report), Policy 818- School District Tax-Exempt Status- NEW, Policy 832- Revenues
(changed from Income from Sale or use of School Property), Policy 834- Fees (changed from Increase in
Fees), Policy 857.50- Contracted Educational Services, and Policy 1056- Web Accessibility.

2026-27 Calendar Proposal (Action) — Mr. Kress shared the recommendation from the Calendar
Committee for the 2026-27 school year. The student start date will be Monday, August 24", 2026. The
first 2 weeks of school will be a 2-hour early release. The committee prioritized having a full 2-week
Christmas break. They felt that going to school on the Monday and Tuesday of Christmas week is not
educationally beneficial. First trimester will end the week before Thanksgiving break. This seemed to
work well for our staff and students. Spring break will be March 22" - 25". The last day for students will
be May 27", 2027. There will be 143 student instructional days. This calendar has 3 snow days built into
it. Mr. Mercado moved that the board of trustees accept the 2026-27 Calendar Proposal as presented by
Mr. Kress. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

RFP Fiber Bid Results (Action) — Last fall Mr. Wilson came before the board to ask for permission to
seek an RFP for internet services that will take effect at the beginning of our new contract period, July 1,
2027. Mr. Wilson shared the scoring rubric that tracked all of the bid results. Companies were awarded
points in the categories of Total Cost, Tech Support, Quality Response, Quality Contract, Quality
Submission, References, Site Visit, and Cost of I/E Products. The highest valued category was the cost.
The team took a lot of time taking due diligence in researching each company. They asked for lit fiber
bids as well as dark fiber. Lit fiber is what we currently utilize. A certain amount of bandwidth is provided.
To change bandwidth amounts, the company must be contacted and there is a price increase. For dark
fiber, the district has control of the bandwidth allotted to each location and it can be adjusted any time.
Dark fiber is also a dedicated line strictly for our school district’s use. The companies were also divided
into single and double hub categories. A single hub is a single strand of fiber. A dual hub gives 2 fiber
options to maintain service in the event of an outage. Mr. Wilson went through each of the bids and their
pros and cons. Mr. Wilson is recommending the dual hub through Fatbeam dark fiber with a cost of just
under $4 million for construction with a recurring monthly cost of $3,750 monthly. We are currently
paying $7,000 monthly. Our Free & Reduced lunch program numbers allow us to receive a grant to help
pay for the fiber upgrade. With funding from Federal and State grants, there will be zero upfront cost to
the district. We need to make sure we are encouraging patrons to fill out Free & Reduced Lunch forms so
that we will continue to qualify for these kinds of grants. The monthly recurring expenses will be paid by
the state as well. Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees accept the recommendation that the fiber
installation contract be awarded to Fatbeam Fiber as recommended by Mr. Wilson. Mr. Mercado seconded
the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Sale of FCC Channels (Action) — In June when we adopted the budget, Mr. Kress warned that our fund
balance would be depleted this year. We were looking at a $600,000 reduction to our fund balance. In
December he received an email from T-Mobile. They are currently paying a lease on 2 frequency channels
that we own. We have never used them; we have always leased them out to companies. T-Mobile is
offering to pay $400,000 per license. Mr. Kress is recommending the sale of these licenses. We currently
receive about $20,000 per lease per year. This will give us a large upfront payment that we can put back
into our fund balance. Mr. Kress researched the offer and feels good about selling the channels and not
having to dip into our fund balance in the future. Mr. Mercado moved that the board of trustees accept the
sale of the FCC Chanels to T-Mobile for the amount of $400,000 per license as presented by Mr. Kress.
Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

2 Board Meeting Minutes 1/22/2026

Re-Organization of the Board of Trustees

Mrs. Hepworth nominated Mary Jo Marlow to serve as board chair for the 2026 calendar year. There were
no other nominations.

Mrs. Hepworth nominated Carlos Mercado to serve as board vice chairman for the 2026 calendar year.
There were no other nominations.

Mrs. Marlow nominated Cleon Chapman to serve as board treasurer for the 2026 calendar year. There
were no other nominations.

Mrs. Shoyo moved to accept the reorganization of the leadership of the board of trustees. Mrs. Hepworth
seconded. All approved. The motion passed.

Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees appoint Mrs. Jennifer Hatch to serve as the clerk of the
board. Mr. Mercado seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Mrs. Hepworth moved that the board of trustees appoint Mrs. Jennifer Hatch to serve as the custodian of
public records. Mr. Mercado seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Mr. Mercado moved that the regular board meetings for the 2026 calendar year and the annual board
meeting in January 2027 be held at the District Office and the April board meeting be held at Fort Hall
Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. and the regular board meetings be held on the dates as presented in written
format. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Mrs. Hepworth moved that public notices for board meetings and elections be posted at the District
Administration Office, the Blackfoot School District Website and Facebook Page. The agendas will be
emailed to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Business Office and Bingham News Chronicle. Mr. Chapman
seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Board members signed the Code of Ethics for the 2026 calendar year.

Motion to Executive Session (Action) — Mrs. Hepworth moved that the board of trustees recess into
executive session in the manner and for the purposes authorized by Section 74-206, Idaho Code (1) (a)
to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, (b) to consider the
evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public
officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Mr. Mercado seconded
the motion.

Mrs. Marlow noted that this is proper business for consideration in executive session as per Idaho Code
74-206. All board members in attendance voted in the affirmative in a roll call vote. Mrs. Marlow —
aye. Mr. Mercado — aye. Mr. Chapman — aye. Mrs. Hepworth — aye. Ms. Shoyo — aye. The motion
passed.

Executive Session January 22, 2026
7:29 p.m.

Mr. Kress presented the personnel recommendations.

The board reconvened into open session at 8:01p.m.

3 Board Meeting Minutes 1/22/2026

Consent Agenda (Action) — Mrs. Marlow asked if there were any questions regarding items on the
consent agenda. Mr. Mercado moved that the board of trustees approve the prior board meeting minutes,
personnel recommendations as they appear below, the payment of December bills, student trips, and the
BPAC events. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS January 22", 2026
New Hires Position Location
Ruby Sanchez-Villeda EL Paraprofessional (28hrs) MVMS
Adam Taylor Skilled Maintenance Worker DW
Ceciley Walker Special Education Para (FT) BHS
Extracurricular Position Location
Abbie Brower Dance Assistant Coach BHS
Pacen Hayes Baseball Assistant Coach BHS
Brooklyn Judd Esports Assistant Coach BHS
Chance Loynd Baseball Freshmen Assistant Coach BHS
Cole Mansanarez Baseball Assistant Coach BHS
Brayden Pieper Baseball Assistant Coach BHS
Resignations/Retirements _—_ Position Location
Paula Petersen (5/28/26) Classroom Paraprofessional (28 hrs) RB
Makayla Steinmetz Classroom Paraprofessional (28 hrs) WAP

Board Trustee (Information) — Mrs. Hepworth thanked the board for their support. She has been shaped
by the people she has worked with. She believes in public education. She is grateful to see the growth in
the district over the last 10 % years that she has served as board trustee. She has additional responsibilities
in her personal life and has chosen to resign from the Board of Trustees. She will be greatly missed. Board
members spoke of her input, logic, and sincere concern for students in our district. She has led with
kindness, a smile, and a positive outlook. They spoke of her willingness to be open and objective and fair
and honest. She has been an amazing example to us all.

Trustee Vacancy (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees accept the resignation of
Board Trustee Bonnie Hepworth and declare a Board Trustee vacancy for Zone 3. Mr. Mercado seconded
the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Future Agenda Items (Information) — A special board meeting needs to be held in 2 weeks to appoint a
new trustee. Career Technical Education month is recognized in February. Mr. Chapman would like to
see some student organizations present to the board to promote our CTE programs.

Adjournment (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that the January meeting of the board of trustees be
adjourned. Mr. Mercado seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:15 pm.

»

ry J low, Chairwoman Jennifer Hatch, Clerk

4 Board Meeting Minutes 1/22/2026

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55
FINANCIAL REPORT
For the Month Ending:
November 30, 2025

ZIONS BANK

M & O-CMIA Account $ 2,339,531.10

Outstanding Checks $ (276,511.67)

ZIONS BANK M&O TOTAL $  2,063,019.43
DL EVANS BANK ( School Lunch) $ 276,127.02

INVESTMENTS - GENERAL OPERATIONS

State Investment Poo! $ 11,020,572.50
PETTY CASH
District Balance 11/30/2025 $ 3,500.00

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - November, 2025 $ 13,363,218.95

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - November, 2024 $ 11 883,383.32

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
ALL DISTRICT FUNDS

November 1, 2025 Balance Forward:

REVENUE:

Base State Support
Federal - PL 81-874 Impact Aid

State - Career/Technical Education (C.T.E.)

Federal - Child Nutrition
Other State Support
Earning Interest

Local - Child Nutrition

TOTAL REVENUE:

EXPENDITURES:

November Payroll

Transportation

Custodial Contract

IDEA Contract Services

Bidg. Repair, Maint., Supplies, Equip.
Food Services

Utilities/Telephone

Curriculum

Instructional Suppplies

Contract Services

Technology Supplies

Travel, Mieage Reimb., In-service
Perkins Equipment

Technology Contract Services
Sales Tax

TOTAL EXPENDITURES:
NET DECREASE IN CASH POSITION:

ENDING BALANCE:

General Fund
FY26 Budgeted Revenue
FY26 Revenue To Date
FY26 Budgeted Expenditures
FY26 Expenditures To Date

FY25 Actual Total Revenue

FY25 Actual Revenue thru 06/30/2025
FY25 Actual Total Expenditures

FY25 Actual Expenditures thru 06/30/2025

Ca Qa

For the Month Ending:
November 2025

NAAN NAwW

n

gf PAAMNMAANNUNANANNNNAMNNM

$ 3,798,517.74

NANN ANNAN

6,278,356.00
926,721.00
172,163.46
99,886.21
71,172.00
36,042.10
10,531.74

7,594,872.51

2,878,877.18
307,477.56
102,701.16
101,302.82
83,595.39
76,977.84
76,072.32
58,163.07
40,325.52
28,329.60
15,186.24
11,139.04
7,535.94
6,790.07
1,881.02

3,796,354.77

39,067,007.00
27,343,674.84
38,783,678.00
12,932,604.47

36, 126,435.67
25,267,444.58
36,473,638.03
11,451 ,445.98

$

$

9,564,701.21

13,363,218.95

70.0%

33.3%

69.9%

31.4%

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55
FINANCIAL REPORT
For the Month Ending:
December 31, 2025

ZIONS BANK

M & O-CMIA Account $  2,066,255.40

Outstanding Checks $ (240,857.44)

ZIONS BANK M&O TOTAL $ _ 1,825,397.96
DL EVANS BANK ( School Lunch) $ _ 297,439.39

INVESTMENTS - GENERAL OPERATIONS

State Investment Poo! $ 8,555,733.10
PETTY CASH
District Balance 12/31/2025 $ 3,500.00

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - December, 2025 $ 10,682,070.45

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - December, 2024 $__11,087,649.44

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
ALL DISTRICT FUNDS

For the Month Ending:
December 2025

December 1, 2025 Balance Forward:
REVENUE:

Federal - Title I-A

Federal - IDEA

Federal - Child Nutrition

Earning Interest

Federal - Title 1-C Migrant

Federal - Title ll-A Improving Teacher Quality
Medicaid

Federal - IDEA Preschool

Local - Property Tax

Local - Child Nutrition

Federal - Title iV-A Student Support

State - Career/Technical Education (C.T.E.)
Local Revenue (Rent, Donations, Tuition, Etc.)
Federal - Title Ill-Federal EL

State - Driver's Education

TOTAL REVENUE:

EXPENDITURES:

December Payroll

Transportation

Custodial Contract
Uttities/Telephone

Food Services

Bidg. Repair, Maint., Supplies, Equip.
Instructional Suppplies

IDEA Contract Services
Technology Supplies

Contract Services

Travel, Mileage Reimb., In-service
Technology Contract Services
Sales Tax

TOTAL EXPENDITURES:
NET DECREASE IN CASH POSITION:

ENDING BALANCE:

General Fund

FY26 Budgeted Revenue
FY26 Revenue To Date
FY26 Budgeted Expenditures
FY26 Expenditures To Date

FY25 Actual Total Revenue

FY25 Actual Revenue thru 06/30/2025
FY25 Actual Total Expenditures

FY25 Actual Expenditures thru 06/30/2025

Cine Den

wn PPA ANANANMHHAOHHMHM |H

NNAOMMNMNANUNNAMNNAM

n

$ 2.681,148.50

ANANNN

PAPPNAN

204,687.98
169,905.25
66,377.05
41,224.20
34,754.70
25,511.42
24,952.17
23,024.28
21,312.65
21,246.96
16,991.09
10,000.00
6,901.66
6,370.78
5,114.10

678,374.29

2,741,827.03
228,606.05
102,456.16
72,524.05
61,094.93
47,609.69
37,046.86
34,643.07
12,106.48
8,072.98
7,503.16
5,408.86
623.47

3,359,522.79

39,067,007.00
27,361 829.37
38,783,678.00
15,922,807.27

36,126,435.67
24,341 063.27
36,473,638.03
14,392,051.54

$

$

13,363,218.95

10,682,070.45

70.0%

41.1%

67.4%

39.5%

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