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February

minutes meeting date 2026-02-11 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 23856 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text

Board of Trustees’ Meeting February 11, 2026
District Office 6:30 p.m.
270 East Bridge Street
Blackfoot, Idaho
Minutes

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

Board members in attendance were Chairwoman Mary Jo Marlow, Treasurer Cleon Chapman, and Trustee
Taryn Shoyo. Also in attendance were Superintendent Brian Kress, Assistant Superintendent Ryan
Wilson, and Board Clerk Jennifer Hatch.

Approval of the Agenda- There were no changes to the posted agenda.

Board Vacancy (Action) — Mrs. Marlow thanked the candidate for being here and for their willingness
to take on this responsibility. Due to the resignation of Zone 3 Trustee Bonnie Hepworth, the board must
appoint a trustee to fill her spot for the remainder of her term. We received 4 letters of interest for this
Trustee position. We are going to have each candidate address the board. She invited them to introduce
themselves and talk about why they would like to be on the board.

Cameron Baker is grateful to have the opportunity to be considered for this position. He believes that the
support of public education is vital in today’s world. Having a school board made up of people who believe
this can positively impact the world we want to see. We need people who are willing to work together.
We all want educational success for our youth. He would like to devote time and energy in becoming a
valuable board member. As a community member and former employee of the district he feels like he
would be a valuable. asset to the Board.

David Barlow believes that education is important. He is grateful for his own education. He recognizes
the economic need for people with skilled trades. That in no way diminishes his belief in the importance
of all education. He believes in effective communication. He finds education enjoyable. Educated citizens
can make informed decisions. We need good public education so that we can have an informed electorate.
He loves this community and is optimistic about the future of our country and our community because of
our young people and the decisions they are making.

David Case feels that it is a privilege to be here. He wishes to serve. The Blackfoot School District has
been great for him and for his family. He will serve with his whole heart. He worked as a Director of
Special Education and as an Administrator in the Blackfoot School District. He was in the education field
for 30 years. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Dawn Enterprises. He has served in many
community service positions. He understands how the Board works.

Donovan Harrington was unable to be in attendance. Mrs. Hatch read a letter that he submitted to the
board. Mr. Harrington has served the greater Eastern Idaho community in the transportation field for the
past 36 years. He has served as a Bingham County Commissioner and is currently serving in the capacity
of the Bingham County Assessor. He believes he can bring a business approach to the Board. He is
experienced in contract negotiations and in balancing budgets.

The board members filled out and signed their ballots and there was a 3-way tie between David Barlow,

David Case, and Donovan Harrington. It was decided to postpone the re-vote until Wednesday, February
18" when the 3 remaining candidates can be present.

1 Board Meeting Minutes 2/1 1/2026

Adjournment (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that the special meeting of the board of trustees be
adjourned. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed. The meeting was
adjourned at 6:53 pm.

J ow, Chairwoman Jennifer Hatch, Clerk

2 Board Meeting Minutes 2/11/2026

Board of Trustees’ Meeting February 18, 2026
District Office 6:30 p.m.
270 East Bridge Street
Blackfoot, Idaho

Minutes

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

Approval of the Agenda- There were no changes to the posted agenda.

Board Vacancy (Action) — Mrs. Marlow thanked the candidates for being here tonight and for their
willingness to serve on the board. The board members asked each candidate 2 questions and the candidates
were given 3 minutes to respond in alternating order. The board members filled out and signed their
ballots. Mr. Barlow received a majority of the votes.

Mr. Chapman made the following motion: Whereas Zone 3 Trustee Bonnie Hepworth resigned her
position; and whereas the board of trustees declared a vacancy for Zone 3 Trustee on January 22, 2026;
therefore, be it resolved that the board of trustees appoint to fill the Trustee Zone 3 vacancy as per
Board Policy 246: Trustee Vacancy and Idaho Code 33-504. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All
approved. The motion passed.

Mr. Barlow will be sworn in as Board Trustee of Zone 3 at the February 26, 2026, regular board meeting.

Adjournment (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that the special meeting of the board of trustees be
adjourned. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed. The meeting was

adjourned at 7:04 pm.
ghee Qanritir Notes
Mary Jo Martow, Ckairwoman Jennifer Hatch, Clerk

l Board Meeting Minutes 2/18/2026

Board of Trustees’ Meeting February 26, 2026
District Office 6:30 p.m.
270 East Bridge Street
Blackfoot, Idaho

Minutes

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

Mrs. Hatch administered the Oath of Office to David Barlow.

Board members in attendance were Chairwoman Mary Jo Marlow, Treasurer Cleon Chapman, Trustee
Taryn Shoyo, and Trustee David Barlow. Also in attendance were Superintendent Brian Kress, Assistant
Superintendent Ryan Wilson, Board Clerk Jennifer Hatch, Federal Programs Director Becky Walker,
Principal Anthony Peterson, and Principal Cory Loveland.

Approval of the Agenda- Mr. Kress asked for an amendment to the agenda due to the need for a
discussion arising earlier this morning. Mr. Chapman moved to amend the agenda to include item C,3.-
Request to Bid Audit Services due to the good faith reason that the need arose after the agenda was posted.
Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

CTE Student Recognition- Several students came to represent our CTE programs. Mr. Kress introduced
the students and their advisors. Mr. Kress introduced Mr. Harris and the BPA (Business Professionals of
America) students. There are 22 students who will be attending the state competition this year. They have
made it to the national competition for the last several years. Mrs. Collier and the HOSA (Health
Occupations Students of America) students were recognized. They will be attending the state competition
in March and will have 6 students participating. Mrs. Luker and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community
Leaders of America) students were recognized. They participate in fashion, child development, and
culinary arts. They are competing in state in March as well. Mr. Dahle and the Skills USA students were
introduced. This program helps students become career ready. They have developed a very successful
program. Mr. Gasca and the Automotive students represented the Auto division of Skills USA. They
compete in Maintenance and Light Repair and Service technology categories at the state level. Ms. Coffey,
Mr. Alvarez, and Mrs. Alvarez introduced the FFA (Future Farmers of America) students. FFA includes
public speaking, horticulture, welding, animal sciences, and many more categories. Mr. Chapman spoke
to the CTE students. He worked with the state for 18 years helping students in the CTE programs. These
programs give students the opportunity to go on in post-secondary programs. It gives students the focus
of what they want to do with their lives. The board is so thankful for all of the opportunities available in
our district and for the fantastic, qualified teachers we have working with our students. Mr. Harris thanked
the board for their support. Our district’s support of CTE programs is unmatched by other districts. Mr.
Kress read a proclamation declaring February as Career and Technical Education Month in Blackfoot
School District #55. (See Attachment A)

Public Forum — One patron came forward during public forum. She thanked the board for sending
information to the Planning & Zoning meeting. She asked the board to continue sharing information with
the city and county leaders so that they can make informed decisions.

Superintendent Update (Information) — Mr. Kress reported that things are warming up just in time for
Daylight Savings Time to begin and send us to school in the dark again for a while. We have had a number
of participants competing at the state level. BPA, wrestling, and cheer are all competing this weekend. It
is not just in the curricular realm, we have state and national level competitors in many co-curricular areas.
Welding is in the process of moving into the BTEC building. We received approval to move forward with

1 Board Meeting Minutes 2/26/2026

the renovation of the I.T. Stoddard building. Today was the last day of second trimester. The school year
is 2/3 of the way over. Buckle up!

January Financial Report (Information) — The January Financial Report was presented by Mr. Kress.
(See Attachment B)

School Fund Reports (Information) — Mr. Kress provided a link to the Google Drive containing all
School Fund Reports to the board members. When you click on the link it will take you to a folder labeled
FY26. All school reports are included in that folder. You can look at each individual school’s bank
statement and financial report. It shows all accounts and balances at each location. There is a reconciliation
page that shows any outstanding checks. You can look at any of the schools in real time.

Open Enrollment Update (Information) — Mr. Kress shared the open enrollment numbers. These
numbers will be shared on our District website. Most of our elementary classrooms are under capacity.
Every school is under capacity. We would love to have more students enrolled and attending our schools.
We have about 100 fewer students in our district than we had last year. We are anticipating this trend to
continue.

Rezoning Update (Information) — The 3™ meeting of the rezoning committee was held last night. Parents
of Groveland, Wapello, and Ridge Crest students and the board members were emailed the link to the
video. The committee should have a decision regarding their recommendation to the board at their March
9" meeting. Mr. Kress will keep us informed of any additional meetings that may be necessary. The
rezoning is necessary primarily due to budget and financial constraints. We need to redistribute our student
load and reduce the number of staff. We should be able to accomplish the staff reduction through natural
attrition. We do not want to have to close a school. That causes a loss of community trust and morale. We
will try other options first. Schools are the hub of the community. Rezoning is never comfortable, but we
cannot maintain the financial stressor that we are facing.

Legislative Update (Information) — Mr. Kress shared some legislative updates. House Bill 710, which
sought to mandate a school start date after Labor Day statewide, was defeated. Mr. Kress is concerned
that the bill could make an appearance again next year. A bill seeking to reinforce the civics requirements
throughout the grade levels is likely to pass. Senate Bill 1288, which is a bill seeking $5 million to help
the funding of extreme high needs students, has passed through the Senate and is in the House now. We
are unlikely to see a change to the funding formula this year, but next year there may be a change to our
funding formula. There should not be winners or losers and superintendents are looking for equity for the
districts. There is a bill that seems to be targeting teacher associations throughout Idaho. We have a strong
relationship with our teacher association. If it passes, we will have to change some of our district’s
procedures. Teacher Associations would not be able to hold meetings in any state funded buildings.
Negotiations may have to take place off site. There would be impacts to our district. Mr. Kress discussed
the budget. There is frustration, but we need to be grateful that our budget has not been cut. However,
remaining flat feels like a budget cut because inflation has risen and we cannot keep up with costs.

Report on Day on the Hill (Information) — Mr. Kress and 2 board members attended Day on the Hill.
Mr. Chapman said it was somewhat depressing this year with all the discussion on budget and the
negativity directed toward public education. He spoke of the FFA students who presented and were
amazing and articulate. Board Members were able to visit with our local legislators. Ms. Shoyo found it
very interesting. She liked being able to watch the legislators in action. She liked the different
presentations that were shared. The students who presented to the committees were very well spoken.

District IRI Data Update (Information) — Mr. Kress shared District IRI Data with board. IRI stands for
Idaho Reading Indicator. It is a test administered statewide to all students K-3 in the fall, winter, and

2 Board Meeting Minutes 2/26/2026

spring. Our students are making amazing progress. We still have work to do, but our teachers and students
are performing well and improving. This is the first year testing with the new state platform.

April Board Meeting Location (Information) — It is a tradition of the Blackfoot School District that the
April meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at Fort Hall Elementary School in Fort Hall, ID. This
meeting will be held on April 23%, 2026.

Autism Awareness Day (Information) — National Autism Awareness Day will be recognized on April
2, 2026, in the Blackfoot School District. We will ask all of our staff and students to wear blue to recognize
this day.

Curriculum Update (Information) — The curriculum committee went through the novels that have been
requested for use in the 3 trimester. Mrs. Walker also included any novels that have been previously used
and could be affected by HB239. The opt-in process has been going well in our district. Hamlet will need
to have an opt-in form sent. There were no questions from the board.

Quarterly Policies (Action) — Mr. Wilson presented the following policies for the second 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. Mr. Wilson
asked if the board members had any questions or concerns. There were none.Mr. Chapman moved that the
board of trustees approve the quarterly policy updates as presented in written format by Mr. Wilson. Mr.
Barlow seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Request to Bid Roof Replacements (Action) — Mr. Kress shared a request to bid a large portion of the
roof at Blackfoot High School, the complete roof at Independence High School, and the complete roof at
Donald D. Stalker Elementary. This will be paid for by the facility modernization funds and our facilities
funds. Mr. Barlow moved that the board of trustees approve the Request to Bid Roof Replacements as
presented by Mr. Kress. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Request to Bid Audit Services (Action) — Mr. Kress received word that our audit was finalized this
morning. There were no findings. The district audit happens in July and should be submitted to the state
by November. Mr. Kress does not want to continue with this process being so drawn out by our current
auditors. Our current company is outsourcing things to Chicago and a lot of the work is handled remotely.
Our audit was completed very late this year. He would like to seek an RFP for a new audit company to
conduct our FY26 audit. They will be assessed based on capability, staffing, location, and price. Mr.
Chapman moved that the board of trustees approve the Request to Bid Audit Services. Mr. Barlow
seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Motion to Executive Session (Action) — Ms. Shoyo 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. Chapman seconded

the motion. sy ky ae od Pua V4,
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. Chapman — aye. Ms. Shoyo — aye. Mr. Barlow — aye. The motion passed.

3 Board Meeting Minutes 2/26/2026

Executive Session February 26, 2026
7:42 p.m.

Mr. Kress presented the personnel recommendations.

The board reconvened into open session at 8:09 p.m.

Personnel Action (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that Employees 2026A, 2026B, and 2026C be
placed on a Formal Plan of Improvement as discussed in Executive Session. Mr. Barlow seconded the
motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Consent Agenda (Action) — Mrs. Marlow asked if there were any questions regarding items on the
consent agenda. There were none. Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees approve the prior board
meeting minutes, personnel recommendations as they appear below, the payment of January bills, student
trips, BPAC events, and the Elementary Fundraiser. Mr. Barlow seconded the motion. All approved. The
motion passed.

PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS February 26", 2026
New Hires Position Location

Tessa Barrow Elementary Administrator RB

Connie Harris Special Education Para (28 hrs) GRO

Hailey Waldo Classroom Para (28 hrs) WAP

Transfers From To

Samantha Staley SpEd Para (PT)- GRO ERR SpEd Para (FT)- MVMS
Extracurricular Position Location

Zach Campbell Track Head Coach MVMS

Zach Eckman Baseball JV Head Coach BHS

Heather Polatis Track Assistant Coach MVMS
Resignations/Retirements _ Position Location

Trudi Brooks Softball JV Coach BHS

Wynette Ellis (5/29/26) Special Education Para (FT) BHSG

Ben Hutchinson Marching Bank Director BHS

Lana Keeler (5/29/26) Special Education Teacher MVMS

Maria Lowrey ERR Special Ed Para (28 hrs) STA

Patricia Rangel Classroom Paraprofessional (28 hrs) STA

Kaedon Smith Marching Band Assistant Director BHS

Future Agenda Items (Information) — None were discussed.
Adjournment (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that the February meeting of the board of trustees be

adjourned. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:18 pm.

~, -
Ma aivwoman Quins Hatch, Clerk

4 Board Meeting Minutes 2/26/2026

PROCLAMATION
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

WHEREAS: The month of February 2026, has been designated National Career and
Technical Education Month by the Association for Career and Technical Education; and

WHEREAS: Profound economic and technological changes in our society are rapidly
reflected in the structure and nature of work, thereby placing new and additional
responsibilities on our educational system; and

WHEREAS: Career and Technical Education provides students with a school-to-career
connection and is the backbone of a strong, well-educated workforce, which fosters
productivity in business and industry and provides a positive contribution to the area’s
economic stability; and

WHEREAS: Career and Technical Education programs of Blackfoot School District offer
students lifelong opportunities to learn relevant skills, which provide career choices and
personal satisfaction; and

WHEREAS: Career and Technical Education programs provide high school students with
practical experience in meaningful applications and real-world work experiences, allowing
them the opportunity to explore and prepare for technical careers, thus improving the quality
of their education, motivating at risk students and providing students leadership
opportunities in their communities; and

WHEREAS: Leaders from business and industry nationwide report increasing challenges
related to addressing the skills gap and connecting qualified professionals with careers in
critical and growing CTE related fields and recognize the Career Technical Student
Organizations such as: FFA, FCCLA, HOSA, BPA, DECA, TSA, and SKILLS USA.
Providing the leadership skills and opportunities needed in industry that support CTE
programs.

WHEREAS: The cooperative efforts of Career and Technical educators with industry experts
to stimulate the growth and vitality of our local economy by preparing graduates for career
fields forecast to experience the largest and fastest growth; and

NOW THEREFORE: The Blackfoot School Board of Blackfoot School District #55 hereby
proclaims the month of February 2026, as

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

Carlos Mercado, Vice Chairman David Barlow, Trustee

LE wn
Cleon Chapman, Tie esiter

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55
FINANCIAL REPORT
For the Month Ending:
January 31, 2026

ZIONS BANK

M & O-CMIA Account $ 2,206,036.78

Outstanding Checks $ (223,950.06)

ZIONS BANK M&O TOTAL $ __1,982,086,72
DL EVANS BANK ( School Lunch) $ 317,207.99

INVESTMENTS - GENERAL OPERATIONS

State Investment Pool $__ 6,088,548.70
PETTY CASH
District Balance 12/31/2025 $ 3,500.00

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - January, 2026 $__ 8 391,343.41

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - January, 2025 $__-9,138,522.66

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55

CASH FLOW STATEMENT
ALL DISTRICT FUNDS
For the Month Ending:
January 2026
January 1, 2026 Balance Forward:
REVENUE:
Local - Property Tax $ 735,866.25
Other State Support $ 354,770.40
Federal - Child Nutrition $ 64,997.50
Earning Interest $ 36,936.40
Local - Child Nutrition $ 19,644.98
State - In Lieu of Taxes $ 7,220.75
TOTAL REVENUE: $ 1,219,436.28
EXPENDITURES:
January Payroll $ 2,705,710.95
Transportation $ 252,596.98
Security Contract Services - SRO's $ 105,000.00
Custodial Contract $ 102,456.16
Utilities /Telephone $ 77,207.24
IDEA Contract Services $ 70,149.70
Contract Services $ 57,165.59
Instructional Suppplies $ 46,775.35
Food Services $ 44,374.91
Bidg. Repair, Maint., Supplies, Equip. $ 22,815.96
Perkins Equipment $ 8,160.70
Curricutum $ 7,008.25
Travel, Mileage Reimb., In-service $ 5,053.35
Technology Contract Services $ 4,851.18
Sales Tax $ 837.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $ 3,510, 163.32
NET DECREASE IN CASH POSITION: $ (2,290,727.04)
ENDING BALANCE:
General Fund,
FY26 Budgeted Revenue $ 39,067,007.00
FY26 Revenue To Date $ 28,150,897.17
FY26 Budgeted Expenditures $ 38,783,678.00
FY26 Expenditures To Date $ 19,745,852.59
FY25 Actual Total Revenue $ 36,126,435.67
FY25 Actual Revenue thru 06/30/2025 $ 25,401,035.33
FY25 Actual Total Expenditures $ 36,473,638.03
FY25 Actual Expenditures thru 06/30/2025 $ 18,167,038.22

10,682,070.45

8,391,343.41

72.1%

50.9%

70.3%

49.8%

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