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March

minutes meeting date 2026-03-19 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 18105 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text

Board of Trustees’ Meeting March 19, 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, Vice Chairman Carlos Mercado,
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, and
Federal Programs Director Becky Walker.

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

Indigenous Club Student Recognition- Mrs. Marlow welcomed the students and patrons in attendance.
The time was turned over to RosaLee Tendoy, the BHS Indigenous Club President. The club officers and
royalty were introduced. The Indigenous Club students from BHS, IHS, and BOSS helped facilitate the
4" grade field trip to Fort Hall. The field trip was divided into 6 sections. Students presented information
about each of the sections. At the Shoshone-Bannock Museum the students learned about horse culture,
the Fort Bridger Treaty, Sacajewea, the Boise Valley Newe (Tribal people), hunting fish, the Fort Hall
Boarding School, Chief Pocatello, and Native American Veterans. At Fort Hall Elementary the students
learned about Traditional dancing. At Timbee Hall the students learned Traditional games. At the
Shoshone-Bannock Hotel the students learned about Traditional foods, language and culture, medicine
plants; students played a hunting game and learned about spear fishing. At the next station the students
learned storytelling and made a Traditional craft. A video featuring the IHS students and what they taught
the students was shared. The video included pictures from the Field Trip.

Mr. Kress spoke to the students in attendance. We started the 4"" grade field trip 4 years ago. It started
with adults doing the bulk of the work. It is now owned and built by the students. Mr. Kress and the board
are so happy with what the field trip has grown into. They thanked the students for all of their hard work.
Our youth are amazing!

Public Forum — One staff member came forward to talk about curriculum and her concern regarding our
curriculum review process. She feels like more trust needs to be placed in our educators and parents. If
book choices are filtered out by the curriculum committee it takes away the parent’s rights. She does not
want the committee to narrow access to curriculum novel choices before parents can be part of the
decision.

Superintendent Update (Information) — Mr. Kress shared that we have started the bidding process on
the renovation of the I.T. Stoddard building. It will become part of Blackfoot High School and house part
of the CTE programs. Welding classes are taking place in our CTE building.

February Financial Report (Information) — The February Financial Report was presented by Mr. Kress.
(See Attachment A)

Elementary Online School (Information) — Mr. Kress read the following statement:
“Once again, I feel that I need to adjust my mindset. While I still maintain the sentiment that
for early learners a classroom teacher is the best method to provide learning, I must admit
there appears to be a desire for young learners to learn via an online method. I have been
amazed at the response to our secondary online school (BOSS). I truly believe we need to

1 Board Meeting Minutes 3/19/2026

explore the option of providing an online learning platform for our elementary students. I am
afraid that if you do not evolve, we may be left behind.

Please be advised, I will maintain the same focus as we have for BOSS. Our first priority will
be to serve the elementary students in our school district. However, just like BOSS, I am sure
word will spread that we do things different than other online providers and we will
eventually grow beyond our school district.

I would like to advertise for a position of % time Wapello interventionist and % online
elementary school position. The responsibility of the online elementary school position will be
to research and prepare for opening an elementary online school for the 2027-2028 school
year. I strongly believe a year of preparation will be the best first step toward this goal. I feel
that we need to have a strong foundation before we roll an online elementary school out to our
community.”

Mr. Kress realizes that the online system may not be viewed by everyone as the best platform to teach our
young learners. However, parents and students are looking for more options that fit their lifestyle and
needs. He is afraid that we are losing students to other districts who offer Elementary online programs.
The Blackfoot Online Jr/Sr School has been immensely successful. We may be pleasantly surprised at the
potential success of an elementary program. Concern was expressed by board members that test scores
are very low in other districts that have tried an online elementary program. There is also concern over
the lack of human interaction the students would have. The BOSS program focuses on supporting the
students and requires them to come in person if they aren’t progressing. It is a partnership between the
school, the parents, and the students. The goal of an online elementary would be very similar. Flexibility,
increased student anxiety, and family choice are cited as reasons parents may choose an online option.
Another opinion was expressed that we could potentially save students who are unable to attend brick and
mortar buildings through an online program and if we can save any students, it would be worth it.

Clarification was made that this is just something Mr. Kress would like to explore. The findings would be
brought back to the board for the decision to move forward or not. It may be decided that it is not a good
option for our district. However, Mr. Kress would like to explore the option with no plan to implement it
until 2027-28 if it is decided to be a good fit. Mr. Kress would like to start with a survey of parents to see
if they think it would be beneficial for our community. The board granted Mr. Kress permission to explore
the option of an Elementary Online School.

Legislative Update (Information) — The budget hearing has been postponed. We are hoping that we will
continue to be spared from budget cuts. HB 623, the Moment of Silence Bill, looks likely to pass. It
mandates holding a daily 1-minute moment of silence in each building. The “Recess Bill” mandates a 20-
minute daily outdoor recess for student in K-5" grade, with indoor accommodations if weather prevents
outdoor activity. It also encourages schools to provide other physical activities throughout the day.
Individuals can still miss recess for discipline issues, but the whole class cannot be withheld from recess.
Mr. Kress believes this one may proceed through the legislature.

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.

Curriculum Update (Action) — Mrs. Walker spoke about the novels that were introduced for review last
month. The curriculum committee reviewed several titles with no concerns. Two novels, The Help and A
Raisin in the Sun, were met with concern. Some committee members feel that the opt-in process empowers
parents to have a say in what their students are exposed to. As a district we feel, and the law requires, that
we are transparent with our patrons. Mrs. Walker shared a synopsis, key plot points, and areas of concern
for both novels in question. Curriculum is an emotionally charged subject within the committee and in our

2 Board Meeting Minutes 3/19/2026

community. The committee does recommend approving all novels. Hamlet, The Help, and A Raisin in the
Sun would all require opt-in letters. If a parent has questions about a particular novel, they are given the
opportunity to contact the school or Mrs. Walker to get more detailed information about the specific
novels. Discussion was held about each board members feelings regarding approving the novels. Mr.
Barlow moved that the board of trustees approve the curriculum recommendations, with the exception of
The Help and A Raisin in the Sun, as presented by Mrs. Walker. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All
approved.

Mr. Chapman motioned that A Rasin in the Sun be approved as a novel study in our curriculum. Mr.
Mercado seconded the motion. Mrs. Marlow- aye, Mr. Mercado- aye, Mr. Chapman- aye, Ms. Shoyo- aye,
Mr. Barlow- nay. The motion is approved.

Mr. Chapman motioned that the Board of Trustees NOT approve The Help as a novel study in our
curriculum. Mr. Barlow seconded the motion. All approved.

2025-26 School Calendar (Action) — Mr. Kress shared our 2025-26 school calendar with the board. Every
year we account for snow days in our instructional hours. We have had no snow days this year. Mr. Kress
would like to adjust the calendar and give the students a “snow day” on the last day of school. The last
student day would be Wednesday, May 27", and would be a full instructional day. Staff would still be
expected to work on May 28" and 29" to facilitate end-of-the-year activities and obligations. Mr.
Chapman moved that the board of trustees approve the change to the 2025-26 Calendar as presented by
Mr. Kress. Mr. Barlow seconded the motion. All approved.

Rezoning Update (Action) — The rezoning committee met 4 times to finalize a recommendation to present
to the board. Mr. Kress shared a PowerPoint presentation with the board. Our current number of seniors
is 365 students. We only have 226 Kindergarten students. We are a shrinking district. Other districts in
our area are struggling with this issue as well. We are funded by the state for 204 Certified positions. We
currently have 227 Certified staff members. We will be reducing 5 Certified Elementary positions, all
through natural attrition. Our K-5" grade classrooms are currently under capacity by 201 students.
Financially, we cannot sustain this. We need to redistribute our students. Generally, a rezoning is prompted
due to a visible stressor such as overcrowded classrooms and buildings. Our stressor is financial. The
recommendation from the committee is to redistribute students in the Ridge Crest, Groveland, and
Wapello zones. Current 4" graders can choose to remain at Ridge Crest Elementary for their final year.
This does not allow younger siblings to remain in that school as well. Mr. Chapman moved that the board
of trustees approve the rezoning plan as presented by Mr. Kress. Mr. Barlow seconded the motion. All
approved.

Extended Resource Consolidation (Information) - Mr. Kress shared the following statement:
“With the approved rezoning, Ridge Crest Elementary School will have at least 5 vacant
classrooms. This provides us with an opportunity to consolidate a very important program we have
in the Blackfoot School District. Currently our elementary “extended resource” classrooms are
housed in three separate buildings: Kindergarten and 1* grade at Riverbend Elementary School,
2™ grade and 3 grade at Donald D. Stalker Elementary School, and 4" grade and 5" grade at
Groveland Elementary School. This mandates three transitions, moving buildings, for some of our
most vulnerable students in the district. For some, the impact of these transitions can take quite a
while to overcome. |
With the vacant classrooms at Ridge Crest Elementary School, I would like to investigate the
consolidation of our elementary “extended resource” classrooms to Ridge Crest Elementary School.
I must acknowledge that this may not be a long-term solution. Should Ridge Crest Elementary
School start growing due to residential development AND that development bringing school-aged
children, we would need to start adding teachers back to Ridge Crest and would need those
classrooms. So, I am not sure of which is the right answer, keep things as they are or consolidate

3 Board Meeting Minutes 3/19/2026

while we can? I would like to send out a survey to the parents of our extended resources students

to inquire of their wishes.
Mr. Kress shared that the Ridge Crest principal supports investigating this option. Concern was shared
over the potential of having the students change buildings again if there is growth in the next few years.
However, the Elementary Extended Resource students currently transition to 3 separate buildings. There
is a K-1 location, a 2-3 location, and a 4-5 location. The board granted permission for Mr. Kress to do
further research regarding the Consolidation of the Extended Resource classrooms.

Motion to Executive Session (Action) — Mr. Mercado 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.

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. Ms. Shoyo — aye. Mr. Barlow — aye. The motion passed.

March 19, 2026
9:02 p.m.

Executive Session

Mr. Kress presented the personnel recommendations.

The board reconvened into open session at 9:23 p.m.

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 February bills, student

trips, and BPAC events. Mr. Mercado seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS

New Hires
Rieley Kent
Shantelle Shurtz

Transfers

Heidi Cornell
Patricia Wheatley
Cason Zehntner

Extracurricular
Brittany Rainsdon
Josh Stewart
Kristen Thomas

Resignations/Retirements
Sharlene Bitter

Erin Davis
Kristin Earley (5/29/26)
Carla McNeil (5/29/26)

Position
Classroom Paraprofessional (28 hrs)
Indian Education Para (28 hrs)

From

Math Teacher- MVMS
4" Grade Teacher- RC
3" Grade Teacher- RC

Position

Tennis Assistant Coach
Track Assistant Coach
Track Assistant Coach

Position

Health Care Assistant- RN
Media Paraprofessional (PT)
Kindergarten Teacher
Career Center Advisor

March 19", 2026

Location
STA
STA

To
Teacher- BOSS
Interventionist- RC
Teacher- GRO or RB

Location
BHS
BHS
BHS

Location
DW
GRO
STA
BHS

Board Meeting Minutes 3/19/2026

Linda Pilster (5/29/26) Interventionist RC
Adam Smith (5/29/26) 5" Grade Teacher FH
Tyrel Smith (5/29/26) Social Studies Teacher BHS

Future Agenda Items (Information) — We would like to have a recognition of the CTE students held at
the Student Center every January. The board loves having students attend our meetings to be recognized.
They would like to see groups coming in more often. Elementary students could be invited in as well.

Adjournment (Action) — Mr. Barlow moved that the March meeting of the board of trustees be

adjourned. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:29 pm.

Th ez LZ el; Qunna) WNotteho
ary Jo oy, Chairvoman Jennifer Hatch, Clerk

5 Board Meeting Minutes 3/19/2026

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55
FINANCIAL REPORT
For the Month Ending:
February 28, 2026

ZIONS BANK

M & O- CMIA Account $ 1,025,282.08

Outstanding Checks $ (246,106.26)

ZIONS BANK M&O TOTAL $ 779,175.82
DOL EVANS BANK { School Lunch) $ 335,032.28

INVESTMENTS - GENERAL OPERATIONS

State Investment Poo! $ 10,332,130.84
PETTY CASH
District Balance 2/28/2026 $ 3,500.00

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - February, 2026 $__11,449,838.94

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - February, 2025 $__12,490,169.20

Attachment A

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55

CASH FLOW STATEMENT
ALL DISTRICT FUNDS
For the Month Ending:
February 2026

February 1, 2026 Balance Forward: $_—_—«8 391,343.41
REVENUE:

Base State Support $ 6,518,896.54

Federal - Child Nutrition $ 88,778.13

Federal - Title |-A $ 83,792.38

Federal - IDEA $ 73,929.36

Other State Support $ 60,524.50

Federal - PL 81-874 impact Ald $ 56,069.00

Federal - Title Il-A Improving Teacher Quality $ 43,843.86

Earning Interest $ 29,078.89

Local - Property Tax $ 22,586.77

Local - Consortium Paper $ 21,503.78

Local - Child Nutrition $ 17,667.78

State - Career/Technical Education (C.T.E.) $ 16,698.00

Local Revenue (Rent, Donations, Tuition, Etc.) $ 10,983.60

Federal - IDEA Preschool $ 2,691.75

Federal - Title I!l-Federal EL $ 2,279.46

TOTAL REVENUE: $ 7,049,323.80

EXPENDITURES:

February Payroll $ 2,769,962.62

Bond Payment $ 314,665.63

Transportation $ 291,447.91

Security Contract Services - SRO's $ 105,000.00

Custodial Contract $ 102,456.16

IDEA Contract Services $ 89,206.61

Utilities/Telephone $ 79,055.72

Instructional Suppplies $ 72,417.54

Food Services $ 70,608.99

Bidg. Repair, Maint., Supplies, Equip. $ 51,866.58

Technology Supplies $ 15,717.82

Travel, Mileage Reimb., In-service $ 12,637.77

Contract Services $ 10,373.60

Technology Contract Services $ 5,411.32

TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $ 3,980,828.27

NET DECREASE IN CASH POSITION: $ 3,058,495.53
ENDING BALANCE: $ 11,449,838.94
G
FY26 Budgeted Revenue $ 39,067,007.00
FY26 Revenue To Date $ 35,062,078.67 89.7%
FY26 Budgeted Expenditures $ 38,783,678.00
FY26 Expenditures To Date $ 22,092,224.13 57.0%
FY25 Actual Total Revenue $ 36, 126,435.67
FY25 Actual Revenue thru 06/30/2025 $ 34,490,209.87 95.5%
FY25 Actual Total Expenditures $ 36,473,638.03
FY25 Actual Expenditures thru 06/30/2025 $ 20,261,761.44 55.6%

Crain Dis

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