Blackfoot District #55 | minutes | meeting 2026-04-23 | April
source: https://docs.d55.k12.id.us/MeetingMinutes/4_23_26.pdf

Board of Trustees’ Meeting April 23", 2026
Fort Hall Elementary 6:30 p.m.
1415 B Ave
Pocatello, 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, Board Clerk Jennifer Hatch, Director of Student Support Services Lynette Carter, Federal
Programs Director Becky Walker, Child Nutrition Director Kimberly Jepperson, Accounts Payable Clerk
Christy Bissonnette, Principal Roger Thomas, Principal Debbie Steele, and Principal Cory Loveland.

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 gave an update on construction projects in the
district. We are in the final phase of the BTEC project. The I.T. Stoddard renovation will start in the next
few weeks. The tennis courts should begin construction in the next few weeks. They will be built along
Walker St. They should be ready for the 2026-27 tennis season. We must demolish the current tennis
courts as soon as the current season concludes. The new courts will include 6 pickleball courts that will
be open to the public. The city will be responsible for providing the lights on the courts. The lights on the
current courts cannot be relocated to the new courts. Tomorrow, April 24", will be a rehoming event to
distribute the remaining items from the I.T. Stoddard building. There are some surplus items, desks, tables,
and filing cabinets that need a new home. The public is welcome to come and pick anything up at noon.
We are in the middle of ISAT testing. BHS focused on improving their performance in the tests this year.
They are showing scores that are 7% above state average in Math and ELA. It is impressive progress.
Other schools’ scores are coming in, and Mr. Kress will update on those in the future. We are having our
3™ annual Food Truck Extravaganza on May 12" in the BPAC parking lot. We will have 14 trucks this
year. We are excited for our upcoming graduations. BHS will hold their ceremony on May 28". BOSS
and IHS will hold their ceremonies on May 29".

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

Legislative Update (Information) — Mr. Kress discussed some bills that were passed in the recent
legislative session. HB785- Online Behavior defines and regulates student cyberbullying, it does include
off campus events; HB623- Moment of Silence mandates that public schools (K-12) must implement a
60-second daily moment of silence at the beginning of each school day; ISCR128 mandates that certified
staff must only use district approved platforms and devices for communication with students; SB1448-
Library Protections Act clarifies definitions in the library bill; HB623- Schools as Polling Places prohibits
in-person instruction on election days beginning January 1, 2028; HB516aaS- Teacher Union Bill restricts
which union activities can take place within school districts; HB822- Pediatric Secretive Transitions
Parental Rights Act mandates that school officials notify parents of a minor student requesting a social or
medical transition; SB1339- Strategic Performance Plan- mandates that schools must develop long-term
plans with “measurable goals” for student success; SB1339- Civics Education outlines new requirements
for instruction in history and government classes.

1 Board Meeting Minutes 4/23/2026

Board Policy 677.8: Indian Policies and Procedures (Information) — This policy must be reviewed
yearly. This is part of our partnership with the Shoshone Bannock Tribe. We do not need to make any
changes to the policy this year.

Indian Education Update (Information) — Mrs. Walker shared information about our Indian Education
program. We provide services for 650 JOM students. Everything we do is guided by the Indian Education
Parent Committee. They make sure the resources are used where they matter the most. The committee
believes in student-led, rather than student attended activities. The committee wants to encourage students
to be leaders in their culture, leaders in their community, and leaders in their schools. There will be a
student-led District pow-wow on May 2", It is one of the largest school run pow-wows in the state. We
will have 49 native students graduating this year- 33 from BHS, 9 from BOSS, and 7 from IHS. Each
graduate will be honored with a stole purchased by the IEC. Parents were asked to complete the
comprehensive needs assessment. This year we sent home papers but also made a google form available.
Parents like this option and we had good participation. Some suggestions were additional help with
homework, math, and reading within the schools. We will continue to meet this need with our Indian
Education paraprofessionals. A common theme was the desire to feel at home in our schools. Parents
suggested bringing more tribal members into the buildings to share their culture. The parents also
requested that the JOM funds are available to families in need. We use these funds to pay for caps and
gowns, library fees, etc. The Tribe is working on their truancy policies. We share attendance reports with
them. If a student has 5 or more unexcused absences, the tribe visits the family. The IEC would like to
have an incentive plan so that if a student has less than 5 days absent, they will receive an incentive prize.
We are excited that the program is empowering students and parents and building leaders for the future.
Mr. Kress invited the Indigenous Club to present to the Rotary Club a few weeks ago. The members were
amazed and impressed with the students and their plans for the future. Mrs. Marlow is so pleased with the
relationship we have with the Shoshone Bannock Tribe. We want to give our Native students every
opportunity to succeed and achieve their goals.

Request Permission for School Meal Price Increases (Information) — Mrs. Jepperson requested
permission for school price increases for the 2026-27 school year. The increase will be $0.10 for students
and $0.10 for adults. Milk prices will increase by $0.10 as well. Reduced meal prices will not change. The
state sets the price for the adult meals. Those will see a small increase as well. The increase is due to
freight, delivery, product, and gas price increases. Blackfoot Child Nutrition is in the midrange in our area,
even with those proposed increases.

T-Mobile Tower Lease (Information) — T-Mobile reached out to us regarding the opportunity to use
some of our unused land to build a cell phone tower. They would pay us a monthly lease fee. They went
through several possible location sites. The tower would be 60x60 foot fenced in area. It will be located
beyond the fence line of the JV softball outfield. They will be paying $1,000 per month in perpetuity. The
construction costs, permits, and any other miscellaneous costs are the responsibility of T-Mobile.

Bark Connected Communities Debrief (Information) — Last week we had the opportunity to have the
Bark Connected Communities team come in and do a presentation for our 4" and 5" grade students. The
focus was on Digital Citizenship. There was a parent night, and each 4" and 5" grade class had 2 class
sessions. The team talked about what it is like to be online. The Bark Connected Communities team
focuses on training and protecting our students. They teach students to be mindful of their online presence
and realize that they may not always be chatting with who you think they are. They would like to help
build relationships with parents and their kids and model how to set healthy guidelines. Images and
comments are around forever. Colleges and employers now use social media for research when making
decisions. Decisions made as a child are not made with a fully developed brain, but the consequences can
follow you into adulthood. The district sent home about 300 training phones for parents and students to
do homework lessons with. The phones will be returned after 2 weeks. It was a successful event. We hope

2 Board Meeting Minutes 4/23/2026

to continue this training in the future. We would like to do more advertisement and make it a community
event.

Superintendent Evaluation (Information) — Mrs. Marlow talked about the superintendent evaluation
process. Mrs. Hatch will email each board member the completed 2024-25 Strengths and Areas of Growth
form that was completed at last year’s evaluation. She will also send a blank evaluation form. The
evaluation paper you will receive is for your own thoughts and evaluations. This remains confidential.
Mrs. Hatch will provide the cumulative scores and all combined comments to you at the May Board
Meeting. Together you will come up with new Strengths and Areas of growth for Mr. Kress to focus on
in the 2026-27 school year. Mrs. Marlow would like Mr. Kress to do a self-evaluation. She would like
him to talk to the board about what he feels that he did right, and where he can improve. She would also
like him to talk about what the board could do to support him.

Board Trustee (Information) — Mr. Carlos Mercado met with Mr. Kress shortly after the last board
meeting. He expressed the desire to start a different path; he has many opportunities to travel in the future
and would like to spend more time with his family. He expressed his desire to resign from the board of
trustees. The board has appreciated his input and perspective and has loved working with him. He has had
some amazing life experiences that helped bring new ideas and views to the board. He will be greatly
missed.

Trustee Vacancy (Action) — Because of Mr. Mercado’s resignation, the School Board will be posting a
Zone 2 vacancy notice. We will have a special board meeting to appoint a Zone 2 Trustee. Information on
this vacancy and how to apply will be posted on Monday on the District Facebook page and District
website. Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees accept the resignation of Board Trustee Carlos
Mercado and declare a Board Trustee vacancy for Zone 2. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved.
The motion passed.

Extended Resource Consolidation (Action) — Mr. Kress read the following statement:
We have conducted a survey with the parents of current extended resource room (ERR)
students. A copy of the survey can be found in your packet. This survey was sent home with
students, and we collected the hard copy of the surveys. For all responses, the following is
the result of the survey:
62% - Consolidate all ERR services at Ridge Crest Elementary School
27% - Keep things as they are
11% - Consolidate K — 3 ERR services at Ridge Crest Elementary School
This shows a super majority (73%) are in favor of some sort of consolidation of services. If
we remove 5" grade ERR students from the responses, since they will be exiting the
program, the results are a little different:
72% - Consolidate all ERR services at Ridge Crest Elementary School
24% - Keep things as they are
4% - Consolidate K — 3™ ERR services at Ridge Crest Elementary School
This shows even a higher majority are in favor of some sort of consolidation.

I reached out to a couple of regional superintendents who also have ERR programs. Both
agreed that consolidation of services is a burden for the school that houses the program.
More specifically the administration. As a district leadership team, we have discussed this at
length. I believe there are two options to support Ridge Crest Elementary School.

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Option #1 — Hire a “Dean of Students” at Ridge Crest Elementary School who would assist
with the monitoring of services for the ERR students and assist with any additional discipline
that would come from the consolidation.

Option #2 — Have our two consulting teachers, Lecia Lopez and Saundra Eldredge, assist in
the monitoring of services for the ERR students. Any additional discipline would continue to
fall on the current principal at Ridge Crest Elementary School.

In full transparency, option #2 would not cost any additional funds, while option #1 would
cost approximately an additional $25,000. A few of the parents’ responses either encouraged
or asked about additional help for the administration. The principal at Ridge Crest is
supportive of hiring a “Dean of Students” for additional support.

I will now stand for any questions you might have. We need to make a decision regarding
this situation tonight. This should not be a new item. If consolidation is decided, we need to
begin preparing and informing parents.

The board asked for clarification on the additional cost for a Dean of Students position. There were
clarifying questions asked about the logistics of the move into one location and the staffing plans for this
consolidation. The bussing would become simpler and potentially save funds for the District. All
students will be bussed to one location. The new Dean of Students will help with additional meetings
and service requirements and additional discipline matters. They will not evaluate staff. There will be a
small amount of construction and remodeling. We will need to add 2 additional bathrooms and create
doorways between the classrooms. Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees consolidate the
elementary extended resource program at Ridge Crest Elementary School and open a position of Dean
of Students at Ridge Crest Elementary School. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The
motion passed.

Intent to Operate 2026-27 Food Service (Action) — It is a requirement for federal funding that we file
an intent to operate food service application yearly. The agreement states that we will operate all Child
Nutrition programs within the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Idaho
Department of Education Child Nutrition program. They will also operate the National Breakfast and
Lunch Programs, After School Snacks, and Summer Meals. Our Child Nutrition Program provides
approximately 2,000 meals each day to students in our district; 80% of those go to children who are
eligible for either free or reduced pricing. Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees approve the
Intent to Operate food service request for the 2026-27 school year as presented by Mrs. Jepperson. Ms.
Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Request Permission for Paper Bids (Action) — Mrs. Bissonnette requested permission to obtain bids for
paper for the 2026-27 school year. We are part of a buying consortium that includes Bingham County,
American Falls and Fremont school districts. This helps to keep our prices down. Ms. Shoyo moved that
the board of trustees approve the request to seek paper bids for the 2026-27 school year as presented by
Mrs. Bissonnette. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Roof Bid Results (Action) — Mr. Kress shared the results of the roof bid results. After reviewing bids and
evaluating contractor qualifications, Mr. Silzly recommends the project be awarded to Signature Roofing.
The total project cost should be $193,831.00. The contractor is available to begin work on June 1, 2026,
and has committed to completing all work at both Donald D. Stalker Elementary and Independence High
School prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year. This amount came in under our budget. Mr. Chapman

4 Board Meeting Minutes 4/23/2026

moved that the board of trustees approve awarding the contract from the results of the Roof Bid as
presented by Mr. Kress. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed.

Audit Bid Results (Action) — Mr. Kress and the business office reviewed the three bids that were
submitted for consideration. The committee recommends selecting Rudd & Company, PLLC for the
annual audit service with the Blackfoot School District. The company is headquartered in Rexburg, ID.
We have struggled the last few years with our audit services and need to make a change. Mr. Chapman
moved that the board of trustees approve awarding the contract from the results of the Audit Bid as
presented by Mr. Kress. Ms. Shoyo 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.

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. The motion passed.

April 23, 2026
7:50 p.m.

Executive Session

Mr. Kress presented the personnel recommendations.

The board reconvened into open session at 8:20 p.m.

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

The motion passed.

PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS April 23%, 2026
New Hires Position Location
Roque Alvarez Welding/Ag Teacher BHS
Erika Christiansen Secretary RB
Ryan-Matai Harrigfeld Ag Science Teacher BHS
Jason Lish Activities Director BHS
Amy Marlowe Interventionist/Online Elementary WAP
Lead Teacher
Machelle Matthews Kindergarten Teacher FH
Kiana Pettit First Grade Teacher FH
Kelsey Rain Purin 3" Grade Teacher STA
Anneke Sanchez Extended Resource Room Teacher MVMS
New Hires within District From To

Tracy Folsom

5 Grade Teacher- RB

3rd Grade Teacher- GRO

Board Meeting Minutes 4/23/2026

Transfers

From

To

Sara Dilg Lunch Duty Para (PT)- GRO Librarian (PT)- GRO
Tracy Folsom 5 Grade Teacher- RB 3™ Grade Teacher- GRO
Krystal Murdock Science Teacher- MVMS Alternative Teacher- MVMS
Amy Smith 1% Grade Teacher- FH 3™ Grade Teacher- FH
Benjamin Smith Alternative Teacher- MVMS Wood Teacher- MVMS
Tyler Wood 3" Grade Teacher- FH 5‘ Grade Teacher- FH
Extracurricular Position Location

Whitney Kenworthy Dance Head Coach RB
Resignations/Retirements _ Position Location

Roxana Ayala Classroom Paraprofessional (PT) GRO

Caroline Andersen Dance Head Coach BHS

Lori Bingham Elementary Music Specialist RB

Taylor Clapp Speech/Debate Teacher BHS

Heidi Cornell Track Assistant Coach MVMS

Mary Jane Cottrell Special Education Teacher STA

Twyla Dunn Special Education Para (PT) WAP

Christopher Esmerio (5/29) Special Education Para (FT) RB

Pacen Hayes Football Assistant Coach BHS

Trina Heiner 3" Grade Teacher RC

Marilyn Jefferis ERR Special Ed Para (FT) STA

Nadene Leavitt Secretary RB

Lacy Neff Child Care/Nursery Para (PT) IHS

Jessica Nelson Child Care/Nursery Para (PT) IHS

Ashlyn Phillips Media Paraprofessional (FT) MVMS

Julie Reynolds Special Education Teacher RB

Cody Shelley Athletic Director DW

Christine Silzly Principal RB

Brittany Wood Science Teacher BHS

Non-Renewal of Contract Position Location

Benjamin Alvarez Kindergarten Teacher FH

Curtis Scott 45 Grade Teacher FH

Released due to HC Resig. Position Location

Abbie Brower Dance Advisor BHS

Whitney Kenworthy Dance Advisor BHS

Personnel Item (Action) - Mr. Chapman moved that the board of trustees approve the personnel items as
presented by Mr. Kress and place employees 2026D, and 2026E on a plan of improvement and offer
employee 2026F a separation agreement. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion
passed.

Future Agenda Items (Information) — The board would like an update about the progress of construction
at I.T. Stoddard and the CTE programs. The board would like to update Board Policy 576. They would
like to add a line item that outlines how much the cost per student will be for each trip. We will need to
schedule an additional board meeting to appoint a Zone 2 Trustee.

6 Board Meeting Minutes 4/23/2026

Adjournment (Action) — Mr. Chapman moved that the April meeting of the board of trustees be
adjourned. Ms. Shoyo seconded the motion. All approved. The motion passed. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:25pm.

Mary Jo Marléw, i Jennifer Hatch, Clerk

7 Board Meeting Minutes 4/23/2026

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

ZIONS BANK

M &O-CMIA Account $  2,482,008.27

Outstanding Checks $ (217,840.18)

ZIONS BANK M&O TOTAL $ _2,264,168.09
DL EVANS BANK ( School Lunch) $ 350,704.56

INVESTMENTS - GENERAL OPERATIONS

State Investment Pool $ 7,408,387.59
PETTY CASH

District Balance 2/28/2026 $ 3,500.00
TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - March, 2026 $ 10,026,760.24

TOTAL RECONCILED DISTRICT BANK
FUNDS - March, 2025 $ 9,741,657.48

BLACKFOOT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 55

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

March 1, 2026 Balance Forward:

REVENUE:
Federal - PL 81-874 Impact Aid $ 803,052.00
Federal - IDEA $ 231,674.71
Other State Support $ 214,658.91
Federal - Titte I-A $ 182,834.38
Federal - Child Nutrition $ 88,958.37
Federal - Title I-C Migrant $ 75,203.72
Medicaid $ 71,775.66
Earning Interest $ 31,543.43
Local Revenue (Rent, Donations, Tuition, Etc.) $ 31,900.50
Federal - Title IV-A Student Support $ 16,015.72
Local - Child Nutrition $ 15,534.94
Federal - Title II-A tmproving Teacher Quality $ 14,411.86
Local - Property Tax $ 12,624.37
Federal - IDEA Preschool $ 10,121.56
State - Career/Technical Education (C.T.E.) $ 5,490.85

TOTAL REVENUE: $ 1,805,800.98

EXPENDITURES:
March Payroll $ 2,870,662.90
PERS! Delay $ (397,571.49)
Transportation $ 293,111.47
Custodial Contract $ 102,456.16
Utilities/Telephone $ 84,907.18
Instructional Suppplies S 67,381.16
Food Services $ 63,534.59
IDEA Contract Services $ 63,018.32
Contract Services $ 26,366.77
Technology Supplies $ 21,957.01
Bldg. Repair, Maint., Supplies, Equip. $ 21,094.47
Technology Contract Services $ 6,031.84
Travel, Mileage Reimb., In-service $ §,929.30

TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $ 3,228,879.68

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

2

$ 1.423.078.70

Annan

Nann

39,067,007.00
36,147,791.39
38,783,678.00
25,258,119.66

36,126,435.67
33,230,115.62
36,473,638.03
23,386,863.52

$

11,449,838.94

10,026,760.24

92.5%

65.1%

92.0%

64.1%