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minutes meeting date 2026-04-06 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 15569 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
8333 TWIN FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS School District No. 411 201 MAIN AVENUE WEST TWIN FALLS, IDAHO 83301 (208) 733-6900 MINUTES April 6, 2026 7:00 p.m. The Board held a moment of silence for the passing of Twin Falls High School Teacher, Joni Peterson L I< Call to Order - The Board of Trustees of School District No. 411, Twin Falls County, State of Idaho, met in its properly noticed/posted, regular monthly meeting at Twin Falls School District Boardroom located at 160 Gooding Street West, Twin Falls, Idaho, at the hour of 7:00 p.m., on Monday, April 6, 2026. The following trustees were present: Chairman Eric Smallwood; and Trustees Heidi Tubbs, Heidi Casdorph (via phone), and Emily Christensen. There were also present Superintendent of Schools, Brady Dickinson; Board Clerk, Michelle Lucas; Associate Superintendent, Ryan Nesmith; as well as directors, interested patrons, employees, and the news media. Vice Chairman Jayson Lloyd was unable to attend. Pledge of Allegiance - The Board of Trustees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Procedural Matters Action Items Approval of Agenda — Trustee Christensen moved to approve the agenda with the removal of items VII. 1. Student Handbooks: Rock Creek and Bickel DI Elementary Schools, and 2. Adoption of Idaho Special Education Manual (Updated). Trustee Casdorph seconded the motion, motion carried. Unscheduled Delegations (Audience to Address the Board) — Chairman Smallwood asked if there was anyone wishing to address the Board. There was one. Noah Heck of Twin Falls shared his condolences for the high school teacher, who is also one of his daughter’s teachers. Then Mr. Heck invited the Board to a viewing of The Librarians and a community discussion on the topic on Saturday, April 25" at 6:00 p.m. at the Lamphouse here in Twin Falls. Consent Calendar — Trustee Christensen moved to approve the consent calendar items A-H which included: minutes from March 2, 4, and 18, 2026 meetings; board financial reports; building financial reports; accounts payable and payroll; administrator resignation for the 2026-2027 school year from Miranda Brammer, vice principal of O’ Leary Middle School; new certified employees for 2026-2027 school year: James Cagle, SPED Behavior Teacher at Morningside Elementary School, Pat Reuter, Resource Teacher at Robert Stuart Middle School, Luke Tendick, Resource Teacher at Perrine Elementary School, and Kristina Ursenbach, ERC Teacher at Canyon Ridge High School; certified resignations at the end of MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 < 8334 2025-2026 school year: Ashqua Bliss, Consulting Teacher at Support Services, Mick Carter, Language Arts Teacher at Canyon Ridge High School, Ashley Freeman, 4th Grade Teacher at Rock Creek Elementary School, Makayla Gonzalez, 3rd Grade Teacher at Harrison Elementary School, Carissa Hill, 1st Grade Teacher at Oregon Trail Elementary School, Brent Irish, IERC Teacher at Canyon Ridge High School, Lacey Jordan, Health Teacher at O'Leary Middle School, Shaylee Kearl, 4th Grade Teacher at Perrine Elementary School, Paula Miller, Kindergarten Teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, Sam Miller, 1st Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, Cindy Oneida, ML/ESL Teacher at South Hills Middle School, David Palmer, Social Studies Teacher at Canyon Ridge High School, Carla Wherry, Social Worker at Support Services, and McKayla Zamora, 2nd Grade Teacher at Pillar Falls Elementary School; and certified retirements from Melinda Belnap, Math Teacher at South Hills Middle School, Pete Hurst, Science Teacher at Magic Valley High School, and Rose Pavlicek, 5th Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. The motion was seconded by Trustee Tubbs, and the motion passed unanimously. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Dickinson announced the certified employee of the month for the month of April, from Perrine Elementary School as Ethan Stokes, counselor, and from Rock Creek Elementary School, Tiffannie Popplewell, instructional coach. Superintendent Dickinson announced the classified employees of the month from Perrine Elementary School as Natalie Barrow, librarian, and from Rock Creek Elementary School, Kristie Corujo, secretary. Superintendent Dickinson read a brief resume about each recipient and presented them with a gift and a plaque from the Board. Instruction A. Information Items: Removed from the agenda. Removed from the agenda. Director of Secondary Programs, Wendy Ohlensehlen, Teacher and Department Head Jeremy Belliston, Teacher Travis Tarchione, and community member John Pauley presented the American Government curriculum recommendation for consideration. The current books are around 20 years old and very outdated. They shared the process and rubric the committee used, pros and cons for each book considered, and the community comments received to come to the recommendation for Magruders-American Government for $54,407.35. This item returns next month for action. Director of Secondary Programs, Wendy Ohlensehlen, and Teacher, Brett Fonnesbeck presented a new course recommendation titled Principles of Leadership- Blue Crew. This course converges the study of leadership principles with the action of building a healthy schoolwide culture and climate. Leadership theories, concepts, and skills are analyzed through class instruction and interactive activities. If approved, this will be offered as an elective and will be a year-long course starting next year at no cost to the District. This item will return next month for action. Instruction B. Action Items: None MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 — —_ _ < — — — | 8335 Budget & Finance A. Information Items: None Budget & Finance B. Action Items: Trustee Christensen moved to set the 2026-2027 Budget Hearing for the rescheduled June meeting on June 1*', 2026, at 7:15 p.m. Trustee Casdorph seconded the motion, motion carried. Trustee Christensen moved to set the 2025-2026 Amended Budget Hearing for the rescheduled June meeting on June 1*, 2026, at 7:20 p.m. Trustee Tubbs seconded the motion, motion carried. Personnel A. Information Items: Most recent classified personnel new hires, retirements, and resignations were shared with the Board. Superintendent Dickinson presented 2026-2027 units and staffing projection numbers and asked the Board to formally declare a certified reduction-in-force (RIF) for the Twin Falls School District. This resolution is needed due to our anticipated enrollment for next year. Decisions need to be made in a week or two after we receive the enrollment from Elevate Academy. In planning for the worst, the District could face a reduction of over 300 students, which equates to roughly 20 certified positions. Given that we are currently 20 positions over our state allotment, the District simply can’t afford to increase the number of positions in the District that we are not receiving state funds to support. Declaring the RIF now sets the process in motion, giving the District the most time to make decisions prior to the end of the school year when contracts are issued. Prior to RIFing any employee, the District will exhaust other strategies such as moving employees to open positions and absorbing positions through retirements and resignations. A RIF will be the last resort. This item is also listed for action this evening. Superintendent Dickinson shared his 2025-2026 Superintendent Goals update and stood for questions. He highlighted his progress towards each goal: Student Success and Future Readiness, Engagement and Empowered Staff, Family and Community Partnerships, and Safe and Supportive Learning Environments. After some discussion, Superintendent Dickinson thanked the Board for the opportunity to share the updates on his goals and get feedback from the Trustees. Superintendent Dickinson also shared that his request for next year is to have the same contract as this year, with the addition of one year for a rolling three-year contract. The Board will discuss his evaluation and evaluation letter in executive session. Personnel B. Action Items: After some discussion, Trustee Christensen moved to approve a resolution of the Board of Trustees of Twin Falls School District #411 authorizing a reduction in force for the 2026- 2027 school year as stated in the resolution. Trustee Tubbs seconded the motion. Resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Twin Falls School District has the responsibility to maintain fiscal stability and operate the District in a prudent and efficient manner; and MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 | XI. 8336 WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed projected enrollment, staffing needs, program requirements, and financial conditions affecting the District for the 2026-2027 school year; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it may be necessary to reduce or eliminate certain certificated and/or classified positions in order to maintain the financial stability of the District and align staffing with projected enrollment and program needs; and WHEREAS, District Policy 5740 Reduction in Force establishes procedures for implementing a reduction in force when necessary; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent has recommended that the Board authorize a reduction in force consistent with District policy and applicable law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED 1. The Board of Trustees hereby determines that a Reduction in Force (RIF) may be necessary for the 2026-2027 school year due to financial considerations, program changes, and/or enrollment adjustments. ve The Superintendent is authorized and directed to implement the Reduction in Force in accordance with District policy, applicable state law, and negotiated agreements, including identifying positions to be reduced or eliminated. 3. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to provide notice to affected employees, conduct any required hearings or procedures, and take all actions necessary to carry out the Reduction in Force. 4. The Superintendent shall report to the Board regarding the implementation of the Reduction in Force and any recommended personnel actions resulting from this process. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Trustees of Twin Falls School District on this 6th day of April, 2026. Board Goals A. Information Items: The Board discussed and gave input for the Community Partner in Education nomination suggestions. To keep it a secret and surprise the recipients with recognition at the high school graduation ceremonies, the Board suggested the finalists. Board Goals B. Action Items: None Future Agenda Items: Education Law Institute is on April 27" and 28" in Boise, and all Trustees are scheduled to attend. Superintendent Dickinson reminded the Board that at the April 22, 2026 board meeting, Tyler Matlock, Bridge Academy, Araceli Huicochea, South Hills Middle School, Amy McBride, Robert Stuart Middle School, and Ace Marcellus, O’ Leary Middle School, will be with us to present their building summaries and to participate in a discussion with the Board. Executive Session Since there was no other business to come before the Board, Trustee Christensen moved that the Board retire into executive session as per Idaho Code 74-206(1) subsections (b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of employees, staff members and public school students; (d) to MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 8337 consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code; and (j) to discuss labor contract matters authorized under section 74-206 (1)(a) and (b), Idaho Code. Trustee Tubbs seconded the motion. Chairman Smallwood asked the Clerk, Michelle Lucas, to verbally poll the Board. Roll call vote was as follows: Chairman, Eric Smallwood — Yes; Trustee, Heidi Tubbs — Yes; Trustee, Heidi Casdorph — Yes; and Trustee, Emily Christensen — Yes. With 2/3" of the Board's governing body voting yes, the motion carried. The Board convened into executive session at 6:20 p.m. Personnel issue was discussed from 6:20 p.m. to 6:21 p.m. Student discipline was discussed from 6:21 p.m. to 6:23 p.m. as per Section 33-205 and 74- 206(1)(b) The Board considered one student's hearing and took action accordingly. Such action shall be documented in the student’s educational record and is confidential pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable state and federal code and regulation provisions. Labor contract negotiations were discussed from 6:23 p.m. to 6:26 p.m. Superintendent Dickinson’s evaluation was discussed from 6:26 p.m. to 6:44 p.m. The meeting opened to the public at 6:44 p.m. Trustee Tubbs moved to remove Employee A from administrative leave as recommended. Trustee Christensen seconded the motion. Motion carried. Trustee Tubbs moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Christensen seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Chairman, Eric Smallwood ATTEST: “/ Michelle Lucas MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 945 TWIN FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS School District No. 411 201 MAIN AVENUE WEST TWIN FALLS, IDAHO 83301 April 6, 2026 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES The Board of Trustees of Twin Falls School District #411 met in executive session on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:20 p.m., at Twin Falls School District Boardroom located at 160 Gooding Street West, Twin Falls, Idaho. Chairman Eric Smallwood conducted the meeting. Trustees Emily Christensen, Heidi Tubbs, and Heidi Casdorph (via phone), along with Superintendent of Schools Brady D. Dickinson, Associate Superintendent Ryan Nesmith, Board Clerk Michelle Lucas, and Director of Human Resources Shannon Swafford, were in attendance. Since there was no other business to come before the Board, Trustee Christensen moved that the Board retire into executive session as per Idaho Code 74-206(1) subsections (b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of employees, staff members and public school students; (d) to consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code; and (j) to discuss labor contract matters authorized under section 74-206 (1)(a) and (b), Idaho Code. Trustee Tubbs seconded the motion. Chairman Smallwood asked the Clerk, Michelle Lucas, to verbally poll the Board. Roll call vote was as follows: Chairman, Eric Smallwood — Yes; Trustee, Heidi Tubbs — Yes; Trustee, Heidi Casdorph — Yes; and Trustee, Emily Christensen — Yes. With 2/3" of the Board's governing body voting yes, the motion carried. The Board convened into executive session at 6:20 p.m. Personnel was discussed from 6:20 p.m. to 6:21 p.m. Student discipline was discussed from 6:21 p.m. to 6:23 p.m. as per Section 33-205 and 74-206(1)(b) The Board considered one student's hearing and took action accordingly. Such action shall be documented in the student’s educational record and is confidential pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable state and federal code and regulation provisions. Labor contract negotiations were discussed from 6:23 p.m. to 6:26 p.m. Superintendent Dickinson’s evaluation was discussed from 6:26 p.m. to 6:44 p.m. The meeting opened to the public at 6:44 p.m. Trustee Tubbs moved to remove Employee A from administrative leave as recommended. Trustee Christensen seconded the motion. Motion carried. Trustee Tubbs moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Christensen seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Ex . Md) ATTEST: Chairman, Eric Smallwood Clerk, Michelle Lucas MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
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