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Fremont County Joint District #215
minutes meeting date 2026-09-14 · fetched 2026-10-25 · 19609 characters · official file · plain text
Voting Members Julianne Hill, Board Vice Chair Brett Johnson, Trustee Jon Bailey, Trustee Non-Voting Members Dr. Brandon Farris, Superintendent Dr. David Marotz, Board Clerk I. Call Meeting to Order & Pledge of Allegiance Prayer offered by Brett Johnson. Board Vice-chair, Julianne Hill, called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Pledge of Allegiance led by Jon Bailey. Prayer offered by Brett Johnson. Board Vice-chair, Julianne Hill, called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Pledge of Allegiance led by Jon Bailey. II. Public Participation None. None. III. ACTION ITEMS: A. Approval of Consent Agenda Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. 1. Personnel (Hires, Resignations, Transfers) It was proposed that the following individuals be hired: Kyla Williams -Music Para (TET) Kynli Wood -Child Nutrition (TET) Jessica Frost -Child Nutrition (ASH) Quentin Gifford -Custodian (SFH) Autumn Powell -Para (HFE) Katherine Thompson -Head Softball Coach (NF) Cory Telford- Para (NF) Timothy Hannaford -Custodian (SFH) Sarah Anderson -Para (PAR) Loralee Patterson -Para (ASH) The following individuals have submitted their resignations: Sierra Grende -Para (HFE) Jessi Basteyns -Para (HFE) Kaylie Wilson -Para (ASH) Sarah Walker -Para (TET) There were no transfers. It was proposed that the following individuals be hired: Kyla Williams -Music Para (TET) Kynli Wood -Child Nutrition (TET) Jessica Frost -Child Nutrition (ASH) Quentin Gifford -Custodian (SFH) Autumn Powell -Para (HFE) Katherine Thompson -Head Softball Coach (NF) Cory Telford- Para (NF) Timothy Hannaford -Custodian (SFH) Sarah Anderson -Para (PAR) Loralee Patterson -Para (ASH) The following individuals have submitted their resignations: Sierra Grende -Para (HFE) Jessi Basteyns -Para (HFE) Kaylie Wilson -Para (ASH) Sarah Walker -Para (TET) There were no transfers. 2. Trip Requests The Board reviewed the travel requests for the following trips: NF Wilderness Class trip to Yellowstone National Park. NF Drama trip to Orem, UT (October 9-10). The Board reviewed the travel requests for the following trips: NF Wilderness Class trip to Yellowstone National Park. NF Drama trip to Orem, UT (October 9-10). B. North Fremont Education Foundation Board Approval The North Fremont Education Foundation officers must be approved annually by the Board. The officers are listed below. Kristin Lenz-President Jeff DeFault-Vice President Tomi Lenz-Treasurer Holly Shuldberg-Secretary Motion Move to approve the North Fremont Education Foundation officers. The North Fremont Education Foundation officers must be approved annually by the Board. The officers are listed below. Kristin Lenz-President Jeff DeFault-Vice President Tomi Lenz-Treasurer Holly Shuldberg-Secretary Motion Move to approve the North Fremont Education Foundation officers. C. Bus Stops Sugar Salem School District (Updated) Sugar-Salem School District requested four bus stops located within our district boundaries that were approved last month. The ones that were sent and approved had not been updated by Sugar-Salem. Superintendent Jenks submitted an updated request. Motion: Move to approve the bus stop request from Sugar-Salem School District. Vice-chair Hill discussed concerns voiced by a patron regarding the Sugar buses and the traffic in Teton related to the addition of three stops. The patron also provided a possible solution. Sugar-Salem School District requested four bus stops located within our district boundaries that were approved last month. The ones that were sent and approved had not been updated by Sugar-Salem. Superintendent Jenks submitted an updated request. Motion: Move to approve the bus stop request from Sugar-Salem School District. Vice-chair Hill discussed concerns voiced by a patron regarding the Sugar buses and the traffic in Teton related to the addition of three stops. The patron also provided a possible solution. D. Board Policy 8200: Local School Wellness (Review) The Child Nutrition Program recently completed the first phase of its state review, which included menu audits and onsite visits at Henry’s Fork Elementary and South Fremont High School. Child Nutrition Director Judy Oliphant is currently compiling the extensive documentation required for the second phase, which will include a follow-up state onsite visit in October. As part of the required review process, the Board of Trustees must formally review Policy 8200 (Wellness Policy). There was some general discussion about the different Federal restrictions and requirements related to school lunch programs. Motion: Move to approve the formal review of Policy 8200 as required for the Child Nutrition Program state review. The Child Nutrition Program recently completed the first phase of its state review, which included menu audits and onsite visits at Henry’s Fork Elementary and South Fremont High School. Child Nutrition Director Judy Oliphant is currently compiling the extensive documentation required for the second phase, which will include a follow-up state onsite visit in October. As part of the required review process, the Board of Trustees must formally review Policy 8200 (Wellness Policy). There was some general discussion about the different Federal restrictions and requirements related to school lunch programs. Motion: Move to approve the formal review of Policy 8200 as required for the Child Nutrition Program state review. E. Digital Literacy Curriculum Approval The state requires that all students take a one-credit digital literacy course for graduation. The curriculum for this course (Digital Literacy & Technology Applications) must be approved by the Board. This course, developed by Marilee Wigginton, provides a comprehensive foundation in digital literacy, computer hardware and operating system fundamentals, productivity applications, online safety, media evaluation, digital content design, cloud collaboration, and introductory programming and AI ethics. Motion: Move to approve the Digital Literacy & Technology Applications curriculum. The state requires that all students take a one-credit digital literacy course for graduation. The curriculum for this course (Digital Literacy & Technology Applications) must be approved by the Board. This course, developed by Marilee Wigginton, provides a comprehensive foundation in digital literacy, computer hardware and operating system fundamentals, productivity applications, online safety, media evaluation, digital content design, cloud collaboration, and introductory programming and AI ethics. Motion: Move to approve the Digital Literacy & Technology Applications curriculum. F. SFHS-Forgotten Stories of World War II in Literature-Curriculum Approval South Fremont High School proposed a second-semester 12th-grade English elective, "Forgotten Stories of World War II in Literature." Designed as an alternative senior English option, the course explores survivor experiences and the impact of Joseph Stalin's regime during World War II through historical literature. Recommended Texts: To support the curriculum, the school recommends adopting two foundational texts: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys – Focuses on the Soviet labor camps and forced deportations in the Baltic States. Called of Kristoff by Eric Johnson – Highlights personal accounts of survival under totalitarian rule. Both texts were reviewed and unanimously recommended for adoption by a parent-teacher committee on September 8, 2026, as meeting state educational standards and providing strong literary value for senior students. Motion: Move to approve the SFHS Forgotten Stories of World War II in Literature curriculum. South Fremont High School proposed a second-semester 12th-grade English elective, "Forgotten Stories of World War II in Literature." Designed as an alternative senior English option, the course explores survivor experiences and the impact of Joseph Stalin's regime during World War II through historical literature. Recommended Texts: To support the curriculum, the school recommends adopting two foundational texts: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys – Focuses on the Soviet labor camps and forced deportations in the Baltic States. Called of Kristoff by Eric Johnson – Highlights personal accounts of survival under totalitarian rule. Both texts were reviewed and unanimously recommended for adoption by a parent-teacher committee on September 8, 2026, as meeting state educational standards and providing strong literary value for senior students. Motion: Move to approve the SFHS Forgotten Stories of World War II in Literature curriculum. G. Copy Machine Contract The current lease and maintenance agreement with Dex Imaging for all the copy machines in the district is expiring. They have visited each school and have compiled a new cost proposal. There are currently 17 machines under the maintenance contract, 10 of these are leased. As part of the contract, they will replace the 10 machines with new models in the highest-use locations in each school. The new machines could be installed during harvest break. Current Monthly Payment: $4,100.95 Proposed Monthly Payment: $3,958.46 All maintenance will continue to be included in the account, along with any toner, parts, or labor associated with the machines. This is a five (5) year agreement. Motion: Move to approve the copy machine contract with Dex Imaging. The current lease and maintenance agreement with Dex Imaging for all the copy machines in the district is expiring. They have visited each school and have compiled a new cost proposal. There are currently 17 machines under the maintenance contract, 10 of these are leased. As part of the contract, they will replace the 10 machines with new models in the highest-use locations in each school. The new machines could be installed during harvest break. Current Monthly Payment: $4,100.95 Proposed Monthly Payment: $3,958.46 All maintenance will continue to be included in the account, along with any toner, parts, or labor associated with the machines. This is a five (5) year agreement. Motion: Move to approve the copy machine contract with Dex Imaging. H. Idaho School Benefit Trust Shortfall (Health Insurance) The Idaho School Benefit Trust requires Fremont School District to pay $306,794.88 to help cover healthcare claims for the 2025–2026 school year. We had two payment choices: we could either pay in monthly installments of $8,522.08 starting September 30, 2026, or make a single lump-sum payment of $280,170.24, which gives us a $26,624.64 discount for paying early. To move forward and secure benefits for all members, we must make sure all past payments are up-to-date and had to email our official payment choice to the Trust by September 10, 2026. The District selected the single lump-sum payment and recommends using Federal Forest Funds to do so. Motion Move to use Federal Forest Funds to pay for the Idaho School Benefit Trust payment in one lump sum. The Idaho School Benefit Trust requires Fremont School District to pay $306,794.88 to help cover healthcare claims for the 2025–2026 school year. We had two payment choices: we could either pay in monthly installments of $8,522.08 starting September 30, 2026, or make a single lump-sum payment of $280,170.24, which gives us a $26,624.64 discount for paying early. To move forward and secure benefits for all members, we must make sure all past payments are up-to-date and had to email our official payment choice to the Trust by September 10, 2026. The District selected the single lump-sum payment and recommends using Federal Forest Funds to do so. Motion Move to use Federal Forest Funds to pay for the Idaho School Benefit Trust payment in one lump sum. I. SFH Football Field Lighting A number (5-6) of lights on the South Fremont football field have burned out. The current lights are very old and difficult to find replacement parts, so it is extremely expensive to repair. The attached proposal is to replace all the lights with newer, more efficient ones. The overall cost for lights and labor is $64,371.60. The WattSmart program estimated savings is $15,882 per year with an estimated incentive of $11,267.20. Motion: Move to approve the proposed football field lighting updates to switch over to LED and pay with plant facilities funds. A number (5-6) of lights on the South Fremont football field have burned out. The current lights are very old and difficult to find replacement parts, so it is extremely expensive to repair. The attached proposal is to replace all the lights with newer, more efficient ones. The overall cost for lights and labor is $64,371.60. The WattSmart program estimated savings is $15,882 per year with an estimated incentive of $11,267.20. Motion: Move to approve the proposed football field lighting updates to switch over to LED and pay with plant facilities funds. J. South Fremont Junior High Bathroom & Kitchen Renovation Project Proposal: SFJH Kitchen Drainage & Restroom Remodel The kitchen sewage pipes at South Fremont Junior High have rotted and are backing up. Repairing these lines requires heavy demolition through the kitchen, cafeteria, and hallway near the boys' restroom. Because of the heavy disruption, administration recommends using this opportunity to simultaneously remodel the school's outdated restrooms—a long-standing facility need identified in our 10-Year Facility Plan. Superintendent Farris has contacted Hummel Architects and Bateman Hall (General Contractor). The district can move forward with both under our original RFQ selection process. Proposed Timeline Jan 2027: Finalize designs and open project bidding. May 2027: Receive materials on site. Summer 2027: Complete construction while school is out. Funding The project will be paid for using remaining School Modernization and our Plant Facility funds. Motion: Move to authorize Superintendent Farris to engage Hummel Architects and Bateman Hall to develop a preliminary design and cost proposal for the South Fremont Junior High kitchen drainage and restroom renovation project. Project Proposal: SFJH Kitchen Drainage & Restroom Remodel The kitchen sewage pipes at South Fremont Junior High have rotted and are backing up. Repairing these lines requires heavy demolition through the kitchen, cafeteria, and hallway near the boys' restroom. Because of the heavy disruption, administration recommends using this opportunity to simultaneously remodel the school's outdated restrooms—a long-standing facility need identified in our 10-Year Facility Plan. Superintendent Farris has contacted Hummel Architects and Bateman Hall (General Contractor). The district can move forward with both under our original RFQ selection process. Proposed Timeline Jan 2027: Finalize designs and open project bidding. May 2027: Receive materials on site. Summer 2027: Complete construction while school is out. Funding The project will be paid for using remaining School Modernization and our Plant Facility funds. Motion: Move to authorize Superintendent Farris to engage Hummel Architects and Bateman Hall to develop a preliminary design and cost proposal for the South Fremont Junior High kitchen drainage and restroom renovation project. K. New Policies (Second Reading) The Board considered the second reading of the following new policies: 2353: Minute of Silence 3331: Weapons at School 5296: Limits on Teacher Union Activities 5900: Prohibition on Staff Support of Social Transitions Motion Move to adopt the second reading of the new policies. The Board considered the second reading of the following new policies: 2353: Minute of Silence 3331: Weapons at School 5296: Limits on Teacher Union Activities 5900: Prohibition on Staff Support of Social Transitions Motion Move to adopt the second reading of the new policies. L. Policy Amendments (Second Reading) The Board reviewed the second reading of updates to the following policies: 1303 Policies and Procedures to Review Annually 1405 School Board Use of Email and Social Media 2150 Copyright 3295: Hazing, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Cyber Bullying 3330: Student Discipline 3500: Student Health/Physical Screenings/Examinations 3540: Emergency Treatment 5100: Hiring Process and Criteria 5260: Abused and Neglected Child Reporting 5265: Employee Responsibilities Regarding Student Harassment 5295: Professional Employee Representation for Purposes of Negotiations 5335: Employee Use of Electronic Communications Devices (Alternatives) 5500: Personnel Records 7403 Procurement of Goods and Services for School Meal Programs 7455 Federal Debarment and Suspension 8103 Vehicles Other than School Buses Used to Transport Students 8245 Unpaid School Meal Charges Motion Move to adopt the second reading of the policy amendments. The Board reviewed the second reading of updates to the following policies: 1303 Policies and Procedures to Review Annually 1405 School Board Use of Email and Social Media 2150 Copyright 3295: Hazing, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Cyber Bullying 3330: Student Discipline 3500: Student Health/Physical Screenings/Examinations 3540: Emergency Treatment 5100: Hiring Process and Criteria 5260: Abused and Neglected Child Reporting 5265: Employee Responsibilities Regarding Student Harassment 5295: Professional Employee Representation for Purposes of Negotiations 5335: Employee Use of Electronic Communications Devices (Alternatives) 5500: Personnel Records 7403 Procurement of Goods and Services for School Meal Programs 7455 Federal Debarment and Suspension 8103 Vehicles Other than School Buses Used to Transport Students 8245 Unpaid School Meal Charges Motion Move to adopt the second reading of the policy amendments. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. Student Enrollment Summary The current enrollment (as of 8/17/2026) was 1988 students, not counting any fully online students. Below is a list of enrollments at the beginning of school for the past four years. 2023-2024 2230 2024-2025 2180 (-50) 2025-2026 2098 (-82) 2026-2027 1988 (-110) There was some discussion about the new funding formula ideas being explored by the State. The current enrollment (as of 8/17/2026) was 1988 students, not counting any fully online students. Below is a list of enrollments at the beginning of school for the past four years. 2023-2024 2230 2024-2025 2180 (-50) 2025-2026 2098 (-82) 2026-2027 1988 (-110) There was some discussion about the new funding formula ideas being explored by the State. B. Region VI ISBA Meeting (October 20) Vice-chair Hill presented information on the Region VI ISBA Meeting to be held on October 20 from 5:30–8:00 pm in Bonneville School District's Professional Development Center. Vice-chair Hill presented information on the Region VI ISBA Meeting to be held on October 20 from 5:30–8:00 pm in Bonneville School District's Professional Development Center. V. Adjourn Move to adjourn. (6:33 pm) Move to adjourn. (6:33 pm)
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