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minutes meeting date 2026-09-17 · fetched 2026-10-25 · 23405 characters · official file · plain text
Ririe Joint School District #252 Thursday September 17, 2026 7:00 pm Regular School Board Meeting Minutes 7:00 pm – The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees met on Thursday September 17, 2026 at 7:00 pm for their regular monthly School Board Meeting, which was also streamed live as a courtesy on: Ririe Bulldogs YouTube Channel 2. Board Chair Hansen welcomed all those in attendance and asked everyone to please rise and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. All did so. 7:00 pm – Board Chair Hansen asked that roll call be taken. Roll call was taken and those in attendance were as follows: Board Chair Mike Hansen, Board Vice Chair Dallin Howell, Board Trustee & Assistant Treasurer Darby Taylor, Trustee Brigham Cook, Trustee Kevin Landon, Superintendent Jeff Gee, Business Manager/Co Treasurer Trapper McCallister, and School Board Clerk/Treasurer Kristi Hamilton. 7:01 pm - Board Chair Hansen informed that the agenda would need to be amended tonight. He entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to amend the agenda by adding Item 10.3/CHC Foundation AG/CTE Building Tools Grant, in good faith due to the Grant award information coming in after the agenda was posted. Brigham seconded; passed unanimously. Brigham then made a motion to change the verbiage on Item 10.2 to Broaden Discussion of Potential Building Sites of a new Elementary School. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. 7:02 pm – Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to set and adopt the amended agenda. Brigham made a motion to set and adopt the agenda as amended. Dallin seconded, passed unanimously. 7:02 pm – Item 5/Scheduled Delegations – Discussion/Action Items a. City of Ririe – Pam Huffaker informed that she had some information from the City tonight. She then asked Superintendent Gee to display the map she sent him regarding the Maverick intersection project. She informed that the project is set to begin on October 1st, and the intersection will remain open the entire time. She then went on to explain the remainder of the map and project. Pam asked that the buses be careful and follow the flaggers. She then explained where adding crosswalks have been discussed. Brigham asked where the sidewalks are going to be. Pam explained. Board Chair Hansen asked when they plan to be finished. Pam explained. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen thanked Pam for the updates. Pam asked how the bus loading and unloading at the elementary school is going. Superintendent Gee commented it has been going well, but they are still trying to figure out how to keep people from walking between the buses. Brigham asked if our buses have arms on them. Superintendent Gee informed that yes they do on the front, but they don’t swing out into the other lane. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee informed that they have painted the sidewalk yellow to keep people back, but some people are still not following that. b. Department Updates Positive Happenings – Superintendent Gee brought up the list of Positive Happenings and reviewed. He gave an update on the AG/CTE Building and informed that the Dust Collection System is ready to be installed. He informed that we are getting really close to being able to occupy the building. He then informed that we have received 2 Grants from the CHC Foundation. One for $4,000 for wrestling mats, and the other for $15,000 for tools for the AG/CTE Building. He thanked the CHC Foundation for their support. He then gave a brief update on the Homecoming festivities. He then informed that Darby was nominated for the 2026 Rigby Chamber of Commerce Service Award. He commented that although she was not the recipient of the award this year, it is quite an honor to be nominated for this. He commented that Darby has been a champion for kids. He congratulated her for being nominated for this award. High School Report – Dr. Teske commented that it is always fun to present all the good things that are happening. He informed that he is still tracking data, mainly attendance and class participation at this point of the year. He informed that he was able to get into almost every classroom this week to observe. He commented that student behavior has been really good so far. He commented that kids are starting to understand the expectations. He then brought up some pictures from homecoming week and explained. He commented that homecoming week is the 2nd busiest week, next to graduation. He then informed that enrollment numbers at the Jr/Sr High School are back where they started at last year. Elementary School Report – Superintendent Gee informed that Mrs. Westfall was not able to attend tonight, but will be at the meeting in October to give an update/report on the Elementary School. Special Education Report – Nothing to report tonight. 7:17 pm – Item 6/Unscheduled Delegations - Call to the Public. Board Chair Hansen informed that the Board will allow 3 minutes per person, per topic. All Comments are expected to be respectful and directed to the Board as a whole. Comments regarding District Personnel and/or Students are prohibited. The Board will NOT discuss, approve, or disapprove any topic brought before the Board during Unscheduled Delegations; but may include it on a future agenda for Board discussion. He then asked if anyone had signed up to address the Board or if there were any emails submitted. There were none. 7:17 pm – Item 7/Unfinished Business a. Discussion/Action Item – ISBA Policy Updates – 2nd & Final Reading. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions or further discussion needed on these Policy updates. There being none, he entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Readings of the ISBA Policy Updates. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. b. Discussion/Action Item – School Board Policy; Section 6000 – 2nd & Final Reading. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions on this section. There being none, he entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve the 2nd & Final Reading of School Board Policy; Section 6000 as reviewed. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. 7:18 pm – Item 8/New Business a. Discussion/Action Item – ISBA Policy Updates – 1st Readings. Superintendent Gee informed that he would like to table this until next month. b. Discussion/Action Item – HS Volleyball team trip to University of Utah. Superintendent Gee informed that the HS Volleyball coaches approached Mr. Harris asking if it would be possible for them to take their team to University of Utah to watch a college level volleyball game. He informed that Board Policy does not allow teams to travel in personal vehicles with their coaches, but coaches have been allowed to rent a van and transport their teams to such events. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the request of the HS Volleyball Coaches to transport their team out of state to attend a college level volleyball game. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. c. Discussion/Action Item – Election Day School Closure. Superintendent Gee informed that the new law stating that school cannot be in session on Election Days if the school is a polling location does not go into effect until next year, however, our Elementary School has an issue where the Auditorium foyer is not a good location and is too dark, therefore the polling committee would like to hold Elections in the Cafeteria or Elementary Gym this November. He commented that if this happens, school will need to be canceled at the Elementary that day. He asked the Board if they want to cancel school district-wide that day or just at the Elementary School. Darby asked if there are enough extra days built into the calendars to cover this. Superintendent Gee commented that there are plenty of days at the elementary school, but grades 9-12 only have 2 extra days. Brigham commented that he thinks the Jr/Sr High School should remain in session that day. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee commented that if the Jr/Sr High School kids just decide to stay home that day, or need to stay home to help with younger siblings, it will hurt us on attendance. He informed that we are better off taking the day as a closure day, rather than report low attendance. Superintendent Gee commented that there are a number of schools who do virtual learning on days like this. He explained further. Dallin asked if we are set up well enough to do a virtual day. Darby asked Dr. Teske how he feels about a virtual day for the Jr/Sr High School. Dr. Teske commented that he feels the Jr/Sr High School should stay in session. He commented that he feels that will be best for learning. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee commented that they will advertise what is going to happen really well from here on out. He commented it will still be a work day for the teachers at the Elementary School. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the Elementary School closure on election day on November 3, 2026. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. 7:32 pm – Item 9/Executive Session - Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to move into Executive Session. Darby made a motion to move out of Open Session at this time, pause the livestream, and move into Executive Session to discuss personnel, student & property items pursuant to Idaho Code §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(c)(3), Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Roll call vote was called. Board Chair Mike Hansen, Vice Chair Dallin Howell, Darby Taylor, Brigham Cook, and Kevin Landon were all in favor by individual votes of “aye”. The public was asked to step out into the hall at this time and the livestream meeting was paused during Executive Session. 7:32 pm - - The Ririe Joint School District #252 Board of Trustees having properly opened Executive Session pursuant to section §74-206 (1)(a)(b)(c)(3), Idaho Code, in the Ririe JR/SR High School Media Center, directly thereupon entered into discussion of all items on the Executive Session agenda. 8:20 pm – Superintendent Gee invited the public back into the Board Room at this time and the livestream was resumed. 8:20 pm - Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to move out of Executive Session and move back into Open Session at this time to discuss all remaining items on the Open Session Agenda. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 8:21 pm – Item 10/Reports – Discussion/Action Items a. Superintendent Report School Board/Admin Dinner – Superintendent Gee asked if the Board if they would still like to do this and get it scheduled. Brigham suggested tabling this until next month. ISBA Annual Convention – Superintendent Gee informed everything regarding this has been taken care of. CHC Grant Awarded to purchase Tools for the AG/CTE Building. He informed that the district will be reimbursed up to $15,000 from the CHC for tools purchased. He explained further. He asked the Board for permission to spend $15,000 on tools. He informed that Jake and Jon put a list together of tools that are needed. He informed that the Grant is very specific. Brief discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Brigham made a motion to approve the district to spend up to $15,000 on tools for the new AG/CTE Building as discussed and outlined in the Grant, with the understanding that the funds will be reimbursed by the CHC Foundation. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. b. Business Manager Report Stosich Meadows Discussion – This item was changed to Broaden Discussion of Potential Building Sites of a new Elementary School, as per the amendment of the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. Trapper commented that they heard back from the realtor regarding one of the proposed locations to build a new Elementary School. He informed that the first plans are out the window and the land owner is open to discussing other locations. Superintendent Gee commented where the most cost effective location on that property would be. He displayed a map and explained. Discussion occurred. Brigham commented that he does not think we are ready to pursue anything at this point because there are a lot of other things that need to be discussed. He commented that over the last 10 years, the district has unsuccessfully been able to pass any bonds, such as; the wrestling facility, added gym space, and a transportation facility, and pursuing building something that will take our full bonding capacity away for the next 15 years, without a plan for other things that might come up is not a good idea. He commented that he does not feel we need to rush into this, but rather take a step back, and make sure we have a good facilities plan and 10-year plan in place. He asked how we will be able to address things if we use all of our bonding capacity. He continued to explain his thoughts. Board Chair Hansen commented that there might be some things that are needed before building a new Elementary School. He commented that if we were to bond for our max capacity to build a New Elementary and then in 2-3 years the State Inspector comes in and says we cannot use the Old Gym anymore, or our Transportation Building needs to be replaced, we won’t be able to take care of those things because we have max’d out our bonding capacity. Superintendent Gee commented that they would never recommend bonding for our full capacity. He commented that another thing is we never know for sure what our enrollment will be and next year we might be right back in the same situation of not having enough space. He explained further. Dallin commented that looking at the data, besides the sophomore class, we have been quite consistent with our enrollment. He commented that there are a lot of homes coming in and most of our students now are in district, rather than a high percentage of out of district kids. Dallin commented that the low enrollment this year in Kindergarten could just be an anomaly, but from what he has read, they are seeing a drop in enrollment nationwide. He explained further. He commented that we know we are going to grow, because of all of the developments in our area, but what we don’t know is how fast and how much of that will affect our schools. Kevin commented that we obviously need a space for a new School, but where will the money be better spent? He asked if a new High School should be built, rather than an Elementary School. He commented that he doesn’t know if building a High School is financially feasible, but would like to have that discussion. Brigham commented that is why he thinks a plan is necessary, with a list of things of what is most needed and determine how urgent those needs are. Kevin commented we need to determine what the highest priority items are. Brigham commented that when the discussion occurred regarding a wrestling area and practice gym, the architect at that time commented that we needed to be discussing building a new High School. He commented those might not have been his exact words, but close, and he feels it merits a discussion. Trapper commented that he feels like he has no direction from the Board at this point and he needs one. He commented that half of the Board feels one way and the other half feels another way. Dallin commented that he agrees with Brigham on this. Brigham commented that he feels that Kevin, Mike and Darby need to opine on what they think. He commented that he would like Trapper to put a list together of what is needed over the next 10-years. He commented that he would rather have the list be a mile long, and then the Board can knock things off that they feel aren’t realistic. Board Chair Hansen commented that he feels there is nothing wrong with having a list and plan of action. He commented that he knows by doing this it feels like we are taking a step backwards, which he doesn’t like, but he still feels it is worth having a conversation about what is needed most and what will be best. He explained further. Board Chair Hansen commented that he doesn’t like spinning the wheels with the same conversations over and over, but he also doesn’t want to get down the road and have things that should have been done first put off because we don’t have any more funding. He suggested putting together a wish list of the top 5 things that need to be done. He explained. Trapper commented that if the Board is not wanting to max out our bonding capacity, a High School cannot be built unless it is done in a 2-part bond, which would take years to complete because the first bond would have to be paid off before we could bond for more. He informed that to build a High School, at current costs, the amount would be roughly 54 million dollars, where building an Elementary School would be approximately 22-24 million dollars. He commented that currently our bonding capacity is 26 million, which if we built an Elementary School, that would leave us with an additional 2-4 million left to bond, which could be used for other things that might come up. He explained further. Discussion occurred. Superintendent Gee commented that he and Trapper will put a list together and bring it to next month’s Board meeting to continue this discussion. He commented that he feels the Board should hesitate putting this off for too long. Brigham suggested having this discussion during a Work Meeting next month. Superintendent Gee informed that we will have to get our banker involved if the Board wants to run multiple bonds over several years. He explained in detail what will need to be discussed with the Board and the banker. Second Lightweight Wrestling Mat – Superintendent Gee informed that Matt received a $4000 grant from the CHC Foundation towards the purchase a new lightweight wrestling mat. He informed that Mr. Harris would like permission to purchase the mat, which the funds will be reimbursed by the CHC Foundation through the Grant. He commented that the other mat is old and heavy and the new mat will match our current high school gym mats. He informed that the old mat will be moved to the old gym wrestling room. He informed that the wrestling fund will pay for half of the mat and the athletic department will pay about $4,000 towards it also. He commented that the current quote for the mat is approximately $17,000, but that was without shipping added, so they are asking the Board to approve up to $17,500 to cover the cost of the matt and the shipping. Brief discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Kevin made a motion to approve the purchase of a new wrestling mat, with a cost up to $17,500, with the CHC Foundation reimbursing $4,000 of the costs after purchase. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Physician’s Referral – Stacey Barrett informed that when Special Ed Contracts were approved at a prior meeting, one was approved for someone to do billing, however, that has changed. She informed that the rules changed and we are now required have to have a Nurse Practitioner do that, and with that, the cost is a little higher. She commented that before the cost for the district was $1,700 per year, and now due to the change it will be $2,500 per year. She explained further. Discussion occurred. Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve the Physician’s Referral Billing Contract as presented tonight for a cost of $2,500 per year. Darby seconded; passed unanimously. 8:53 pm – Item 11/Personnel – Action Items a. Applicant’s A, B, C, D, E, F, G - Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Darby made a motion to approve Applicant’s A, B, C, D, E, F, & G for hire as recommended by Administration. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. b. Employee’s A – Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Darby made a motion to approve moving Employee A from a part-time position to full time. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. 8:54 pm – Item 12/Students – Action Items. There was no action needed on these items tonight. 8:54 pm – Item 13/Consent Agenda Items - Discussion/Action Items a. Action Item – Approve School Board Regular Meeting Minutes (8-20-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Regular Minutes. There were none. b. Action Item – Approve School Board Work Meeting Minutes (8-20-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Work Meeting Minutes. There were none. c. Action Item – Approve School Board Special Meeting Minutes (9-8-26). Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any corrections and/or changes to the Special Meeting Minutes. There were none. d. Action Item – Approve Bills Payable Report. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions regarding the Bills Payable Report. There were none. e. Action Item – Approve Financial Report – Trapper went over the financial report in detail. He informed that the target for this month is 17%. He informed that overall we are at 15%. He informed that we are on a better track overall with the budget this year. Brigham asked how concerned he is with the drop in enrollment this year. Trapper commented that we have a 3% protection from the state, and once we know for sure what we are going to receive in funding, he can better answer that. Superintendent Gee informed that when the budget is built, they always budget lower than they believe the funding will be. He explained further. Trapper commented that there are a lot of variables that go into planning the budget and at this point the real question is whether or not the state will give some more funding since they did a holdback last year. He commented that he will keep the Board informed. There were no questions. f. Action Item – Approve Schools Activity Funds Report. Board Chair Hansen asked if there were any questions on the Schools Activity Funds Report. There were none. 8:57 pm – There being no further discussion on the above Consent Agenda Items, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion. Dallin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items as presented and process the Bills Payables. Kevin seconded; passed unanimously. 8:58 pm – Item 14/Review Work Items Superintendent Gee and Trapper will work on putting together a draft 10-year bonding plan for discussion at next month’s Work Meeting The Board and Administration will discuss and schedule a dinner in the October Regular School Board Meeting Superintendent Gee, Dallin and Kevin will review Board Policy; Section 7000 for review and a 1st Reading in the October Regular School Board Meeting The Annual District Audit Report-FY26 will be presented in the October Regular School Board Meeting 9:00 pm - There being no further discussion in tonight’s meeting, Board Chair Hansen entertained a motion to adjourn. Darby so moved. Dallin seconded; passed unanimously. Reviewed & Approved: October 15. 2026 Board Chair: Mike Hansen Board Clerk: Kristi Hamilton
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