HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_11_15 Board Minutes
IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
WORK SESSION
DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM
November 15, 2011
12:00 PM
Dave Lent, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:04 pm.
Present from the Board of Trustees: Present from the Administration:
Dave Lent, Chair George Boland, Superintendent
Lisa Burtenshaw, Vice Chair Trina Caudle, Director of Secondary Education
Jerry Wixom, Treasurer Karla, LaOrange, Director of Elementary Education
Larry Haws, Trustee Lisa Sherick, Director of Student Services
Deidre Warden, Clerk Camille Wood, Director of Technology Services
Margaret Wimborne, Communications & Community
Engagement Coordinator
Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
Jerry Wixom made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. Motion carried.
WORK SESSION
a.Board In-service
i.Board Policy Review
Trustee Larry Haws reviewed Board Policy 506 – Public Complaints. The policy states that public
complaints should be made in writing. A discussion was held regarding the policy and how the
Board should respond so patrons feel their comments have been heard. Mr. Lent suggested
adding this item to a future work session agenda for further discussion.
ii.Committee Reports
Trustee Deidre Warden shared information about her recent visit to two New Tech schools in
Seattle Washington while there with her family. Deidre stated that both schools were whole
school conversions, one a school of Life Sciences in its second year and the other a STEM school
in its third year. The individuals she spoke with shared that it was critical to have a passionate
director and passionate, energetic and motivated classroom instruction monitors (teachers)
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when starting up a New Tech school. Deidre stated that even though the schools did not meet
their full enrollment the first year they had a waiting list of a hundred by the second year.
b.ISBA Conference Report
Dave Lent, Lisa Burtenshaw and Superintendent Boland attended the Idaho School Board Association’s
Annual Conference in Coeur d’Alene this past week. Lisa Burtenshaw reviewed the keynote speakers’
messages regarding teacher appreciation, classroom technology integration and Jamie Vollmer, who gave
a shout out to Idaho Falls School District 91, gave his speech on Schools Cannot Do It Alone. Lisa stated
that it felt good to know that as a district we are headed in the right direction, two of the three keynote
speakers had already shared this information with teachers in our district earlier this fall. Dave Lent added
he was proud of where we are as a district and as we continue to help students achieve the goal of being
college and career ready. Superintendent Boland reviewed information regarding the online credit
requirement. A discussion was held.
ACTION ITEMS
a.Secondary School Restructuring and New Tech Network Contract
Superintendent Boland reviewed the proposed restructuring of secondary schools which would include
two 7-8 grade middle schools, two 9-12 high schools and one alternative high school, aligning middle
school and high school boundaries and entering into a contract with New Tech Network for a new magnet
high school. A discussion was held.
Lisa Burtenshaw made a motion to separate Action Item a. in to three separate motions. Deidre Warden
seconded. With a vote of four (4) ayes and one (1) nay the motion carried.
Lisa Burtenshaw made a motion to authorize the Superintendent to enter into a contract with New Tech
Network for a new magnet high school to be located at the Clair E Gale building. Deidre Warden
seconded. Motion carried.
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Deidre Warden made a motion to restructure the secondary schools by moving the 9 grade to the high
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school and having middle schools/junior highs with 7 and 8 grades only. Jerry Wixom seconded. A
discussion was held. After of vote of five (5) nays the motion failed.
Lisa Burtenshaw made a motion to restructure the secondary schools to include two middle schools, four
high schools that include two comprehensive high schools, one magnet high school and one alternative
high school and aligning the middle school boundaries to the comprehensive high schools with the
magnet and alternative high schools having district-wide boundaries. Larry Haws seconded. A discussion
was held. The motion carried unanimously.
Jerry Wixom moved to adjourn. Deidre Warden seconded. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm.
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