HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_08_23 Board Minutes
IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD WORK SESSION
DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM
August 23, 2011
12:00 Noon
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Trustees met in Executive Session pursuant to [Idaho Code §67-2345 (1) (b) Personnel]
Present from the Board of Trustees: Present from the Administration:
Dave Lent, Chairman George Boland, Superintendent
Lisa Burtenshaw, Vice Chair Trina Caudle, Director of Secondary Education
Jerry Wixom, Treasurer Karla, LaOrange, Director of Elementary Education
Deidre Warden, Clerk Lisa Sherick, Director of Student Services
Larry Haws, Trustee Camille Wood, Director of Technology Services
Dana Wood, Director of Operations
Margaret Wimborne, Communications Specialists
Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk
Dave Lent, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:08 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deidre Warden.
WORK SESSION
a.Board In-service
i.Board Policy Review – Larry Haws, Trustee
Trustee Larry Haws led a review of Board Policy Section 1, Mission & Strategic Plan
ii.Committee Reports
No reports.
b.Consolidation Study Discussion
A discussion was held regarding the findings presented on August 17, 2011, by Dr. Terri Akey, Education
Northwest, and whether or not to pursue a consolidation of Idaho Falls School District 91 and Bonneville
Joint School District 93. The study indicated that in a district of 20,000 students there’s a certain
administrative structure that goes along with that. After looking at the same structures in other states,
and the costs associated with it, within Idaho it would cost more than both districts are currently spending
combined. Salary equalization would have to be addressed and the tax implication, regarding bonding,
supplemental levies and plant facility levies, creates a disproportionate tax liability for one set of patrons.
The board discussed the need to educate the community about boundaries, several businesses that are
located within the Idaho Falls city limits are not within the Idaho Falls School District 91 boundaries,
8/23/2011 District 91 Board Minutes Page 1 of 2
therefore those taxing dollars are benefiting Bonneville School District 93. The board would like to pursue
working with District 93 Board of Trustees to see if there are other things that could be done to
cooperatively work together without a full blown consolidation.
c.Vision/Mission & Strategic Planning
Superintendent Boland led a discussion regarding the current vision/mission and strategic plan of District
91. Superintendent Boland stated that with the changes in the economy, and new legislation, the district
can no longer continue to do what we’ve always done. As a district we have the ability to direct how we
respond and adapt to those changes which begins by evaluating and refocusing on our vision and mission.
The board has had discussions and presentations related to creating a culture that empowers, instruction
that engages and technology that enables, ultimately for students to master the content or the three R’s
st
and in addition the 21 Century skills, critical think, creativity, collaboration and communication to help
students become college and career ready. Looking at it from a bigger picture there is a shift away from
the industrial mechanical model of education, characterized by utility, linearity, conformity and
standardization and moving more towards an organic model, or agriculture model, where you create the
conditions that are characterized by vitality, creativity, diversity and customization. These changes are
what led the Board to look at the New Tech high school model, a customized model where students are
empowered and have more autonomy, as an incubator to change and develop this culture system-wide. A
group of community leaders, board members, district administrators, teachers and patrons will be invited
to be part of an Executive Tour of a New Tech school and advising the board whether or not to take the
next step of completing an application for New Tech. There are several things that will need to happen
before a decision can be made such as a readiness visit, public meetings and possibly focus groups before
signing a contract to go forward. The Superintendent stated we have the opportunity to be proactive
rather than reactive in a time when students and parents have other choices that are being heavily
marketed.
Superintendent Boland will format a statement, for Section 1 Vision/Mission, to include culture that
empowers, instruction that engages and technology that enables and also incorporating the new
standards for students to be career and college ready. The plan is to have a joint work session with
building administrators to work out the objectives that will help meet the goals.
ACTION ITEMS
a.Teacher 2011-2012C
Lisa Burtenshaw moved to allow Teacher 2011-2012C to be released from their contract. Deidre Warden
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
b.Third Reading Board Policy 1002.5 Attendance Requirements/Loss of Credit
Deidre Warden moved to adopt the changes made to Board Policy 1002.5 Attendance Requirements as
presented in this third reading. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. No changes have been made since the second
reading. Motion passed unanimously.
c.City of Idaho Falls Joint Use Agreement
Larry Haws moved to accept the Joint Use Agreement with the City of Idaho Falls as presented. Jerry
Wixom seconded. Legal counsel for both parties have reviewed and accepted the language stated in the
agreement.
Jerry Wixom moved to adjourn. Deidre Warden seconded. Meeting adjourned at 1:17 pm.
8/23/2011 District 91 Board Minutes Page 2 of 2