New Policy, Levy Update
The New Meadows School Board held their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Trustees Barbara Dixon, Jeff Luff, Chris Peterson, Shayleen Brooks, and Stephany Becker were all in attendance (with Becker on Zoom), along with Board Clerk Carol Whitney, Superintendent/Principal Dee Fredrickson, and Vice Principal Katey Basye.
Megan Murdock, who began the new Parent Teacher Organization was present and spoke to the board about the organization’s vision and goals. She gave information about a shared Google document that has been put together so teachers can request assistance with projects and areas they need help and parents can respond and take on tasks.
Fredrickson reported that absenteeism has been up as high as 18% recently due to illness. She said it is high enough to consider closing the school for a day, but they are trying to hold out and hope everyone can get well. A closure for sickness would most likely need to be made up on another currently unscheduled day.
The Superintendent noted that a student behavior concern brought up by a parent has been resolved. She said they have been evaluating the Gradient learning system that is new this year to see how it has been working for all involved in secondary. She also said the elementary curriculum is pretty well set, but they may be adding some new pieces for science and reading in the new school year.
Fredrickson reported that all paperwork for the Federal Programs Review has been uploaded and submitted. There is an “exit interview” scheduled for March 20 where they will find out if anything else needs to be added.
Recent professional development training included more science lessons and the elementary teachers provided positive feedback from the sessions.
In athletics, high school track and field has started. Jared McIlvain was also in attendance and said they look forward to a competitive season and things are off to a good start. There are 15 kids on the team so far. Junior high track and field planned to start practices on Tuesday, March 18. Basye gave thanks for Mike Bolopue’s assistance in volunteering to help with coaching the basketball teams this year.
The Superintendent said FFA students are looking forward to attending a conference in Twin Falls at the beginning of April.
Fredrickson provided updates on the fire system and gutters noting another company came to assess and gave a quote that day that would include exposed piping in the gym. Some discussion followed. Fredrickson said she is still considering the gutter and roof updates, but has put it mostly on hold in order to consider longevity and cost of any possible additions. She also noted that this being a $26,000 project gives her pause as “so much could be done for the kids with that amount of money”, and she wants to make sure it’s the best spending option.
Monday is the school’s rescheduled ski day at Brundage. They were given a reasonable rate for lessons, rentals, and passes for the students and were thankful for that.
Robyn Ridd, science teacher, is organizing a fundraiser at Meadowcreek to benefit the science field trip that is scheduled for April 19-26 with visits to Great Basin and Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The fundraiser will take place on Friday, April 11 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the MeadowCreek Clubhouse. The event will include a silent auction, delicious pulled pork and coleslaw sandwiches provided by The Intersection, and two rounds of trivia.
Fredrickson finished her report saying she had recently attended the Superintendents Network professional development training for Idaho. A threat evaluation sheet for cyber attack situations from Bonneville was part of the discussion and she hopes they can add something similar for the school here.
The school board then had a short discussion on an action item regarding wording for the Supplemental Levy that is up for vote on May 20 of this year. Two options were presented and the board discussed these further in an executive session. In the end, the board voted to put forward the levy renewal option at $443,800 per year for two years. This increases the rate per $100,000 of property value by $4.40 based on current values.
Currently, Fredrickson noted, legislation at the state level is being considered that could affect funding for our school. With some staff and aid positions and necessary school costs and service requirements barely fully funded already, the supplemental levy makes a huge difference in offering important services to the school’s students. Some specific costs and line items associated with the Levy would include $176,000 toward Certified Teaching position salaries and benefits and $135,000 toward Paraprofessional Aides, Preschool Staff, and Special Education staff. $12,900 is currently in the levy consideration for Athletics.
The board unanimously approved an action item for new school Policy 2470 Self Directed Learners after short discussion. The policy offers an opportunity for the school to help more students under special circumstances, for example, students dealing with illness or a student who needs to work during school hours as well as allowing students to tailor their education to meet individual learning goals. Individual plans would be put together in collaboration with a teacher advisor and their parent/guardian. Policy 2470-P(1) details the procedure to be followed to set up self directed learning along with eligibility requirements. School policies are updated regularly and viewable on the school’s website and app.
The meeting was adjourned for the executive session. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the school library.
