New Website and Mobile App, Building Update Options
The Meadows Valley School Board met for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10 with Board Members Barbara Dixon, Chris Peterson, Jeffrey Luff, and Shayleen Brooks all attending along with Business Manager/Clerk Carol Whitney, Superintendent/Principal Dee Fredrickson, and Vice Principal Katey Basye. The Consent Agenda was accepted unanimously after the Pledge of Allegiance. The audience of six was included in the agenda minus one parent who added an update about the new Parent Teacher Organization’s first meeting.
Fredrickson began her report noting school attendance is at a total of 138 students including preschool. She reported there was another vaping incident that was caught by the vape detector. Administration is waiting to hear back from Adams County Sherrif’s Office, but a state patrol officer was able to speak with the student that day.
Basye then gave an update to the board on Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) testing scores for the past month. She noted that Kindergarten went from only 15% reading at grade level in September to now 87% reading at grade level. She reminded the board that percentages may be misleading since class sizes are small. Basye also noted great improvements in first and second grades. Third grade scores were not yet available for the month. The school will be completing Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) in April.
Fredrickson continued noting a Federal Programs review happening this year with much paperwork and reporting to be uploaded for review by March 6. She said their Professional Development training days this year have often included a new area of support for elementary science lessons by way of a coach from the state who has provided teaching tools and strategies. The coach has been available in person to assist teachers about once each month and Fredrickson said this has been very beneficial. She also said the students are enjoying learning with the new tools.
The superintendent said Junior high basketball is going well and it is really good to see the teams being so competitive. She reported they had a great last home game. She is optimistic about the junior high teams laying a good foundation for the future.
Next up was a building maintenance update specifically related to the fire suppression system, gutters, and ice dams. Heat tape and industrial gutters have been recommended as ice prevention tools. A current quote of $21k was given for these tools being added on the back half of the building. The main issues with the fire suppression system includes corrosion in the pipes and other issues related to overdue regular maintenance over many years. Recently, the suppression system’s compressor has been turning on every 15 minutes which includes loud noise near the science classroom. The entire system was drained about three weeks ago which revealed more insight on the corrosion. A quote of $125k was given to replace the interior and exterior systems on the north side of the building. The school is looking for a second quote. Another quote of $69k was given, but this would only be to replace the exterior of the dry system on part of the building. The system on the south side of the building has shown some intermittent freezing recently and will eventually also need to be replaced. Custodian Tamara Brusso is constantly learning and has been trained to do the regular system maintenance so a new system would be properly maintained and last much longer under her care. Fredrickson said they are hoping to have bids in to show the Board at next month’s meeting, but wanted to present now so they could consider options beforehand. The money for the updates would come from the School Modernization Fund.
The school has an updated website and mobile app offering an updated look and easy navigation. The school will continue to update both with policies and other information. There is also a newsletter, live feed, and updated calendar. The updated school website address is www.mvsd11.org. The download page for Android can be found at https://aptg.co/91PrCv and for iPhone, https://aptg.co/c35QRT is the download page address.
The meeting continued with action items beginning with an early graduation request from Senior Kelton Fisher who was present along with his parents. Fisher sent a letter to the board with his reasons for requesting early graduation and his qualifications. Board Chair Dixon complimented Fisher saying, “I really appreciate your letter and think you should do something in the future that would require writing…my only concern is making sure he is clear academically.” Fredrickson confirmed he is on track and all involved expect that he will stay on track. Fredrickson commended his great work on his senior project and said his academics are in good shape. Fisher is looking at the potential of joining the Army National Guard as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. The early graduation request was approved unanimously.
After a short discussion and note of updates to include current policy on library use and head lice, the Elementary Handbook was approved unanimously. The Secondary Handbook was also approved unanimously and now includes additions of the new cell phone policy and updates to cybersecurity details.
Secondary Science teacher Robyn Ridd then presented to the Board via Zoom regarding the upcoming science field trip. She has ten signed permission slips so far from students and is open to adding a couple more kids to the trip. Ridd said she is strongly encouraging kids to attend. Travel for the trip is planned to Great Basin National Park, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Crystal Hot Springs. The group will camp and also stay at a rental home. Ridd is currently working with The Intersection to set up a silent auction and dinner for fundraising for the trip budget of no more than $3k. The board unanimously approved the science trip at this point of planning dependent on finances and getting chaperones.
Two new policies were introduced beginning with Policy #3575 Student Data Privacy and Security, which was passed without further discussion. The policy covers safe, private collection and storage of student data. The second Policy, #9550 Cybersecurity & Data Breach Response Policy covers the school’s response plan in case of a security breach. After selecting for a few options including using the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls Implementations, noting that staff should report all possibly data breaches to the superintendent, and affirming that the superintendent shall provide training on cybersecurity, preventing data breaches, and securing confidential records for staff, students, contractors and others with access to digital records or electronic networks, the policy was approved unanimously. As the new website and app continue to be updated, all policies will be added and available for viewing.
A discussion followed regarding the athletics program and some potential options for improving and building the program. Discussion included growing individual sports, open enrollment effects on New Meadows sports programs, needed support for teams and coaches, and retention of both students and athletics related positions. The board and present administration emphasized their support for athletic programs and looking to the potential of hiring a new Athletic Director.
The meeting closed with a final discussion related to an article in Idaho Ed News that reported New Meadows School as having the lowest average teacher salary in the state. Fredrickson stated this is not true and noted a $5k amount of district added funds and other factors that were not included in the data used for the article. She said the school’s actual numbers would put them closer to 8th on that list. She presented the article stating the district aims to be competitive with salaries and will factor this into their Apportionment Report that comes out this month.
The School Board meeting was then adjourned. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the school library.
