Policy Additions and School Updates
The Meadows Valley School Board met on Tuesday, September 16 for their regular meeting.
Superintendent and Principal Dee Fredrickson’s report included updates on school enrollment, funding, building maintenance, staff and support positions, and professional development.
As of the meeting date, 134 students are enrolled in the district. The preschool started at the new Youth Center that morning. There is a large group of preschoolers this year and there was lots of excitement around the first days. Fredrickson talked about the funding for furnishings the school received from Blue Cross of Idaho as well as the local thrift store. She said it is so shiny and pretty in the new Youth Center “and our kids deserve that and it’s so nice to see them in that space”. She also commended preschool teacher Angie Mettie on her incredible hard work in getting the classroom set up and making things happen.
Superintendent Fredrickson also reported that a payment of $107,780 was received recently by the school from a state facilities fund. The fund was originally set up to help schools with increased costs so they could avoid using a levy tax, however, the MVSD levy need is higher than the fund allotment. The good news for tax payers is that the fund money will reduce the supplemental levy amount this year from $443,080 to $336,020. Funding is based on district enrollment and amounts can change year over year. More information on this will be put out by the school.
Fredrickson said they are continuing professional development including elementary science lessons with an Idaho science coach and learning the SMART reading program (Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together). She recognized teachers are using personal time to further their education and learn new programs.
Athletic Director and Vice Principal Jared McIlvain reported the volleyball teams are holding strong at around ten players per team. They have a few home games still coming up for the season. He also said they are still looking to hire a golf coach for spring.
The Superintendent received a quote for essential maintenance and upgrades to the building’s fire system from Tim Wilcox for $18,836. They will be able to use some of the facilities money for these fixes.
The school is still looking to hire a paraprofessional aide to meet the one to one needs for this year. The open counselor position is still posted, but help has been provided in the interim by Ignite Idaho. Fredrickson reported one person from Ignite has been doing life skills help with students weekly. She also said Traci Jamieson, Licensed Professional Counselor, from Ignite is holding sessions with kids after parent approval.
In a similar vein, the new Adams County School Resource Office, Chris Carlisle has started and will be in the school twice a week. This is a shared service with Council schools through a grant received by the Adams County Sheriffs Office.
Representing the school’s Parent Teacher Organization, Fredrickson said Megan Murdock gave a presentation to the staff regarding ways they can work together and help teachers and staff. She also mentioned a possible community Q & A and asked the Board for their input on that.
Debbie Critchfield, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is scheduled to visit the school on Wednesday, September 24.
The Board moved to action items beginning with approval without changes of the 2024-2025 audit. A snow removal bid request was accepted for a three year term with the same contractor as last year.
Fredrickson noted they have not received any applicants for the School Business Manager position that will be open upon Carol Whitney’s retirement later this year. The board discussed the presentation and contract proposal from Charter Impact and discussed options and questions. The school would still need to hire someone to take care of in-house Human Resources work and a few other business details if they did hire Charter Impact. After further discussion, the board voted to approve a one year contract with Charter Impact beginning in October for onboarding and a smooth transition.
The Athletic Handbook was approved with the addition of verbiage to add more accountability for athletes regarding grades and behavior. Students will need to turn in grade and behavior checks to be eligible to play in games. The change received very positive feedback from the board.
Eight policies were reviewed next. New policies may be introduced due to state law or administrative rule changes and older policies are to be reviewed regularly.
Updated policy #1140 regarding vacancies on the Board of Trustees was approved. The policy details action steps to follow in case of a vacancy including timeline for appointments.
Updated Policy #1500 regarding Board Meetings was updated and approved. The policy details meeting definitions including those for executive sessions.
New Policy #1615 regarding trustee spouse employment was introduced and approved. The policy says spouses may be employed in nonadministrative positions and must be selected through the District’s approved hiring process.
New Policy #2320, 2320F parental permission form, and 2320P parent complaint procedures related to Health, Sex Education, and Human Sexuality was tabled as a first reading for further research. Fredrickson said the Idaho School Boards Association said this was a required policy even if the school does not include these subjects in their curriculum.
Policy #3005 regarding enrollment entrance, placement, and transfers was approved without changes. This replaces an old policy.
Policy #3340 related to corrective actions, punishment, and denial of enrollment which includes definitions for various disciplinary actions was approved without changes. Fredrickson said this gives kids options.
Policy #3525 regarding immunization requirements and exemptions was approved after short discussion.
Finally, new Policy #4105 and related form 4105F regarding public participation in board meetings was approved with updates to time allotments and discussion on effective and efficient meetings and being open to hearing audience communication during any meeting.
