At the September 19, 2023, meeting of the Oneida School Board, Superintendent Jon Abrams announced that the District will not be assessing taxes through the Plant and Facilities levy for the 2023-24 school year. No property taxes will be assessed by the School District this year due to the District’s large student enrollment, leading to an increase in the State’s per pupil payment to the District, plus money from the State for capital improvements through H.B. 292 and the State’s share of the new school through the State Bond Equalization program. The District currently has $66 million in its accounts with a large portion of that money earmarked for the new elementary school.

Idaho Home Learning Academy 

During administrator reports, Dr. Terri Sorensen announced that enrollment in the Idaho Home Learning Academy is 7820, up 620 from last year. The District receives State money based on a formula derived from a District’s Average Daily Enrollment, which means the District benefits financially from being the home district for IHLA. IHLA also employs 424 part-time teachers from across the State although most administrators and staff are local.

In recognition of their extraordinary efforts during the summer to check certifications of the 160 new part-time IHLA teachers and to get contracts out to all IHLA employees, Linda Sullivan and Teresa Tubbs were honored as the Oneida School District “Employees of the Month.” They work in Human Relations for IHLA. (See accompanying article.)

Cheer Program for Middle School

Jennifer Hill, Abbie Goddard, and Samantha Jensen spoke to the School Board in support of starting a cheer program at Malad Middle School. The program would be open to all students and provide a new extracurricular opportunity for students.  The program would become a feeder program for the Malad High School cheer program. High school cheerleaders would teach cheers and stunts to the younger students, who would perform only at girls’ and boys’ basketball home games this year.  Jennifer noted that almost all the middle schools in District 5 have cheer programs except Malad. Mr. Bob Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, said he felt good about the proposal, and Superintendent Abrams added that getting students involved in activities is good so that they feel part of the school and then do better academically. The Board approved the proposal to start a cheer program at Malad Middle School.

Administrator 

Reports

During administrator reports, Mrs. Jeannie Reeder, Principal of Stone Elementary School, reported that the PTO had hosted a Back-to-School breakfast for students and parents. Community involvement in the school continues with Holbrook residents spreading mulch after people from all over the valley had spent time pulling weeds and beautifying the school grounds.

Ms. Sarah McIntyre, Principal of Malad Elementary School, announced the upcoming Halloween activities, including the PTO-sponsored carnival on October 5 and the parade on October 26. She said that the new reading curriculum is raising expectations for student achievement and that new interventions are being used.

Mr. Robert Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, said that the new Chromebooks are working well with every student having one. Volleyball and football are doing well. The new desks should decrease safety problems as the old desks had started to break down.

Mr. Michael Corbett, Principal of Malad High School, sounded relieved that Homecoming Week is over, reporting that all had gone well. Under the leadership of Liz Kent, the high school newspaper – the Kampus Keyhole – is going to be revived. The Career Fair will be on October 18 with more than 20 vendors. Kami Willie is working hard with the juniors on career preparation while Nicona Williams works with the seniors. In answer to a question from a Board member, Mr. Corbett said that the senior project is a state requirement.  He and other teachers and staff will be attending the Deans’ Advisory Board at Idaho State University to make a presentation about the very successful dual enrollment program at MHS.

Action Items

The Board approved a change in the policy governing termination of classified staff. The superintendent will have that responsibility instead of the Board.

The Board approved the increase of 15 cents for school breakfast and lunch.  This year’s prices will be as follows:

MES: Breakfast ($2.25) Lunch ($2.85)

MMS/MHS: Breakfast ($2.35) Lunch ($3.05)

Adults: Breakfast ($2.65) Lunch ($4.70)

The Continuous Improvement Plan for 2023-24 was approved. The State requires that this plan be approved every year after the principals have adopted plans to improve student achievement.

A slight change in eligibility requirements for MHS students to participate in activities was approved by the Board. Students may participate if they attend four periods on the day of the event. Exceptions may be made by the principal. A student’s grades must be high enough for participation on the day of the event or by the end of school on Thursday for events on Friday or Saturday.

Permission was granted Kelly Hill, Transportation Supervisor, to dispose of an old school bus. Generally, this is done through advertising. The bus rental rate of $3.50 per mile was also approved by the Board. The non-reimbursable rate for school groups remains at $3.50 per mile for trips of less than 200 miles round trip.

Some minor changes have been made in the MHS/MMS dress code so that the District dress code and the dress codes for all schools are in alignment.

The Board approved the Jull Vape lawsuit settlement; Oneida School District’s share of the class action suit settlement will be $26,935.