The regular monthly meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Tia Talbot was recognized as the April “Employee of the Month” and for receiving the 2024 Idaho Youth Sports Commission GameChanger Coach Award.  (See accompanying article.)

Several members of the Malad High School FFA were present to report on their trip to State Convention. FFA Adviser Lexie Evans’ complete report of the trip was published in the April 18 edition of The Idaho Enterprise.  The local chapter asked the School Board to consider their request to attend the National FFA Convention in October as two local students will receive the prestigious American Farmer Degree at that time. The Board will discuss the request at a future meeting.

The Board learned that four Malad students placed in the top 12 of the Idaho School Boards Association Photo Contest. Cassidy Schrenk from Malad Elementary School, Kyson Price and Samantha Schrenk from Malad Middle School, and Jaden Price from Malad High School had their winning photographs published in Slate, a publication of the ISBA.

Administrator Reports

Superintendent Jon Abrams gave a brief report on the financial status of the new school and ball fields. The money is in hand for completion of the projects with some modifications to the baseball/softball fields. Several seniors at Malad High School expressed interest in touring the new elementary building; that tour will be led by construction manager Jared Lusk. Jared is also working on the plans for remodeling the high school office area to provide better security.

Ms. Jeanie Reeder of Stone Elementary School reported that all students have shown growth in reading this year. Scholarships from Dan Cervantes and bikes provided by the Oneida Crisis Center will be presented to students who show the most growth on the IRI tests. The students will go to OSI (Ocean Star International) for a field trip to learn how the company raises brine shrimp from eggs harvested in the Great Salt Lake.

Ms. Sarah McIntyre of Malad Elementary School reported that the elementary school is seeking one new teacher and a school counselor plus several special education aides for next year. Over 200 people came for Family Bingo Night on April 11, which was a huge success.  Testing has started, and lots of field trips are planned between now and the end of the year.

Mr. Robert Hannah of Malad Middle School reported that testing is underway and that attendance continues to be a problem.  The 3rd quarter Armor Up assembly was held with approximately the same number of students earning rewards as in the first two quarters.

Mr. Dallin Rupp of Malad High School also reported that testing is underway. The high school received $500 from Blue Cross of Idaho to use in improving physical fitness and health. He realizes that better communication with staff is needed. Another problem is the use of phones and other distractions in classrooms as rules are not uniformly enforced.

Dr. Terri Sorenson of the Idaho Home Learning Academy also said that testing is ongoing.  Enrollment for next year is approximately the same as at this time last year. Board members for the new charter school are being selected.  There will be four IHLA graduation ceremonies this year: Treasure Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls.

Action Items

Two policies pertaining to open enrollment were approved. The handbooks for 2024-2025 were approved for Malad Elementary, Middle, and High Schools although some wording changes related to the dress code are needed in the MHS Handbook.

The following personnel were approved, pending their passing the State-mandated background check: Dallan Rupp as Malad High School principal; Joshua Smith as MHS assistant principal/athletic director; Abrielle Goddard as MHS head cheer coach; Kami Willie as MHS assistant cheer coach; Lizzy Clark Reiss as MHS volunteer girls soccer coach; Jamie Coatney as MHS office manager; Richelle Zitting as Malad Elementary School special education paraprofessional; Kristy Burmester as Stone School part-time cook; and three substitute teachers for IHLA. Resignations were accepted from Tansy Talbot as MHS office secretary and Nicole Daniels as MES school counselor.

Because of a conflict with Seminary graduation, the next School Board meeting will be on May 14. The annual budget hearing will be held on May 28.