The regular monthly meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with all members present. Kim Jeppsen, the computer lab teacher at Malad Elementary School, was honored as the “Employee of the Month.” (See accompanying article.)

Public Input

Representing several parents in Stone, Mike Lyon stated that they would like the Board to consider having the 4th and 5th grade students remain at the Stone School rather than being bused into Malad Elementary. He said that 10 of the 15 parents of Stone School students met to discuss the pros and cons of such a change. The current concern is the very long bus ride, resulting in 9-hour school days for young students. Stone is growing, and so there are more students wanting to attend school there. Having students attend the Stone School throughout their elementary years would bring the community closer together. Parents believe that the smaller classes in Stone are good for student learning. They realize that at least one additional teacher would have to be hired for the Stone School.  Mike expressed appreciation for the school improvements of the past few years and especially for Jeanie Reeder as the full-time principal of the school. The Board determined that the matter would be discussed in an executive session before the next Board meeting.

Annual Business

Because this was the first meeting of the year, several business matters were conducted.  Elections were held; Brent Evanson and Chalae Teeples were re-elected as chair and co-chair, respectively. Carlean Tubbs was re-appointed as the Board clerk and records clerk, and Brandi Warren was re-appointed treasurer. Board members took turns reading the Idaho School Board Code of Ethics aloud before signing the document. Signatories for the Board will continue to be Brent Evanson and Shane Howard. Regular Board meetings will continue to be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 at the District Office. As of this year, posting of meeting notices only has to be online and at the District Office.

Administrator Reports

Superintendent Jon Abrams expressed some frustration with the process of dispersal of furniture and other items at the old elementary school although a lot of items were picked up instead of just being part of the demolition.  He stated that there would be absolutely no public access to the building or any pick up of items from the school from this point forward. Asbestos abatement will begin soon, which would make it dangerous, if not illegal, to be in the building. Mr. Abrams said that bricks would be put in piles during demolition for those who want souvenirs.

Mr. Abrams and Ms. McIntyre both said that the move from the old elementary to the new building went smoothly and thanked all who helped make it successful.

The only problem that has become apparent so far is the glare from the windows throughout the building. The gym in the building makes indoor recess during cold weather much easier to organize than in the past.

Applications for the soon-to-be vacant superintendent position have been received and will be reviewed by the Board in an executive session early next week. Interviews will be set up soon.  Mr. Abrams will also update the Board on the lawsuit at the executive session.

Mr. Abrams reported that due to U.S. Bank closing the Malad branch at the end of May, he will have to research the status of the District Office’s lease of the top floor of the building.

Enrollment numbers are steady for Oneida School District although numbers are dropping for the Idaho Home Learning Academy. IHLA is now a charter school but has a contract with Oneida School District, so dropping numbers will impact the District financially. Dr. Terri Sorensen, Executive Director of IHLA, will appear before the education committees of the Idaho Senate and House of Representatives to address concerns about IHLA.

Ms. Jeanie Reeder, Principal of Stone School, reported that test scores are trending up. Reading coaches assist students who struggle, and a supplemental curriculum has been purchased to assist students who struggle with math. The PTO is planning a Valentine’s Day activity.

Ms. Sarah McIntyre, Principal of Malad Elementary School, thanked the Malad High School FFA for providing Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for families in need. The school raised money for the Oneida Crisis Center and for the Preston Elks Club. She laughingly reported that parents and visitors comment about the “new school” smell of the new building. After some problems with lines of parents waiting to pick up students after school, the process has been worked out so that it is much smoother and safer.

Mr. Robert Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, agreed with all of the principals that test scores in January dip a little after the Christmas holidays, especially a long holiday period like this year. Four ski days are scheduled at Pebble Creek. Boys’ basketball has started.  A Valentine’s Day dance will be held on February 13.

Mr. Dallin Rupp, Principal of Malad High School, noted that test scores are not very accurate for seniors because most seniors do not have to take the tests due to having completed required classes. Average attendance for the school for first semester was 91.1%. Staff are working on the reports for accreditation, which is required every five years in Idaho. Professional development for instructional improvement is being coordinated with Boise State University. Shantel Tavoian received a $991 grant from the Idaho State Board of Education for Expanding Arts in Rural Schools. The faculty has begun updating the graduation requirements, which will then be presented to the Board for approval.

Policies

After changing “cell phones” to “student-owned electronic communications devices,” the Board adopted a new, more restrictive policy that defines when and where students may use the devices and where devices must be stored when use is not permitted.

A policy defining when money drives are permitted in the schools was approved by the Board. The policy protects students from solicitation of funds by local, state, and national fund-raising campaigns that have not secured prior approval from the building principal.

A policy clarifying jury duty responsibilities for District employees was approved by the Board.

Action Items

The Board approved the sale of a surplus 2010 Bluebird bus. 

The Board also approved the following overnight trips: the girls’ wrestling team to Burley on January 31-February 1, to Kimberly on February 7-8, and to Idaho Falls on February 21-22; the boys’ wrestling team to Sugar-Salem on January 31-February 1; and the drill team, cheer squad, and pep band to the Girls’ State Basketball Tournament on February 21-22. Mr. Rupp explained that the girls’ wrestling team has to travel farther to find opponents, usually at larger schools.

The following personnel were approved, pending their passing the State-mandated background check: Sherry Blaisdell as the Malad High School head girls’ soccer coach; Kharisa Spendlove as a Stone School classroom aide; Callie Robbins as a Malad Middle School paraprofessional; Tara Snow as a Malad Elementary School aide; and Tansy Talbot as a substitute teacher.