The monthly meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on Tuesday, February 18, following an executive session. Superintendent Jon Abrams announced at the beginning of the regular meeting that Robert Hannah, the current Malad Middle School Principal, had agreed to be reassigned to the position of Malad High School Principal and that Josh Smith, the current Malad High School Assistant Principal, had agreed to be reassigned to the position of Malad Middle School Principal with both assignments starting for the 2025-2026 school year. (See the accompanying article about the new administrators.) Because Oneida School District is not funded for an additional administrator, there will be no assistant principal at the high school next year. 

Rachel Madsen and Robyn Gamble, who teach the health professions courses at Malad High School, were recognized as the Oneida School District “Employees of the Month” for February. (See the accompanying article.)

Stone School Discussion

Several parents who live in Stone submitted a letter to the School Board, requesting that the Board consider having the 4th and 5th grades remain at the Stone School instead of being bused into Malad Elementary School. All elementary grades have been taught at the Stone School in the past. The parents’ main concern is the long bus ride:  “We believe that our students should have this time to develop and mature before making the long bus commute over the hill, which makes for a very long day for these young children.” 

The letter noted that Stone Elementary has greatly improved in meeting the needs of students and that the parents want their children to receive the one-on-one support available from the teachers at that school. The letter also expressed appreciation for the improvements made to the school over the past several years. The letter closed, “We would love to be able to offer the best possible school so that our expanding community may continue receiving an excellent
education.”

Stone School, which once had as few as 6 students, now has 21, and more people with families are moving into the area. The District would need to hire at least one additional teacher and possibly paraprofessionals.  Mr. Abrams said that he agreed with everything in the letter but that until the Idaho State Legislature concludes, it would be impossible to know the District’s financial position.  The two voucher bills that are under consideration could impact the District negatively. He suggested that the issue of the Stone School be on the agenda every month until decisions can be made once the financial status of the District is known.

Action Items

Kelly Hill, District Transportation Director, presented an update on the cost of a new 80-passenger bus. The State will reimburse 85% of the cost, but bus costs are rising quickly so Kelly would like to place an order as soon as possible. Buses on every route are full so there is a need for bigger buses. The Board approved the purchase of a new 80-passenger bus along with an extended warranty. One of the old buses will be declared surplus.

Mike Hess, Jr., presented information about the proposed Visions Trip for 2026.  He has been in contact with a company that organizes these trips, noting that before additional plans can be made, Board approval was needed. The students would pay their own costs for the trip, and the company would have liability and other insurance. There was some debate about the role of the District now that the trip is not school-sponsored by the Visions Club, which no longer exists. So that planning of the trip can move forward, the Board approved the trip with details to be worked out in the future.

The Board approved the Malad High School track team’s overnight trip to Idaho Falls in April to participate in the prestigious Tiger-Griz Track Meet.

The Board approved the following personnel, pending their passing the State-mandated background checks: Robert Hannah reassigned as Malad High School Principal; Joshua Smith reassigned as Malad Middle School Principal; Alan Evans as a bus driver; Dawna Richard as a substitute teacher; Breanne Nalder as a kitchen substitute and substitute teacher; Penny Williams as a MMS paraprofessional; Sara Ann Robers as a MES special education aide; Tony Gibbs and Beth Bastian as assistant track coaches; and Alex Probst, Tobin Palmer, Tylee Skinner, McKay Mackenzie, and Janelle Merja as volunteer track coaches.

Administrator Reports

Ms. Jeanie Reeder, Principal of Stone Elementary, reported that test scores are improving. Each student has a take-home, read-every-day folder to encourage parents to help their students read. The PTO held a Valentine’s Day Party on the 13th.  A celebration of the 100th day of school will be held on February 24th.

Ms. Sarah McIntyre, Principal of Malad Elementary, thanked Hess Pumice for a generous donation to help students in need. She also thanked Kelley Neal of Edith’s Collective for a donation of clothing and food for the back-pack program. She noted the beautiful window art, welcoming students and the community to the new school, and thanked Brent Severe for the painting and for finding donors to fund the work.  Ms. McIntyre reported that monthly team meetings are held to review test scores.

Mr. Bob Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, reported that the professional development on High Performing Schools and Collective Commitments went very well with all but one teacher present. Mr. Hannah congratulated Sawyer Beutler on winning first place at the State Hoop Shoot in Boise. His performance was the best ever as he made 23 of 25 shots.  He will now compete in the Northwest Regional Competition.  Mr. Hannah reported that attendance remained at 93%, even in cold and flu season.

Mr. Dallan Rupp, Principal of Malad High School, reported that Josh Pickett will be the valedictorian of the MHS Class of 2025 with Madelyn Shaw as salutatorian. He thanked Bryce Casselman, English teacher, for the posters that are hung around the school, encouraging students to be empathetic toward other students. All 13 FCCLA students who competed at the district competition will compete at state. Attendance slipped in January, especially for seniors, who may be suffering from “senior-i-tis.”  To increase positivity, teachers may recommend students to the principal, who will have them come to the office to receive certificates and candy bars. Mary Moss took first place in the District Farm Bureau Speech Contest and will now compete at the state contest. The girls’ basketball team is going to State as the #1 seed.