The Oneida School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 15, with all members present.  Many guests were present for recognition of their achievements.

Lexie Evans, the Malad High School ag teacher, was recognized as the Oneida School District “Employee of the Month.” (See accompanying article.) The MHS Wrestling Team was recognized for placing 1st at State in both the sport and in academics.

Two members of the MHS FFA gave a presentation about what they had learned at the State FFA Convention. Malad’s 25 attendees were among the 1800 students present for competitions, field trips, and presentations. The group visited the Chobani plant and the Glanbia Cheese plant in Twin Falls. Several teams and individuals from MHS placed in various competitions. (See The Enterprise of April 10.) Samantha Schrenk recited the FFA Creed for the Board as she placed 4th at State.

Administrator Reports

Superintendent Jon Abrams reported that enrollment is down for IHLA, which happens every year as testing continues.

Ms. Jeanie Reeder, Principal of Stone School, reported that the focus of the school for the remaining weeks is to “finish strong.” The students will be coming to Malad for Ag Day on May 6.

Ms. Sarah McIntyre, Principal of Malad Elementary School, encouraged everyone to look at the school calendar to see all the events planned for the end of the school year. ISAT testing began on April 14.

Mr. Robert Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, reported that enrollment is over 90% every day and that 93% of students received Armor Up cards at the third quarter assembly.

Mr. Dallan Rupp, Principal of Malad High School, joined all administrators in noting that ISATs are underway. He reported that attendance for seniors is strong at 88% and higher for other grades. He mentioned the Construction Combine in Pocatello at which 5 students participated and the upcoming opportunity for students to begin a Color Guard/Drumline through the music program.

Action Items

Several policies were discussed during the work session that preceded the regular meeting.

The approved changes in the hat policy will allow for hats to be worn in classes on a trial basis until the end of the school year. Depending on whether or not students adhere to the rules that are part of the policy, the policy will become permanent, effective next school year.

Changes in the attendance policy were approved. Changes to the drug testing policy were approved, which allows for the testing of students suspected of having used illicit drugs. The policy also addresses the consequences to be applied.  A new policy that addresses the evaluation of non-certificated staff was approved; this policy is one recommended by the Idaho State School Board. All policies will be next month on the School District website: www.oneidaschooldistrict.org.

The school handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year were approved, recognizing that some changes are pending. An overnight trip for the MSH baseball team to Wendell and Burley on April 25-26 was approved.

The contracts for the reassigned school principals and for the new superintendent were approved.

Two changes in personnel were approved: the reassignment of Sara Richardson from Stone School to Malad Middle School and the resignation of Meagan Gleckler from Malad Middle School.

Because of high school graduation on Wednesday, May 21, the May School Board meeting will be held on Monday, May 19.