The regular monthly meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on Monday, May 19, 2025, due to conflicts on Tuesday, the normal meeting day.  Jill Daniels, who has worked as a school librarian and special education director for both Oneida School District and the Idaho Home Learning Academy, was honored as the “Employee of the Month.” (See accompanying article.)

Nucor Grants

Representatives of Nucor were present to award grants to several teachers who had written grant requests: Stone School – Jeanie Reeder for playground asphalt; Malad Elementary School -- Nanci Ball, Jennifer Brown, and Lydia Jones for a curriculum supplement and Kristle Jensen for robots; Malad High School – Gabe Cobabe for computer science equipment, Lexie Evans for welding shop tools and safety equipment, Liz Kent for library books, Shantel Tavoian for a sublimation printer; and Josh Smith for funds toward the baseball and softball field scoreboards. The total value of the grants was over $6000.

Administrator Reports

Superintendent Jon Abrams congratulated the baseball, softball, and track teams for their success at State tournaments.  He also reminded everyone to vote in the bond election the next day.

Principal Jeanie Reeder of Stone School reported that test scores are good for almost all students and that the new practices they had implemented were working.

Principal Sara McIntyre of Malad Elementary School thanked the PTO for Teacher Appreciation Week, Melanie Coleman and others for the 4th grade Rendezvous held in Samaria, Lexie Evans and ag students for Ag Day, and parent volunteers who have helped throughout the year.  She noted that Burger King will provide all students with one free meal per week through the summer and also provided breakfast for all teachers. She thanked music specialist Christine Smith and all of the teachers for the successful end-of-year program. She noted that there are always attendance problems near the end of the school year.

Principal Robert Hannah of Malad Middle School reported that Bastian Miller earned a perfect score on the science ISAT test. The 7th/8th girls’ and boys’ track teams won championship trophies, and the 6th grade girls’ and boys’ track teams were runners-up. He thanked the parents for helping recognize the Middle School teachers.  In his report, he included pictures of the Science Bowl Team at the National Competition in Washington, DC.  He noted that the Spring Music Concert, featuring the 6th and 7th grade choruses and the Beginning and Intermediate Bands, was excellent.  The Middle School Library received a $4000 grant for books from the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

Principal Dallan Rupp of Malad High School noted that the school has a goal of improving test scores, perhaps by offering a class on preparing for the ISATs. Attendance rates are a little below the first semester rates but still above last year’s rates; the seniors are the lowest with 82%.  The overall total attendance rate for second semester was 88.6% (91.1% last semester). In his written report, Mr. Rupp congratulated music students who did well at the State Music Competition and the students who did well at the State FCCLA Competition with 11 students qualifying for the National Competition.  He reminded everyone that the ag students would be holding their sale at the school greenhouse that weekend.

Discussion

Led by Jean Coburn, the Food Services Manager, the Board discussed the problem of the hot meal programs running a sizable deficit due to parents not paying their students’ bills. The deficit is $7401.34 for 74 students.  She is proposing a new policy to deal with the problem.  The Board will discuss the issue and changes to the policy at a work meeting in July.

Policies

A policy regarding parking at the high school was deleted as it is not a school board policy. A policy that duplicated another policy dealing with alcohol, tobacco, ad illegal drugs was deleted.

An updated policy regarding high school graduation requirements, including college credits, was approved. A change in the teacher salary payment schedule was approved; checks will be issued on the 15th of each month instead of the 26th. Another policy change related to the amount paid teachers for unused personal leave was approved so that the policy matches the master contract agreement.

Action Items

The Board approved an increase in gate ticket prices for high school sports to $7 per person and $6 for seniors and students. Family package prices will still be available.  Currently, the gate receipts do not even cover the cost of the officials. Other districts have already changed their gate prices.

The Board approved updating the Malad High School Handbook to include parking guidelines for staff, visitors, and students as there have been problems with students parking in staff areas.

Foster Garrett, Bryce Casselman, and Krista Karn spoke in favor of creating a Drum Line/Color Guard Club.  Jennie McClain would be another adviser for the club.  All of the teachers have experience participating in marching band, color guard, and drum lines in high school and/or college. The Board agreed that a parade needs a marching band with drum line and color guard.  Many students are very interested in learning the skills needed for participating in a drum line and color guard. The advisers hope to be able to have the new group ready for the 4th of July Parade although a full marching band may not be ready by then. A lot of new percussion instruments designed for marching band drum lines will be needed.  The Board approved the new club.

The following personnel were approved, pending their passing the State-mandated background check: Madison Green and Shawnee Shirk-MMS girls’ basketball coaches; Brett Evanson-MMS girls’ volleyball coach; Olin Hannum-MMS football coach; Bill Ball-MMS volunteer football coach; Lori Owen-bus driver; Lillian Stutchbury-Stone School teacher; and Kim Jeppeson-MES teacher.