The regular monthly meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on January 13, 2026, with Co-Chair Chalae Teeples conducting the meeting.  Mindy Lyon, a paraprofessional from Stone Elementary School, was honored as the Oneida School District “Employee of the Month.” (See accompanying article.)

Brent Evanson was honored as the retiring Chair of the School Board for his nearly ten years of service on the Board. Jared Crowther was the only candidate for the open position when elections were held in November; he will be sworn in as the new member of the Board at the February meeting.

Reorganization Business

As this was the first meeting of the new year, the Board conducted its re-organization business. Brandon Ward was elected Chairman of the Board with Chalae Teeples as Co-Chairman. Tresie Carter was elected as the OSD School Board representative to the IHLA School Board.  Carlean Tubbs was appointed to continue as Board Clerk and Records Clerk, and Brandi Warren was appointed to continue as Treasurer. 

Board members took turns reading the Code of Ethics aloud, and then all members signed the document. Regular Board meetings will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meeting notices will be posted at the School District Office and on the website. Signatories for the Board will be Chalae Teeples and Shane Howard as Brandon Ward works out of town and may not be available to sign checks.

Administrator Reports

Superintendent Dallan Rupp reported that because of water damage in the Middle School’s seldom-used kitchen, that room will be turned into a teachers’ lounge. The damaged floor and cabinets will be removed, and a wall will be built between the kitchen and the classroom next to it.

The front entry security system will be installed at the Middle School by the beginning of next week. Mulch will be spread on playground areas around the Elementary School soon.

Principal Jeanie Reeded of Stone School reported that Dan Cervantes had donated funding for a pizza party because all students had met their homework goals; he also donated hats and gloves to students at the school.  Bonna Anderson gave every student a toy and every teacher a treat. Virginia Russell and her book club gave each student a stocking filled with goodies. Lucinda Sweeten has organized a field trip to the Pocatello Recycling Center because the school has emphasized recycling this year.

Principal Sarah McIntyre of Malad Elementary School thanked Julie Hadfield and Intercap Lending for a generous donation to the backpack program and also thanked an anonymous donor who provided meals for the backpack program over Christmas break. She reported that the new reading curriculum is improving student reading scores. The Missoula Children’s Theater will be here at the end of the month.

Principal Josh Smith of Malad Middle School reported on attendance and grades for the first four days of January. Boys’ basketball has begun with Trisha Beutler as head coach for the 8th grade boys and Byron Bott as head coach for the 7th grade boys. The first ski day was today with additional ski days scheduled through the next few weeks even though the snow is not good this year. Mr. Smith commented on observing the more experienced skiers helping the less experienced skiers today on the slopes.

Principal Robert Hannah of Malad High School reported that Cumorah Carter won the 9th grade level of the Christmas card contest sponsored by the Idaho Department of Education. He also reported on attendance and grades for the beginning of this semester. He noted that 96% of the students are passing all of their classes. There are 87 seniors this year, and all are in line to graduate in May.

Policy Actions

The Board acted on several policies.  Approved for first reading were policies on reduction in force (RIF) and drug free school zones; these policy changes were recommended by the Idaho School Board Association. A revised policy on teacher contracts was approved on first reading. The changes in the policy on drug testing to bring the policy in line with current procedures was approved on first reading; the District now employs an outside agency to conduct drug testing. Also approved for first reading were changes to the policy on corrective actions, punishment and denial of enrollment and the removal of an old policy on student fees.

The Board approved on second reading the policy on homebound, hospital, and home instruction and the policy on student health/physical screenings/ examinations.

The following personnel were approved, pending their passing the State-mandated background check: Lance Bird and Nicole Smith as Malad Middle School boys’ volunteer coaches; Callao Carter as a paraprofessional in the Malad Elementary School computer lab; BreAnn Weeks as a MMS after-school program staff member; Jennie McClain as the Malad High School Academic Team coach; and Allison Hampton and Carina McCullough as substitute teachers.

The next meeting of the Oneida School Board will be on Tuesday, February 10, at 6:30, following a work session.