Below is a summary of the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees Dec. 14, 2020 meeting intended to provide information about board decisions in a timely manner. 

It is not the official record. The recorded video stream of the meeting is available above.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

• Superintendent French highlighted the success of Caldwell High School debate team
• Extended an invitation to trustees to visit virtual classrooms and shared the story of a Sacajawea classroom where students were able to assist each other virtually. 

CONSENT AGENDA

The Board approved the following consent agenda after moving the personnel report and the surplus to the regular agenda:

• Minutes for the Executive Session and Regular Board Meeting – November 9, 2020
• Minutes for the Special Board Meeting – November 18, 2020
• Financials
• CFEO Financial Updates
• Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Contract
• Errata Revision

REGULAR AGENDA

Strategic Planning Facilitators - Dr. Robert Sanchez and Rod Grammar of Idaho Business for Education (IBE) - The group has worked with many districts in Idaho. Dr. Sanchez shared the process would start in January 2021 and would culminate in September 2021 and would include surveys, focus groups, and a continuous improvement planning committee. The service is free. 

CHS Senior Project for the 2020-2021 school year - Teacher Cheryl Adams reviewed modifications to the senior project graduation requirements. Projects will continue to have a focus on community service.  

Caldwell Municipal Irrigation - The Board approved a change in the  irrigation provider for Jefferson Middle School from Pioneer Irrigation to Caldwell Municipal Irrigation.  

Caldwell Transportation Request for Funding - The Board approved a motion to allow April Burton to continue to work with CTC with their revised request for funding. 

Enrollment and Budget Impact - Chief Finance Officer April Burton shared that the district is down about 520 students from a year ago. This loss of students is greater than the estimates used to create the 2020-21 budget for the district. She said she will continue to update the Board on the current year budget and planning for the 2021-22 budget.   

District School Operation/Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year - The Board approved Superintendent French recommendation that the district begin 2021 in remote learning through Friday, Jan. 15 and return to its hybrid instructional model on Tuesday, Jan. 19. 

The Board approved changes to the district’s pandemic operations plan including:

• Instructional Task Force recommendations
• High School Orchestra recommendations and High School Choir recommendations from Nov. 9 Board Meeting

Placeholder for Consent Agenda Item

• Moved from the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the personnel report after a brief overview from Federal Program Director Tamara Lawson about the 21st Century Learning Program. 
• Moved from the Consent Agenda, the Board approved information technology surplus items and asked the district to review desks and chairs from Washington Elementary School that may be used for a community center.  

Proposed Policies

The following policies are under review:

• Policy 2710 High School Graduation Requirement - STEM Diploma
• Policy 3345 Use of Restraint Seclusion and Aversive Techniques for Students - Amending Policy 553
• Policy 4150 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities
• Policy 5265 Employee Responsibilities Regarding Student Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying  
• Policy 7408 Entering into Professional Service Contracts with Design Professionals, Construction Managers, and Professional Land Surveyors

First Reading

The board approved for first reading the following:

• Policy 2700 High School Graduation Requirements - amending 610
• Procedure 2700P High School Graduation Requirements
• Policy 3200 Students Rights and Responsibilities - amending 510

The board tabled for further discussion 3560 Electronic Surveillance – Amending Policy 940 Use of Camera Surveillance Ready 

Second and Final Reading

The board approved for second and final reading the following:

• 3275 Electronic Equipment Checkout
• 3275P Electronic Equipment Checkout Procedures
• 3275F1 Electronic Checkout Agreement 
• 5225 Hiring Retired Teachers and Administrators
• 7409P Authorization and Purchase of Technology