Below is a summary of the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees April 12, 2021 meeting intended to provide information about board decisions in a timely manner. It is not the official record. The recorded livestream of the meeting is available here. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board held an executive session upon returning to open meeting, it: 

• Approved a leave of absences for an employee. 
• Removed an employee from administrative leave.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Superintendent French reported that

• The Caldwell Education Association has submitted evidence that it represents the majority of teachers and is qualified to be the bargaining unit for negotiations. 
• Strategic Planning Group continues to work on the district’s plan focused on mission and vision and values. Trustees Manning and Butler are part of the group and shared their reflections on the process so far. 

CONSENT AGENDA 

The Board approved its consent agenda which included: 

• Minutes for the Special Board Meeting – March 1, 2021
• Minutes for the Regular Board Meeting – March 8 , 2021
• Minutes for the Board Work Session - March 15, 2021
• Financials
• March 2021 Checklist.pdf  
• March 2021 General Fund Budget to Actual.pdf (20 KB)
• March 2021 Bills.pdf  
• Enrollment Report 3-31-2021.pdf  
• Personnel Report
• CFEO March 2021 Financial Reports
• Surplus: Caldwell High, Van Buren, Technology 
• Errata Revision: Policy 5225 Employing Retired Teachers and Admin
• Agency Contract For Special Education Students
• Clinical Educational Agreement
• Annual Agreement for Employee Navigator - Benefit Insurance Enrollment

REGULAR AGENDA 

April 10 - 16 Week of the Young Child - The Board accepted a proclamation supporting the Week of the Young Child. 

Florida Trip - Dr. Melyssa Ferro updated the Board on a planned science trip for 20 students in June and the safety protocols students will follow.  

2021-2022 School Calendar - The Board approved the calendar, the first day of school will be Aug. 18 for students and Aug. 12 for staff. Chief Academic Officer Jodie Mills noted registration dates will be added to the documents. 

Canyon Springs Accreditation Report - Principal Christine McMillen reviewed highlights of the school’s 5-year review.

Start Times for the 2021-2022 School Year - Superintendent French shared that there was some interest in changing start times with secondary moving later in the morning and elementary starting earlier. The Board reviewed a possible schedule. Dr. French shared she would be discussing with administrators as well as gathering information from staff and parents.   

District Continuing School Operation Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year - The Board approved allowing choir, band and orchestra concerts this spring at Caldwell High School, a CHS prom May 15, and a vaccination clinic at Sacajawea Elementary School in partnership with St. Alphonsus. The Board also approved allowing school fields trips. It was noted that protocols such as mask wearing, good ventilation, hand washing etc. be continued. 

Spring Leadership Institute Registration - The Board discussed attending the Idaho School Board Association’s training event Thursday, May 6, 1 to 4 p.m. at the West Ada School District, Sawtooth Board Room.

Future Agenda Items - Trustees discussed that the next meeting will include meeting with ISBA trainer Krissy Lamont. Next work session will be at Lewis & Clark.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT/ADOPTION 

Proposed Policies - Currently under review:

• Policy 446 Negotiated Agreement Terms
• Policy 3085 Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Policy
• Policy 3370 Searches and Seizure

First Reading

The Board approved for first reading:

• Policy 4150 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities replacing policy 683 Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
• Policy 5265 Employee Responsibilities Regarding Student Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Second and Final Reading

The Board approved for second and final reading: 

• Policy 2710 High School Graduation Requirements - Specialty Diplomas
• Policy 3560 Electronic Surveillance revised on March 8, 2021
• Policy 7408 Entering into Professional Service Contracts

Retire Policy 624 - The Board approved retiring this policy.

INFORMATION ONLY

Upcoming Events

• April 28, 2021 - Psi Omega Chapter of the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony - 5:15 pm in seats      (7:30 Eastern Start Time) in the CHS Auditorium. Masks and physical distancing will be expected. Since this is the 100th anniversary of the National Honor Society we will join a virtual ceremony with thousands of other chapters across the country.  
• May 6, 2021 - Spring Leadership Institute @ West Ada School District, Sawtooth Board Room, 1-4 pm
• May 24, 2021 - Canyon Springs High School Graduation at 6:00 pm at Caldwell High School Auditorium

• May 26, 2021 - Caldwell High School Graduation at 2:30 pm at the Ford Idaho Center