Below is a summary of the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees, January 10, 2022, Annual and Regular meeting intended to provide information about board decisions in a timely manner. It is not the official record. The recorded live stream of the meeting is available here.

ANNUAL ORGANIZATION MEETING

Each year, School District Boards of Trustees hold an annual meeting as required by law to elect officers and other required business.

• Oath of Office - Trustees Marisela Pesina and Trish Robertson were sworn in for their four year terms.
• Elect Board Officers (Chairman and Vice-Chairman) - Trustees nominated Marisela Pesina as Chair and Trustee Travis Manning as Vice Chair.

• Elect Treasurer and Clerk - Trustees nominated Manuel Godina as Treasurer and Keely Cheney as Board Clerk.

• • • Set Time, Date, Place for Meetings - Trustees approved their regular meetings for the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. They also identified dates and times for board work sessions. 

• • • Established agenda and notice posting locations, including those required by law. Agenda and notice postings will continue to be posted at the District Office and on the District Website.

• • • Established signatories, unless already indicated in district policy. Signatories will stay the same.

• Reviewed the Code of Ethics for Trustees - Madam Chair Pesina read the Code of Ethics after which all Trustees signed the document.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Superintendent French recognized Caldwell 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team. They finished 2nd at the District Tournament ending the season with a 13-3 record. Coach McFetridge commended the girls on their great attitudes and grades.

The Caldwell Wrestling Team was also applauded for their outstanding season. During the district tournament the wrestling team won 10 of 19 weight classes allowing them to bring home the district trophy. The team went 9-1 during duel competitions.  

Three students from SMS competed in the Veteran of Foreign Wars - Patriot’s Pen essay competition, Keira Ferro, Charles Butler, Emma Barnett. Charles Butler read his winning speech to the trustees. He has won two years in a row and plans on competing in the Voices of Democracy Speech competition next year.

Coach Freeman highlighted Senior CHS Wrestler Marissa Jimenez. She earned the Rollie Lane most outstanding lightweight wrestler after her third straight title at the meet. She pinned every opponent she faced to win the 132-pound division. She is currently ranked 3rd in the nation.

PATRON INPUT

• Trustees heard from Nicole Trakel on the Search and Seizure policy and the COVID-19 Operations Plan 2021-22 agenda items.
• Nicole Hyland spoke to the Board on the Supplemental Policy Resolution agenda item.
• Mike Miller spoke to the Board on the Supplemental Policy Resolution and Search and Seizure Policy agenda items.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Financials
• Enrollment Report
• Personnel Report
• Thrively Agreement
• Surplus
• Field Trip(s)

INFORMATION ITEMS

Trustees shared and discussed the following item:

• Plant Facility Report

REGULAR AGENDA

• Explore Oregon Field Trip Request - Trustees heard from Dr. Melyssa Ferro about a new outdoor science field trip for advanced 8th grade students. This would allow students to participate in hands-on science activities on the Oregon Coast. The Board approved the Explore Oregon Field Trip.
• Supplemental Levy Resolution - April Burton, Director of Finance, reviewed information with the Trustees about a resolution calling for a supplemental levy election. The Board voted to approve the Supplemental Levy Resolution for $4.1 million per year for two years. The levy will appear on the March 8 ballot. 
• Boys & Girls Club - Melissa Gentry gave an update to the Board about youth participation. She is working on a grant to include students from all six elementary schools. Fees are kept low and may be waived if grant is awarded. Melissa also extended an invitation to Trustees to tour the Boys and Girls Club at ICA and Nampa locations. 
• COVID19 School Operation Plan for 2021-2022 - Dr. French discussed staff and student absenteeism as well as the decision to require masks at Jefferson Middle School for at least two weeks. 

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

• Trustees did not discuss any future agenda items.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT/ADOPTION

Proposed Policies - The district’s policy committee is reviewing the following:

• Policy 4120 - errata revisions  - Define grievant and who has rights to grieve 
• Procedure for policy 3370 - Searches and Seizure
• Policy 3420 Student Fundraising Activities
• Policy 3420FA Application for Event or Fundraising Activity
• Policy 4210 Community Use of School Facilities replacing Policy 901 and updating Indemnity Agreement and Fee Schedule

First Reading

No First Reading Policies

Second and Final Reading

The Trustees approved the following policies for Second and Final Reading 

• Policy 3085 Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation
• Procedure 3085 Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation  

Conversation with concerns about curriculum resource: 

• Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom - NEW
• Policy 2340F1 Parent Opt Out for Sex Education
• Policy 2340F2 Parent Opt Out Especially Controversial Topics

Information Only 

Upcoming Events

• January 17, 2022 - Idaho Human Rights Day/Martin Luther King Jr. Day - no school 
• February 1-3, 2022 - PLC Summit, Phoenix, AZ
• February 21, 2022 - President's Day - no school
• February 21-22, 2022 - Day on the Hill, The Grove Hotel / Idaho Capitol Building

The Board of Trustees will meet again on Monday, January 24, 2022, at 6:00 pm for their board work session.