Below is a summary of the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees December 12, 2022, Regular Board 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.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. French recognized the Caldwell High School Marching Band. They recently placed 2nd at the District III competition in the 4A division. Nearly 3,000 high school students from around the Treasure Valley participated in the season finale for local school marching bands. Out of the 25 schools competing in the entire competition Caldwell placed 12th overall.

Dr. French also recognized the Cross Country team. Two runners qualified for the State Championships. Senior Cole Oas and Sophomore Caidon Felder punched their ticket to the State Competition after finishing in the top one third of the total number of competitors in the District competition. They both ran a personal best and represented Caldwell very well during State.

The Caldwell High School Welding Program was also recognized. Six students spoke to Trustees about which certifications they have earned during their time in the program. 

Dr. French shared about the Districts Early Learning Cohort. The District will be hosting a Cohort in April with Districts from around the Treasure Valley and country. 

Paul Victoriano, Student Representative from Caldwell High School, provided Trustees with an update on the State Student Council Conference. The Caldwell Student Council won the Spirit and the OSC Awards. The week of December 12 is CHS Blizzard Week, which ends with the Christmas Bowl event on Saturday. Every event during the week helps raise funds for families who need a little extra support during this time of year.

Abigail Aguirre, Student Representative from Canyon Springs High School, told Trustees about upcoming events happening at CSHS. Students recently started a fun activity with Nacho the Naugth Elf, he visits interesting places around the school to help build a better community within the school.

PATRON INPUT

• Nicole Trakel commented on Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.
• Chris Trakel commented on Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. 
• Miguel Pesina commented on Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.
• Tammy Dittenber commented on Proposed Policy 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.

CONSENT AGENDA

The Board approved the following items:

• Approval of Minutes for the Executive Session and Regular Board Meeting – November 14, 2022
• Approval of Minutes for the Board Work Session and Executive Session - November 28, 2022
• Financials
• Personnel Report
• Surplus
• Field Trip(s)
• CenterPointe - Special Services Independent Contractor Contractual Agreement
• CenterPointe - Non-Solicitation Agreement
• Early Graduate

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Plant Facility Report
• CFEO Financial Update
• CSD Calendar and Important Dates

REGULAR AGENDA

• Student Information System (SIS) - Dr. French provided Trustees with an update on a new Student Information System that committee members reviewed and selected. They all feel Power School is a more robust system and will meet the needs of the District better. The Board voted to approve the Student Information System as presented.
• Advanced Opportunities and Concurrent Credit - Trustees heard from Jessi Stockdale, Caldwell High School Career Counselor, on the Advanced Opportunity and Concurrent Credits at CHS. Dual/Concurrent Enrollment is a collaborative partnership between Idaho's colleges and universities to provide college courses for high school students giving them the option to earn both high school and college credit. Classes with approved high school instructors are offered to all students. The State of Idaho allocates over $4,000 to students in grades 7-12. Over 690 courses have been taken by students at CHS so far this year.
• Caldwell School District EOP 2022-2023 - Dr. French discussed the District’s Emergency Operation Plan with Board Members. This is a living document, which will be updated as needed. Having the most up to date information for emergencies is a priority to keep students and staff safe. The District is constantly working with local and state municipalities to keep the proper guidelines and procedures in place. Trustees voted to approve the Caldwell School District EOP 2022-2023. 
• Centralized Printing - Trustees heard from Caleb Shore, Director of Technology, about a possible District wide Centralized Printing plan. Currently six buildings are implementing centralized printing. The District will be monitoring print costs, staff concerns, accessibility, and overall cost savings. 
• Emergency School Closure - Dr. French provided Trustees with an update on the procedure of closing Washington Elementary on Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9, 2022. They were seeing very low attendance due to illness. Board Members were also made aware of the emergency closure on Monday, December 12, 2022, due to inclement weather. Trustees voted to approve the emergency closure procedure for closing Washington Elementary due to absenteeism and all the schools in the District due to inclement weather.
• COVID-19 School Operation Plan for 2022-2023 - Trustees did not receive a COVID-19 update from Southwest District Health. 
• Future Agenda Items - Department of Labor Job Fair

POLICY DEVELOPMENT/ADOPTION

Proposed Policies:

• Policy 2150 Copyright replacing Policy 661
• Policy 2150P Copyright Compliance
• Policy 2410 504 to replace 684 and 686
• Policy 2410P 504 Procedures 
• Policy 3281 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
• Policy 3345 Use of Restraint to replace Policy 553
• Policy 4105 Public Participation in  Board Meeting
• Policy 5350 Release from Contract
• Policy 5360 Employee Dress and Appearance
• Policy 5406 Classified Sick Leave Bank
• Policy 5406A Classified Sick Leave Bank Application 
• Policy 7430 F1 Expenditure Reimbursement Form
• Policy 7430 F2 Lost Receipt Form
• Policy 8110 Safety Busing
• Policy 8120 Bus Routes, Stops, Non-Transportation Zones, and Safety

The Board voted to Rescind the following policy:

• Policy 7430 Travel Allowances and Expenses - revision

The Board approved the following First Reading:

• Policy 2205 - Citizenship and Patriotic Observances
• Policy 3345 - Use of Restraint to replace Policy 553
• Policy 5340 - Evaluation of Certificated Personnel (revised as per changes in Idaho Code)
• Policy 5450 - Vacation Days

The Board approved the following the Second and Final Reading:

• Policy 1105 Caldwell School District Trustee Zones 
• Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom - revision
• Policy 2700 High School Graduation - review 
• Policy 2700P High School Graduation Requirements - revision

The Board voted to retain these Second and Final Reading Policies for the January agenda:

• Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom - revision
• Policy 1420 Trustee Expenses 

INFORMATION ONLY

• December 16, 2022 - End of second quarter, end of first semester
• December 23, 2022 - January 6, 2023 winter break begins
• December 25, 2022 - Christmas Day
• January 1, 2023 - New Year's Day
• January 9, 2023 - Teacher non-directed day
• January 10, 2023 - School Resumes
• January 17, 2023 - Caldwell City Council Presentation

ADJOURNMENT

To meet again, unless otherwise announced on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Caldwell District Office, Vernon DeMark Board Room, 1502 Fillmore, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605.