Below is a summary of the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees March 13, 2023, 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 Jefferson Middle School’s Student Leadership. Students have started a ‘My Culture is our Legacy’ anti-bullying campaign. They created positive messages that can be seen throughout the school. Students will also watch a video to bring awareness to the anti-bullying campaign at JMS.

Dr. French also highlighted the Caldwell High School Cheer and Wrestling teams. The Cheer team qualified for State in all categories and placed 5th overall. The Wrestling team also had success at the State Competition. The boy’s team placed 2nd and had some individual champions. The women’s team also had some top finishers. 

CONSENT AGENDA

Trustees voted to approve the following items.

• Approval of Minutes for an Executive Session - February 6, 2023
• Approval of Minutes for the Regular Board Meeting – February 13, 2023
• Approval of Minutes for the Special Board Meeting and Executive Session, February 27, 2023
• Financials
• Personnel Report
• Surplus
• Field Trip(s)
• Switch and WiFi access point refresh
• Firewall Purchase Agreement
• Meraki Licensing Purchase Agreement

INFORMATION ITEMS

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

PATRON INPUT

• Nicole Tackle provided input on Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom, and Policy 4105 Public Participation in Board Meeting.

• Nicole Highland spoke about Policy 1420 Trustee Expenses and Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom. 

REGULAR AGENDA

• National History Day - Trustees heard from Mr. Wurtz, History Teacher at Caldwell High School, about the 27th Annual National History Day Competition. Every Junior participates in the assignment/competition. Through this competition, students have the opportunity to win scholarships. 
• High School Graduation Update - Christine McMillen, Principal of Canyon Springs High School, and Anita Wilson, Principal of Caldwell High School, provided Trustees with an update on the Class of 2023. Counselors at both high schools are working closely with students to keep them on track to graduate in May.
• High School Standards Work - Trustees heard from Dr. French and Anita Wilson, Principal at Caldwell High School, about some of the academic work CHS teachers are doing to help students succeed. The department chairs from each core subject shared what they are focusing on in each of their classes.
• Start Time Survey Results - Dr. French reviewed the results of the School Start Time Surveys that were sent out to both families and staff. Dr. French asked Trustees for more time to continue the conversation and send out another survey with more specific questions.
• New Audit Proposal - Cheryl Sanderson, Chief Financial Officer, provided Trustees with information on a new audit proposal for the District. Board Members voted to approve the new audit proposal with Quest CPAs.
• Proposed Calendar for 2023-2024 - Board Members heard from Melissa Langan, Chief Academic Officer, about 2023-2024 School Calendar proposal. Trustees voted to approve Option A for the 2023-2024 School Calendar.
• Social Media Mass Action Lawsuit - James Stoll, the District’s Attorney, spoke to Trustees about a Mass Action Lawsuit pertaining to major social media corporations. The Board voted to join the Social Media Mass Action Lawsuit.
• DHW Community Grants - Trustees reviewed and discussed the DHW Community Grants. The Board voted to use their own legal counsel in DHW Community Grants. 
• Settlement Offer for Government Entity Claims Against JUUL Labs, Inc. (“JLI”) - Dr. French provided Trustees with information on the JUUL litigation. The District received compensation from the lawsuit which will be used to buy more vape detectors.
• COVID-19 School Operation Plan for 2022-2023 - Trustees reviewed recent COVID-19 data and information provided by Southwest District Health.
• Future Agenda Items - Suicide Prevention

POLICY DEVELOPMENT/ADOPTION

Proposed Policies:

• 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 5455 Sick Leave (to replace Policy 424)
• Policy 8110 Safety Busing
• Policy 8120 Bus Routes, Stops, Non-Transportation Zones, and Safety
• Policy 8160 Contracting for Transportation Services
• Policy 8320 Fire Drills and Evacuation Plans
• Policy 8700 Computer Software

Trustees voted to accept and Request to Rescind the following policy:

• Policy 222 Board Patron Communication (Replaced with Policy 4110 Public Complaints)
• Policy 226 Board Member Compensation (Replaced with Policy 1420 Trustee Expenses)
• Policy 240 School District Trustee Zones (Replaced with Policy 1105 Caldwell School District Trustee Zones)
• Policy 280 Waivers of State Board of Education Rule (Replaced with Policy 1705 Waivers of State Board of Education Rule
• Policy 312 Administrative Personnel Expenses (Replaced with Policy 7430 Travel Allowances and Expenses)
• Policy 545 Disciplining Students With Disabilities (IDEA) (Replaced with Policy 3340 and 3340P)
• Policy 546 Disciplining Students With Disabilities (504) (Replaced with Policy 3340 and 3340P)
• Policy 641 Citizenship, US Constitution - National Flag Colors (Replaced with Policy 2205 Citizenship and Patriotic Observances)
• Policy 770 School Lunch (obsolete)
• Policy 771 Private Food Service Providers (obsolete)

First Reading:

Trustees voted to approve the following policies:

• Policy 2150 Copyright/Media Licensing (Replaces Policy 661)
• Policy 2150P Copyright Compliance (Replaces Policy 661 Exhibit A)
• Policy 2410 504 (to replace Policy 684 and 686)
• Policy 2410P 504 Procedures
• Policy 4105 Public Participation in Board Meeting (Replaces Policy 222)
• Policy 7430 Travel Allowances and Expenses (Revised)
• Policy 7430F1 Expenditure Reimbursement Form
• Policy 7430F2 Lost Receipt Form

Second and Final Reading:

Trustees voted to approve the following policies:

• Policy 2310 Nutrition Education - revision
• Policy 2385 English Learner Program
• Policy 2400 Special Education - replacing Policy 670
• Policy 2520 Curricular Materials - revision
• Policy 2605 Advanced Requirements (Grade 6 through 9)
• Policy 2615 Student Career Pathway Plans replacing Policy 690
• Policy 2700P High School Graduation Requirements as per Idaho State Board of Education
• Policy 3340 Corrective Actions and Punishments - revision
• Policy 3340P Corrective Actions and Punishments Procedure - revision
• Policy 3525 Immunization Requirements to replace Policy 565 & 565E
• Policy 3525F1 Immunization Exemption Form - English
• Policy 3525F1 Immunization Exemption Form - Spanish
• Policy 3525F2 Idaho Certificate of Immunization Exemption - English and Spanish
• Policy 8200 Local School Wellness
• Policy 8605 Retention of District Records

Trustees voted to table Policy 1420 Trustee Expenses - revision and Policy 2340 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom - revision.

INFORMATION ONLY

• March 16, 2023 - End of third quarter
• March 17, 2023 - No school for students
• March 20-23, 2023 - Parent/teacher conference week
• March 24, 2023 - No school for students
• March 27, 2023 - Spring break begins

ADJOURNMENT

To meet again, unless otherwise announced, on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Caldwell District Office, Vernon DeMark Board Room, 1502 Fillmore, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605.