The monthly meeting of the Oneida School Board was held on March 18, following a work session. Robert Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, was honored as the “Employee of the Month.” (See accompanying article.) The Malad Middle School Science Bowl Team was also honored for winning 1st place at the Idaho Western Regional Middle School Science Bowl competition, making them eligible to compete in the National Science Bowl competition in Washington, DC, in April.

Public Input

About 15 students, led by Jefferson Buttars as the spokesperson, were present to support a proposal to end the hat ban policy in the schools. Jefferson read a statement, listing reasons for allowing students to wear hats in school, and presented a signed petition to
the Board.

Tiffany Jones, former Malad teacher, read a statement in support of the music programs in Malad schools. She emphasized the importance of music as part of the education program for
all students.

Discussion

Abbie Goddard and Kami Willie came before the Board to advocate for a cheer program at Malad Middle School. They emphasized that a middle school program would build and improve the high school cheer program. When Malad Middle School had a cheer program, 30-40 students came out to learn the routines; all students were able to participate. If the program is to succeed, a cheer coach would be needed because of the number of practices, especially if the cheer team performs at all middle school sports events, not just basketball as in the past. Abbie and Kami were asking for a stipend for the middle school cheer coach because of the time the position will require. Superintendent Jon Abrams stated that he sympathized with the request but that all financial decisions would have to wait until legislative actions impacting schools were finalized in this session.

Administrator Reports

Superintendent Abrams reported that he and Terri Sorensen, administrator of the Idaho Home Learning Academy Charter School, had spent two days in Boise, educating legislators about IHLA.  There is great concern on the part of some legislators about the low achievement data for IHLA students. If test scores do not improve to show growth in student learning, IHLA may be disbanded or removed from being administered as a charter school under Oneida School District. 

Mr. Abrams reported that the February bond payment had been made and that funds were available for the September payment. As soon as the legislative session is over and the District has information about its financial future, public meetings will be held about the financial status of the District, particularly in regard to bond payments for the new elementary school.

Ms. Jeanie Reeder, Principal of Stone School, reported that all students improved their reading scores and that all students showed growth in math during the past month.  The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers plan to come to the school to demonstrate pioneer skills. The Stone students will come into Malad for the Ag Days program, sponsored by the Malad High School
ag department.

Ms. Sarah McIntyre, Principal of Malad Elementary School, reported that parent-teacher conferences have concluded. She thanked the PTO for organizing the Spring Book Fair for Grandparents’ Day, which is March 20. The talent show will be presented as part of Grandparents’ Day.

Mr. Robert Hannah, Principal of Malad Middle School, noted the success of the Science Bowl Team in winning the Regional Science Bowl. He reported that all students enjoyed and learned from the theater arts experience at the Eccles Theater in Logan. He also noted that Sawyer Beutler shot 25 of 25 at the Regional Hoops Shoot to advance to Nationals. At the middle school boys’ basketball tournament, the 7th grade took 1st place, and the 8th grade took 2nd place.  Over 100 students are out for track. 

Mr. Dallan Rupp, Principal of Malad High School, reported that the accreditation process, including site visits, was over and that the report would be received soon. The accreditation team made some suggestions, including that scholarship information be communicated better to students and that assessment data be used to improve teaching and learning. He congratulated the Academic Team for placing 3rd at the Idaho Western Regional High School Science Bowl competition. At the FCCLA District competition, all Malad students received scores that qualified them to go to State. At the District Music Contest, 10 of 15 students qualified to go to State. He also reported that Joshua Pickett placed 1st in his category at State BPA and qualified for Nationals. Bayli Nesbit took 3rd at the State HOSA competition and qualified for Nationals in Tennessee.

Policies and Action Items

The new student attendance policy was approved for a first reading. It replaces two policies that the Board voted to delete. Changes to the current policy related to transporting students were approved.  A policy about evaluation of non-certified staff was approved for a first reading.  After final approval, all policies will be posted on the School District website:
www.oneidaschooldistrict.org.

The Board approved an overnight trip for the softball team to go to Wendell and Declo on April 25-26. Approval was granted to Josh Pickett to attend the BPA National Leadership Conference on May 7-11 in Orlando, Florida. The Board approved the Middle School Science Bowl Team to go to the National Competition in Washington, DC, in April; all expenses will be paid by the U.S. Department of Energy. (Chalae Teeples recused herself because of her son being on the Science Bowl Team.)

The Board approved putting the school bond on the May ballot because of the need to extend the bond repayment time. Public meetings will be held once the Idaho legislative session concludes and the impact of various school finance measures on Oneida School District is known.

The following personnel were approved by the Board, pending their passing the State-mandated background check: Jaren Hall as a substitute teacher; Ty Price as Malad High School athletic director; and Erika Johnson to transfer from Malad Elementary School to Malad Middle School.