Josh Gittel

Key discussion points included student presentations on the 'Panther Pals' mentor program and comments from board members regarding various district events. Superintendent updates covered the PFHS irrigation project bid opening schedule, the ongoing bleacher project requiring further cost estimation, and progress on the Fieldhouse project moving toward the bidding phase. Legislative session updates noted potential K-12 hold harmless outcomes and the possibility of new requirements concerning cardiac response plans and AED accessibility, which could necessitate additional purchases. A draft community mailer was presented for input. Updates were also provided on the IT Director position recruitment, graduation rates, and the addition of a second student counseling service provider. Mid-year Amira data for K-3 students indicated the district average remains above the state average. Financial updates included the expected first foundation payment from the State. Site reports were delivered by principals from Prairie View Elementary and River City Middle School. Board action items involved the second reading of revised board policy 604.2a regarding Emergency Closure. In executive session, discussions pertained to personnel matters, resulting in the approval of one employee's request for early retirement and the denial of another employee's request for resignation.

The primary action item considered by the Board involved reviewing the bid results for the Post Falls High School irrigation renovation project. The Board subsequently voted to award the bid for this project to the lowest bidder, LNW Residential and Commercial Landscaping, LLC.

The meeting included a Board Budget Workshop where the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer explained the budget process. Additionally, the Chair mentioned a potential workshop in April to discuss the superintendent search timeline.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes administrative items, public comment guidelines, and recognition of a new IT Director and several elementary schools. Key discussion items under the Consent Calendar involve the approval of minutes from previous meetings, including a Special Meeting Budget Workshop and two other Special Meetings from February 2026, as well as the Fiscal Services Report and Personnel Report, including staff resignations and a new hire. Board action items include the consideration of approving the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar, an agreement with the City of Post Falls for School Resource Officers, the adoption of the Kootenai County Mitigation Plan, approval of bus routes, and approval of an April stipend for all employees. First readings are scheduled for revisions to Board Policies 507.9 and 507.9a regarding fundraising. Following an Executive Session, potential actions include recommendations regarding the rehiring of the Special Education Director and contract extensions for two Assistant Superintendents.

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of newly elected trustees. Key actions included the amendment and approval of the agenda, and the reorganization of the Board, which resulted in the re-appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair, as well as the appointment of the District Treasurer and Clerk for the year 2026. The Board established the schedule for regular monthly meetings and approved the process for posting public notices. Personnel action included authorizing the superintendent to handle hiring and resignations for non-administrative classified staff. Superintendent updates covered current attendance trends, progress on the Fieldhouse project and bleacher replacement at Post Falls High School, and plans for the irrigation system upgrade. A budget workshop was scheduled for new board members. Various revised and new board policies underwent readings. The Board also reviewed legislative updates and declined attendance at the ISBA Day on the Hill. Action items included approving emergency school closures due to a windstorm and approving the Budget Timeline for fiscal year 2027. The meeting concluded with an executive session concerning a student enrollment hearing, which resulted in the denial of enrollment for Student A.