Kuna Joint School District 3

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Trustees' Oath of Office to two members. The Board entered an executive session to discuss personnel issues. During the regular session, the Board reorganized by electing a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and appointing the District Treasurer and Clerk. Key new business involved the review and signing of the KSD and Idaho School Board Association's Code of Ethics. The Board established the schedule for regular monthly meetings for 2026 and designated public places for posting notices. Committee representatives were appointed for Negotiations, Calendar, Safety, Kuna Education Foundation, and Wellness. Updates were provided on the Superintendent Search timeline and current enrollment figures. The Consent Agenda included the approval of previous minutes (excluding December 9, 2025, which was listed but not approved in the final motion), Accounts Payable, Financials, Budget Status Report, Personnel Report, a Trip Request, and several readings and adoptions/amendments to various board policies.

The document details a community forum organized by the Board of Trustees to introduce finalists for the Superintendent position. The forum included introductions from the finalists and a panel of community representatives who asked structured questions. Key discussion topics revolved around communication strategies with families and community partners, and the process for remaining accountable to the community when making unpopular decisions. Specific communication strategies discussed included establishing advisory groups, proactive communication planning, utilizing various media formats, and emphasizing two-way dialogue to build trust.

The meeting commenced with an executive session regarding evaluation, dismissal, discipline, or complaints involving a public officer, employee, staff member, or student, authorized under code section 74-06. Following the executive session, the board resumed the regular session with the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was amended to include an action item regarding the sale of Fourth Street Gym. Celebrations included an update on the successful Parent University session for middle schools, which covered topics like the basics of middle school expectations, differences between elementary and middle school, CAST, AVID programs, parent involvement, and athletics, with specific attention to dual language and special education programs. A shout out was given to a bus driver for securing 350 battery-operated reflectors through a local highway district program to enhance student safety while walking or scootering in the dark. The CFO provided a detailed financial report, highlighting an expected decrease in fund balance to approximately $2.1 million for the current year, projecting a 17% fund balance overall, which is considered healthy. The primary cost drivers for the decrease are increased special education costs and salary schedule changes due to legislative minimums not fully offset by state funding increases. A two-year reduction plan aims to recoup $1.1 million through attrition, examining staffing levels, and delaying non-essential capital or curriculum spending. The CFO also discussed long-term projections for the 2027-2028 fiscal year and provided an update on state funding, noting that the current fiscal year (2025-2026) budget does not anticipate cuts, but 2026-2027 funding is still pending legislative decisions. Finally, the President of the Kuna Education Foundation provided an overview of the foundation's history since receiving 501c3 status in 2010 and discussed current activities and future goals.

The special board meeting agenda was approved. Key discussions included a review of hiring best practices and Open Meeting Law conducted by representatives from ISBA. The board entered into an executive session to discuss superintendent candidate applications and qualifications. Upon resuming open session, the board determined semi-finalists or finalists in the superintendent search process, advancing three candidates. Subsequent action involved establishing a hiring committee and setting the general timeline for February 24, 2026, which includes interviews, campus tours, and public forums.

The meeting commenced with a rearrangement of the agenda to accommodate the swearing in of two new trustees, Kirsty Bruce and Freddy Wheeler. Key organizational actions included the election of Michael Thornton as Chairperson and JD Grant as Vice Chairperson following a vote. Jonathan Gillan was appointed as the District Treasurer, and Deian Greeny was appointed as District Clerk. The board also reviewed and signed the KSD and Idaho School Board Association's code of ethics policy 216. Furthermore, the board established the monthly regular meeting dates for 2026 as the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM, and designated public places for posting notices, including the district office and website. Committee appointments were discussed, with a motion passed for Kirsty to remain on the calendar committee and Hillary to join the safety committee. A significant discussion centered on committee representation for capital planning and the involvement of board members with the Kuna Education Foundation, leading to a motion to appoint Freddy to the foundation.