Notus School District 135

The meeting commenced with board organization, including the declaration of a vacancy for Zone One Trustee due to term expiration and the subsequent process to fill it. Key organizational actions included the reorganization of the board for the 2026 school year, the nomination and election of a new Chair, and subsequent nominations for Vice Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer. The board also designated the official publication for legal notices and established the schedule and locations for the 2026 board meetings and official posting sites. Discussions included a review of proposed revisions to the 2026 calendar, involving adjustments to contract reviews and lease agreement timings. A significant portion of the meeting focused on student success and achievement, involving a detailed discussion and presentation of fall-to-winter student data across various grades (K-11) for mathematics, reading, and language usage, noting areas of growth and concern. Further agenda items involved recognizing the efforts of the ABN crew for extra cleaning work over the holiday break following a water-related incident, and an update on recent FFA activities, including spud sales, a Green Hand workshop, and preparations for the upcoming legislative luncheon and a Pearson donation effort.

The meeting included discussions on agenda approval, including an amendment to add curriculum committee notes to agenda item 9A. Updates were provided regarding the trustee vacancy in zone one, with no candidates having applied yet. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the 'Focus on Student Success and Achievement' item, involving a detailed discussion and presentation on student data related to early reading skills for kindergarten through third grade, showing strong overall growth across proficiency tiers, and similar upward trends in fourth through sixth grades for reading and mathematics. Concerns regarding lower spelling performance in sixth grade were addressed, noting a need to revert to more foundational spelling instruction. The board also received blue ribbon recognitions for staff members Sylvia Lance and Mrs. Pulls. Public participation included thanks to the trustees for their openness and updates on fundraising efforts through Child Find and discussions regarding a planned ski trip for sixth or eighth graders. The latter part of the meeting featured a presentation on a sample lesson from Inquiry By Design (IBD), focusing on a Grade 7 poetry unit, emphasizing complex, authentic work, and educator-to-educator collaboration.

The meeting included recognition segments, moving the presentation for guests from CASA to an earlier agenda item (3B), and confirming the agenda approval. Discussions covered Blue Ribbon recognition for a departing board member and appreciation for Thanksgiving basket efforts. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation from sixth-grade students and their teacher regarding their annual overnight field trip request to Bruno Sandunes, detailing the itinerary, budget needs (including costs for loop rental, gas, and prizes), and educational components like writing assignments with a local editor. Following this, updates were provided on the CASA Academy alternative program, noting an enrollment increase to 96 students and efforts to build community through small initiatives like providing toiletries. Reports on Special Education services highlighted the distribution of 50 students across various consortium programs, with 77% requiring only mild to moderate support. Financial concerns were raised regarding budget constraints stemming from prior year cuts to paraprofessional and teaching staff, which is increasing referrals to extended resource rooms and TLC programs, leading to discussions about potential funding needs exceeding $300,000 to restore staffing levels.

The meeting included recognition of Mr. Tybo for his contributions to the district and students. A presentation was given by Caleb and Sylvia about a leadership retreat to Garden Valley, detailing activities and workshops aimed at improving leadership skills. The leadership class discussed implementing ideas from the retreat to improve the school environment and culture, including Monday morning meetings, social media engagement, and reading with elementary school students. Andrew Roberts and Kelvin Jensen presented on a welding trip to Seattle, highlighting the educational experience at an underwater welding school and visits to city attractions.

The board meeting included discussions and recognitions. Chris DLE was recognized for their work with the student council and a first-grade leadership class. An annual district audit report was presented, highlighting an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and a clean report on internal controls. The major funds for the school were reviewed, including the general fund, child nutrition fund, bond fund, plant facilities fund, and school district modernization facilities fund. There was a focus on student success and achievement, with a discussion on student data and the transition from high station. A student presentation report highlighted achievements, including Lauren Nelson's participation in a U Foundation drawing and recognition of American degrees. The meeting also covered volunteer student programs and various projects.