West Ada School District

The presentation provided an academic update highlighting significant achievements across various metrics. Key discussion points included early literacy data, with over 82% of kindergarten students scoring proficient, and the overall graduation rate for the class of 2025 reaching 89%, including Meridian High School achieving 95%. The presentation detailed systematic progress monitoring across instruction, curriculum, and assessment, utilizing benchmark systems at district, school, and student levels. Specific focus was placed on training 100% of K2 teachers in explicit systematic phonics instruction and achieving 90% training for 3 through 12 mathematics teachers in explicit instruction. Furthermore, data indicated positive trends in high school metrics, such as a record low in D's and F's, increased average high school attendance (a nearly 1% improvement), and strong participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, with over 20,000 dual credits earned, equating to over $1.5 million in advanced opportunity funds for West Ada students.

The board meeting included reports and spotlights from Ponderosa Elementary School, highlighting student achievements in reading proficiency (60% at or above grade level in third grade, 96% exiting kindergarten at or above grade level) and their unique Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) program. The report also detailed the community's rapid response to a major pipe burst that flooded five classrooms. Presentations continued with updates from Eagle Middle School, focusing on culture building through recognition awards (U Rock cards, Scholars of the Month), student successes in filmmaking competitions (placing first and third in a trailer contest), career classes involving mock interviews and resume building, high participation rates in sports, and club activities like Athletic Leadership and Action Club. Student council representatives from Renaissance High School presented on academic achievements, including participation in International Baccalaureate (IB) programs (17 full IBDP seniors), CTE certifications, and an Associate of Arts degree program (76 full AA seniors). They also reported on musical achievements (nine musicians in all-state ensemble) and FCCLA successes, including Gold in baking and pastry, and strong community service through Rake Up Boise. Recognition was also given to various parent and community involvements, such as guest speakers and classroom volunteers.

The regular meeting began with recognition of Hunter Elementary School and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a presentation honoring School Resource Officers (SROs) for their critical role in school safety, mentorship, and community partnership, including the distribution of challenge coins. Following this, the principal of Hunter Elementary provided an update, highlighting the strong culture grounded in trust and high expectations, significant parental engagement (over 94% pride rating), focus on student growth metrics in math and reading, and successful implementation of a new student council. Meridian High School also presented its winter board report, focusing on four pillars: culture and climate (The Warrior Way), instruction via professional development, safety and behavior improvements (including a 50% reduction in behavior incidents), and community engagement. The Meridian ASB co-presidents detailed student council activities, including a successful 'Stinky Sneaker' event honoring a teacher, strong performance in boys' and girls' basketball, wrestling, cheer, choir, and drama, as well as plans for records week, a second blood drive, and rebuilding clubs like Blue Crew to support incoming freshmen. They also noted the positive impact of the new administrative team and efforts to show appreciation through counselor and SRO appreciation weeks and monthly awards for students and staff.

The meeting commenced with a pledge led by Spalding STEM Academy. The agenda was amended to correct a clerical error in the new business section regarding batch renumbering. Reports and spotlights included updates on monitoring budget decisions at the state level, expressing support for the governor's budget, and forthcoming stakeholder meetings, including a 'Dessert with Derek' session for parents. Discussions covered an employee experience committee meeting and an administrator think tank. Spalding STEM Academy presented updates on their SOAR foundational commitments, positive behavior intervention system including student acknowledgments, student of the month lunches, STEM class activities, live science experiments, garden improvements, and their robotics team qualifying for state competition. Representatives from Idaho Fine Arts Academy discussed their annual canned food drive, which collected 1,310 cans, the production of their musical "Pippin," fundraising efforts for a student-led auditorium campaign, and their Cocoa for Kenya fundraiser benefiting their sister school. Other items included the staff vs. students homecoming kickball game and a presentation regarding a residency and master class hosted by world-renowned songwriter Toby Gad. Updates were given on a $53,000 donation to the foundation from the Boise Open ticket sales. Finally, the 10 finalists for the 2025-2026 winter raffle, supporting extracurricular activities with an anticipated total raffle revenue exceeding one million dollars for the first time, were selected.

The regular board meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was amended to move the strategic wearable technology item from the consent agenda to new business, which was approved unanimously. The meeting included spotlight reports detailing accomplishments at Star Elementary and Centennial High School. The Star Elementary report highlighted academic growth, particularly a proficiency rise from 61% to 81% in the Idaho Reading Indicator for kindergarten, and emphasized community engagement events like Grandparents Day. The Centennial High School report detailed significant academic achievements, including securing three National Merit Scholars, strong performance in AP classes (79% passing rate), growth in ISET math and English scores, and exceptional success in multilingual learner support. Centennial also showcased achievements in athletics, arts and music (including state appearances for various teams and strong performance in marching band), student leadership activities like the Pat Cash incentive program, and community outreach efforts such as a clothing drive and providing turkey dinners via the school pantry.