Policies Adopted Regarding Silence, Electronics, Transitioning
At the regular meeting of the Midvale School Board July 20, the trustees approved several new and updated policies covering a wide variety of subjects.
The board approved the following policies: parental notice form regarding minute of silence, limits on local education association activities, employee use of electronic communications devices, medical treatment authorization form, and prohibition on staff support of social transitions. This last one is state law that requires any school staff who is approached directly by a student expressing desires to social transition to notify the principal or superintendent who will in turn notify the parents. At that point the school’s responsibility is done.
The school handbook was approved. Clerk Sarah Kindall reported that the book is on the school website and contains links to pertinent policies. She referred to it as a living document as it will be updated periodically. Anyone who needs a paper copy can request one from the district office.
The district approved the continuation of legal services with Idaho School Boards Association. They also approved and reviewed the parent and family engagement policy. There was discussion of forming a parental committee as part of that policy.
Superintendent Matt Jones reported that eleven teachers and parents participated in the Weiser Summer Institute which covered subjects such as dyslexia and AI. Participants received reimbursement for mileage and course credits. Also Principal Pat Griffin is encouraging teachers to participate in professional learning opportunities with teachers from other districts. The program is paid for by the Idaho Dept. of Education. Jones mentioned that this additional teacher training reflects one of the Midvale District’s goals.
The district has hired a new custodian to start August 10. The livestock pavilion cooler was used by the Swimming Pool Committee as overflow space for their July 4th BBQ supplies. A new 50 gallon hot water heater and repaired plumbing will be installed in the old school boys’ locker room, to cost $3,000. The gym floor was being redone this week, so the board meeting was held in the Ag Shop. Also the AC was repaired in the elementary building.
The next regular meeting of the board will be August 24 at 7 pm.
