Whitener Sworn in as New Board Member
Bonnie Evans, Midvale Correspondent
After the resignation of trustee Steve Sutton, a new board member was sworn in at Monday’s regular meeting of the Midvale School Board. John Whitener signed the Code of Ethics and began serving immediately.
The board examined the amended 2025-2026 budget which reflected monies transferred from the general fund into the plant facilities and technology funds. It was approved.
The proposed 2026-2027 budget was presented. The general fund balance is projected to be $923,000 at the end of the year which is enough to cover 4 ½ months of expenses. The expenses presented show 85% for personnel salaries and benefits. The remainder is for transportation, utilities, supplies, insurance, etc.
Superintendent Matt Jones listed some factors effecting the budget: add elementary principal and custodian, no change in career ladder pay, increased insurance costs with district contributing $1,000 per employee, support for CTE and alternatives, no major construction, and budget built around 12.5 support units. The budget is very similar to last year’s. The Proposed 2026-2027 Budget was approved.
When asked if the Ag building project was finished, Jones was pleased to announce that all items were completed, and the entire project came in $98,000 under budget. That means the remaining grant money will be available to other schools.
Also asked was how the IDLA (Idaho Digital Learning Alliance) funding cuts by the state will affect Midvale. The online classes will be about the same in Midvale. Each student can take four classes a year and some are taking classes this summer to get ahead for the fall.
The board approved an athletic trainer contract with Weiser Memorial Hospital. Opal Giffin has been serving at no cost to the school and monitors training, sports injuries and referrals in case of medical need.
At the end of the meeting, the board discussed the option of opening meetings with prayer. Also discussed was the display of the Ten Commandments somewhere in a prominent place in the school. Both were approved unanimously contingent on the school lawyer’s input.
The next regular meeting will be on July 27 at 7:00 p.m..
