ISD 717 board gives Superintendent Renee K. Evenson a positive annual evaluation and sets 2025–26 goals

The ISD 717 School Board on Monday read a closed‑session evaluation finding that Superintendent Renee K. Evenson earned a positive review for the July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 appraisal period. The board commended Evenson’s leadership on facilities, fiscal management and student programs and set mutual goals for 2025–26 focused on operationalizing the district strategic plan.

Board members said Evenson’s supervision of the district’s building project, communications about construction progress, and efforts to preserve programming while managing budgets were evidence of effective leadership. "Renee continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, consistently managing resources with integrity, transparency, and foresight," the board’s written statement said.

The evaluation covers culture of learning and leadership, communication and public relations, facilities, finance, and advancing the strategic plan. The board listed several accomplishments for the appraisal period: moving year two of the building project forward within budget, sustaining partnerships with the city, enhancements to safety and security, and program growth such as expansion of the Surge program at Jordan High School, Summit Academy participation, the new work‑based learning class, and building and trades instruction.

Board members also flagged enrollment levels and recent legislative decisions as budget risks to watch in 2025–26. The board asked for clear board education on student assessment and achievement data and said mutually set goals for the coming year would emphasize "pride in student achievement, student support and staff support; monitoring and facilitating district budgets to optimize and maintain programming and staffing; continued focus on fiscal responsibility and maximizing budgets and grant resources; and support for development and implementation of programming to increase student achievement." The statement also refers to continuing work on career pathways, MTSS structures and annual evaluation of the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness plan.

Discussion vs. decision: the evaluation was presented as the board’s formal appraisal outcome after a closed‑session review and read into the public record. No new contract changes or salary actions were announced during the reading.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting record. The board’s formal statement was read into the minutes and signed by board members; Superintendent Evenson was present for the closed‑session review earlier in July.