Board accepts multiple school grants and donations for CTE, athletics and health programs

The Blaine County District on Tuesday accepted several gifts and grants aimed at career and technical education, athletics facilities and health education.

Trustees approved a Wood River High School CTE gift request with a project price tag the presenter described as $233,000; the board accepted the gift while noting the district would not be obligated to backfill any fundraising shortfall and staff said ongoing costs could be covered within existing CTE program budgets. “We are willing to accept a gift of that size, but we are in no position to to backfill any shortfall,” a trustee said during discussion.

The board approved a $75,000 Hemingway STEAM School bequest to upgrade the only outdoor basketball court in Ketchum. Presenters said the scope addresses court surfacing and a failing retaining wall that drops small rocks onto the court; warranty information for hoops and surfacing was provided by the donors and the project leader. Facilities staff said the district uses the court for recess, PE and community play and that winter snow‑storage needs could constrain winter use.

Trustees also accepted a Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation grant awarded to Wood River High School for med‑tech/CNA program expansion; presenters described a grant of roughly $40,000 that will purchase equipment, software licenses and training to support a revived CNA pathway. District staff said some elements are one‑time costs while a few software licenses would require future budget consideration if continued.

Each grant was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with trustees recorded saying “Aye.” The board noted acceptance of the funds does not create an obligation to cover fundraising shortfalls and asked staff to monitor any recurring costs tied to grant‑funded programs.