Pocatello trustees form Washington Elementary ad hoc committee and affirm high‑school boundary option A1

The Pocatello District Board of Trustees affirmed its earlier decision to adopt Option A1 for high‑school enrollment and attendance boundaries and approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to study Washington Elementary’s future, including temporary uses and potential physical modifications.

Staff explained the high‑school committee had cured an inadvertent Idaho Open Meeting Law violation at a properly noticed meeting and recommended the board reaffirm the prior action. The board voted to affirm Option A1.

Separately, the board considered additions requested by the Washington Elementary Advocates: the advocates asked that at least three of the ad hoc committee’s 12 seats be filled by members of their group, that a representative from the College Neighborhood Association receive separate representation, and that the committee begin meetings in mid‑March. Board members discussed committee size, meeting cadence (board directed formation with meetings “as needed”), membership and staff support. Trustees emphasized flexibility so the committee can meet as information becomes available.

A motion to form the Washington Elementary ad hoc committee as described in the memorandum, with the change that meetings begin in mid‑March and be scheduled as needed, passed by voice vote. Trustees said the committee will be staffed by district personnel (Jonathan and others), will include neighborhood representation, and will return recommendations to the board after completing its review.

Next steps: administration will finalize the committee roster and schedule, ensure representation requested in the Advocates’ addendum is considered, and report committee progress to the board at a future meeting.