Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
The Blaine County School District board authorized administrators to engage an architectural firm to design options and estimate costs for replacing or renovating Haley Elementary after a facility assessment found extensive deferred maintenance, safety and efficiency issues. The vote was unanimous.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
At the Feb. 5 meeting the board approved several action items: course changes for Hemingway Middle and Wood River High, awarded three roofing contracts to Signature Roofing, accepted an LED lighting bid (Heider Electric), authorized consolidation-design bids for district office/IT/Silver Creek, and approved four staff leaves of absence. Each motion was adopted by voice vote.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
The curriculum review committee recommended French and Spanish materials for K–12 world-language programs. The recommended purchase (~$130,000 plus $20,000 for AP/upper-level materials) was presented as within budget and received positive feedback from teachers and community reviewers.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
District leaders told the board the 2024–29 strategic plan shows progress on curriculum alignment, mental-health supports and staff housing; they also warned of a projected $2.8 million budget gap for FY26–27 driven by declining enrollment and other revenue pressures.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
Trustee Romero reported on bills at the Idaho Legislature affecting schools: an attempt to repeal the Blaine Amendment died; a memorial urging full IDEA funding advanced; HB559 (tax conformity) passed and may increase state budget deficits; bills on epinephrine delivery, bullying reporting, generative AI in K–12 and virtual public comment are in committee or moving through both chambers.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
At its annual meeting the board administered oaths to two trustees, approved officer appointments (chair, vice chair, clerk and other officers), named Trustee Blanca Romero as the ISB legislative representative and extended Superintendent Fowdy’s rolling contract after a confidential evaluation.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
Trustees approved a district leadership recommendation to reduce staff roles after officials said lower enrollment and state budget pressure have increased a projected 2026–27 deficit to about $940,000; the board accepted the recommendation and will use some reserves while seeking further options.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
A facilities review found some Haley Elementary components are costlier to maintain than replace; trustees asked staff to return with options — from targeted repairs to full replacement — and approved issuing an RFQ for architects to develop plans.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
Finance staff reported lower midterm support‑unit counts and projected revenue pressure; district leaders proposed a mix of certified and classified reductions to reach board targets and said they will return in January with options including further cuts and one‑time offsets such as property sales and office consolidation savings.
Idaho / School Districts / BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT
Board directed staff to issue a request for qualifications for architects to build a bench of firms for upcoming projects, including a possible Hailey Elementary replacement; trustees asked for further information and a focused board discussion on whether to commit to rebuilding before selecting architects.