View this email in your browser

• Back to Normal (Board Meetings)

• Tying Up Loose Ends

• Amy Johnson Resigns

Back to Normal (Board Meetings)

Monday's Board meeting was... normal. Aside from one big surprise announcement (see below) it was a straightforward mix of policy readings, administrative oversight, and a wonderful spotlight focus on the CTE (Career Technical Education) program. It was delightfully uneventful.

The two main topics discussed were the latest draft revisions on the school calendar and an incredibly detailed (and sobering) data analysis of the growth projections West Ada can expect within the next decade. Both of these represent a huge amount of work from the Administration, and the Board asked thoughtful, forward-thinking and probing questions on each.

I can't overstate how refreshing this was. The Administration gathered data and presented plans, and the Board focused on processing that information with a long-term strategic focus. Totally absent was the operational micromanagement of the past year or discussion of topics outside education. It was exactly how a School Board is supposed to function.

I expected the first few months to be choppy given the new Trustees/new Leadership, but I’m thrilled that it only took a few weeks for them to hit stride. The meeting was entirely focused on the kids. It was serious. It was strategic. It was normal.

Let's have more of that.

Tying Up Loose Ends

There were two other administrative items that were essentially tying up loose ends from prior meetings.

One of these was addressing a patron complaint that stemmed from the January 10th meeting. The Board went into Executive Session and approved a written response; I don't know any further details, but given that they took no action I think it's safe to assume that issue is closed.

The second item was their self-recognition of an Open Meeting violation, and this I can speak to since it was my complaint that prompted it. As many of you know, I was ejected from the December 13th Board Meeting due to my vocal objection that an item was being voted on without advance public notification. The Ada County Prosecutor agreed insofar as they opened an investigation, which the Board obviated by self-declaring. Given that action, this issue is also closed.

I'm certain there will be other issues as the Board continues to adjust to its new composition, but for now it would appear the slate is clean.

Amy Johnson Resigns

At the conclusion of the meeting, Amy Johnson announced her resignation from the West Ada School Board of Trustees, which you can watch here.

Public Service is a noble calling, and perhaps noblest of all are those who volunteer their time, energy, and effort to represent the voters on behalf of our children. Our policy differences with Amy — and there were many such differences that we faced respectfully yet resolutely — does not diminish the fact that she served, and that is to be acknowledged and appreciated.

We thank her for that service, and wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.

Looking forward, we still have the "endemic plan" slated for consideration on February 28th, our teachers and staff continue to feel the pressure of rising inflation, and the growth West Ada will need to address in the coming years is bracing. Still, despite these challenges, I’ve never been more optimistic for the future of our District.

Thanks for all you do for our kids!

Best, Dave