The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.

Under roll call, Director Pearson was absent; all other members were present.  Assistant Superintendent Heather McAllister was filling in for Superintendent Harrison, who was absent.  

Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr. Sunday Ferris, shared that we had a great group joining the White River School District this year.  Who we hire matters, and the building administrators did a great job in the hiring process. She also thanked Mandy Lepannen and Eric Sage Richard for their work.  The building administrators then introduced the new staff to the board.  The board introduced themselves and welcomed them.

Maintenance and Custodial Supervisor Marty Brewer gave the board an update on all the
summer projects that have been occurring. The department has been very busy and has
done a lot of work.  Work done includes the following:

District-Wide LED Lighting

White River High School Dishwasher Replacement

Mountain Meadow Secure Fencing

Wilkeson Cornice Replacement

White River Early Learning Center & White River High School HVAC Upgrades

White River High School CTE Welding Shop circuits

Glacier Middle School, White River Early Learning Center & White River High School Gym Floor Refinishing

Smaller projects include:

White River Early Learning Center:
Plumbing Repairs
Shut Off Valve Replacement

Foothills Elementary:

Pole Light Repairs
Hot Water Tank/Main Pipe Repair

Mountain Meadow Elementary:
Hydronic Repairs

District Office & District Distribution Center:
Theater Heating Coil Replacement
Hydronic Repairs

District-Wide:
Campus Beautification
Fire Testing

Donna Morey gave a presentation on the 2026-2027 budget hearing. She went over revenue assumptions, revenue, expenditures, MSOC compliance, the general fund summary and the components of fund balance. She also shared information regarding the Capital Projects funds, the Debt Service Fund and the Transportation Vehicle fund. She went over the ASB fund and gave school summaries. Under the consent agenda, the 2026-2027 Budget Adoption Resolution will be going up for approval this evening.

Director Vogel opened the hearing for public comment. There were no comments.
The hearing was closed.

Students from White River High School advocated for the implementation of senior parking spots at the high school.  

Taylor Arnold:  Shared that they met with administrators, and the request was denied.  Feels that the decision was unfair and did not fully consider the benefits senior parking could bring to the community.  She went over the various benefits- to include traditions, school spirit, sense of belonging, and the logistics of the program- which are simple and would have little to no cost to the district. Students would enter a raffle for a spot; they would then pay a $25 fee, which would go to a damage fund for any damage and to repaint the spot.  They would then receive a packet that includes a waiver (to be signed by student and guardian) and information on the design process, which must be approved prior to display.  The goal is not to create more work or risk to the district, but to propose a program that is organized, student-funded, supervised, and designed to protect the district while giving seniors a meaningful tradition.  

Jordyn Kaelin:  Community support is a huge part of our school district, and we often recognize it as one of our district's greatest strengths.  The community has shown strong support for this program and a willingness to help the district create opportunities for students.  A petition for senior parking spots was shared with students and the community, and in just over 48 hours, they have received more than 429 signatures.  This is more than a student request; it's something our community wants to make a tradition here at White River.   has also researched surrounding districts that have this program, and hasn't found any examples of lawsuits.  They are here today to advocate for an opportunity and, most importantly, to be heard and to build trust in working together toward a decision that reflects the voices of students and the community.

Charlotte Ringel: Felt that after their meeting regarding this issue, the biggest takeaway was a strong fear of liability.  While they understand this, they also believe that the unwillingness to take on any form of risk can have consequences of its own.  When the priority becomes avoiding all risks, it mutes students' voices and, in some cases, student interest can be completely left out of the conversation.  There needs to be a balance between protecting the district and providing students with meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect them.  They are asking to reconsider the decision, or if that is not possible, to find a compromise.  

Malachi Crawford:  The representation of students here at the meeting shows that they believe in this.  They have presented ideas and events, but have been shut down due to fear that something may or may not happen.  Every 'no' the student body hears is another rejection of ideas, making students resent the board and shy away from expressing their own opinions.  What makes this decision difficult to understand is that students are already allowed to paint and decorate two sports at the school- the rock outside the school and the pillars in the hallways.  Students already know what they can and cannot do in regards to what is displayed, saying that parking lot is any different.  Students are only asking for some trust and the freedom to start a tradition that will make school more enjoyable.  

 Keira Fraker:  This is much more than parking spaces.  Each of these students here is an active member of the school community- Valedictorian, club presidents, National Honor Society officers & members, leadership students, class office, ASB board members, and more. We are here to advocate for ourselves and our peers, who feel unheard and disregarded.  When their proposal was denied because the district felt that a student would make a poor choice, it made it clear that they were not trusted.  Instilling trust does not mean ignoring risk; their proposal is a reasonable, structured way to mitigate risk while promoting student ownership.  As a student at the district since Kindergarten, she has been taught to think carefully, respect others, take responsibility for their own actions, and make good decisions, and these lessons have helped shape who she is.  The contradiction of the decision isn't fair.   They are being treated as though one decorated parking space is a risk too great to entrust to them.  They are not asking the board to abandon caution, but asking that fear not become the most important factor in the decision-making.  Let safety shape the program, not erase it and partner with them to address concerns, don't just shut it down.  Let the students you taught, guided, and watched grow up demonstrate that your investment in us meant something, that we are worthy of your trust that our WRSD education was supposed to prepare us to carry.  They are asking for a reconsideration of the decision and to work with the students on a pilot program with clear rules, consequences, and a genuine chance to succeed.  

President Vogel called for a five-minute break.  

Under Business Services, Donna Morey provided the information for the monthly financial
report in the board members’ agenda packets. There were no questions.

Items of note were:

GENERAL FUND
Note Regarding the June Budget Status Reports
As part of the District's transition from Skyward SMS to Qmlativ at the end of June, salary and benefit encumbrances were temporarily liquidated during the data conversion process.

To provide the most complete financial information available, two June Budget Status Reports are included:
• Skyward SMS Report: Reflects accurate expenditures and encumbrances; however, June revenue had not yet been fully posted prior to the system conversion.
• Qmlative Report: Reflects accurate revenue and expenditures after June was closed; however, salary and benefit encumbrances had not yet been reinstated following the conversion.

Salary and benefit encumbrances will be fully restored and reflected in the July Budget Status Report.

CAPITAL PROJECTS
Revenue in May consisted of property taxes, impact fees, and proceeds from the tree farm harvest.

Expenditures were for small projects, technology, and the costs related to the tree farm harvest.

DEBT SERVICE FUND
In June, debt service payments were made on the 2016 Bond (interest) and the 2022 LGO (interest and principal).

TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE FUND
There was no significant activity in the Transportation Vehicle Fund in June.

Under Approve Agenda, Director Scheer moved to remove this item from the Agenda. Director Bunker seconded the motion.  The motion carried, and this item was removed from the agenda.

Information on the White River School District Spring Achievement Data was provided in the board members’ agenda packets. The report focused on growth, highlights, and celebrations. There were no questions.Overall Highlights and Celebrations were:

• Math fluency is developing well in early grades, supporting foundational skills.
• Concepts & Applications scores show improved problem-solving in 3rd -5th grades.
•  Clear focus on scaffolding and rigor through the development and use of proficiency scales at GMS is having a positive impact on student learning.
• High School continues to hold high standards for students in ELA.

Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Heather McAllister, wanted to recognize Dr. Ferris and her work on new education training.  She showed how White River cares for our staff.  Director Johnson is impressed with the lack of new staff; retention is good, and how long-term subs become full-time teachers- it's really great.  

It was moved by Director Johnson and seconded by Director Scheer to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 pm.  Motion carried.