2026-7-21 Regular Board Meeting

The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees held a regular board meeting on July 21, 2026. Key procurement-related discussions included the appointment of a new Zone 4 trustee, with a focus on financial expertise to help address the district's significant funding shortfall. The board also reviewed cost estimates related to consolidating the technology department facilities, concluding that the consolidation would not be cost-effective at this time. Additionally, the board approved reclassifying preschool and librarian positions at Kerry School from certified to classified staff to address declining enrollment and budget constraints. The meeting included updates on the Haley Elementary modernization project, with plans to engage an owner's representative and architectural firm for new construction, supported by over $14 million in dedicated funds. Several policy updates were presented, reflecting legislative changes affecting hiring, employee conduct, health care services, parental rights, and educational materials. The board also discussed staffing challenges, including vacancies in special education and other hard-to-fill positions, and reviewed the district's financial status, noting a projected $587,000 deficit and declining enrollment. Motions were passed to approve the agenda, appoint the new trustee, reclassify positions, and grant an employee release from contract.