This week, across the U.S., schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize teachers for their dedication and devotion to students. I feel incredibly blessed for the opportunity I have every day to work with amazing teachers, counselors, and all of the other staff members who support the education of our kids in District 93. Their work not only makes a difference today, it impacts students for the rest of their lives, and sometimes, even for generations to come.

At the same time, across our country, across our state, and in our community, too many teachers are feeling increasingly disheartened and disillusioned by the seemingly never ending demands of their jobs, by baseless criticism from extremist politicians, and relentless media messaging that schools are failing, regardless of our incredible successes. As a result, we see too many good teachers giving up on a profession that--as is indelibly inscribed in our state constitution--is essential to ensuring the stability of our democratic republic.

As I shared in an Idaho Education News article this week, “The most important variable in teacher retention is feeling valued and appreciated for the hours they devote to their students.” I hope that you will please take a brief moment to thank a dedicated teacher in District 93. You can use the button below to send a quick thank you note.

Each month, we have celebrated individuals who have exemplified a cornerstones that we are spotlighting. This month, we are looking to recognize individuals who have exemplified all four cornerstones throughout this school year:

• Integrity,

• Teamwork

• Positivity

• Learning & Literacy

Please click the button below, to nominate someone that you believe has gone the extra mile (or more) in exemplifying all four of the cornerstones of our culture.

Today, we were informed that Bridgewater Elementary, Summit Hills Elementary, Cloverdale Elementary, Discovery Elementary, Black Canyon Middle School, Thunder Ridge High School, Bonneville Online High School, and Technical Careers High School are currently under a Boil Water Advisory.

At this time, we do not know how long this advisory will remain in place, but we will continue to hold regular classes on Friday, May 12th.

Students and employees may continue to use the restrooms and wash their hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds according to the boil water advisory.

If, as a parent, you do not feel that it is safe to send your child to school, please call the school to excuse them from attendance. Students will still be expected to make up any essential work that they may miss if they are not in attendance.

Please feel free to call the school if you have further questions or concerns.

The annual rendezvous is a longstanding D93 tradition that has been held at different locations through the years and is always a big hit with the fourth graders. For the past few years, the rendezvous has been held at Krupps Scout Hollow near the Snake River in Jefferson County. Hundreds of D93 fourth graders participated in this year’s event.

Performing Arts State Champions :

• Josh Brock Speech State Champion, Humorous Interpretation, Thunder Ridge HS
  

• Eli DeTonancour Music State Champion, Solo and Ensemble, Bonneville HS
  

• Abby Huber Music State Champion, Solo and Ensemble, Bonneville HS

• Rebekah Grover, Music State Champion, Solo and Ensemble, Bonneville HS
  
  

• Teagan Arnold SKILLS State Champion, Small Engine Technology, Technical Careers HS

• Sydney Allred HOSA State Champion, Health Occupations Students of America, Bonneville Online

• Treyson Deschamps Adobe Suite Certifications, Hillcrest HS

Faculty State-Level Recognition

• Natalie Woods: Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Thunder RIdge HS

• Travis Hobson: IHSAA Marquis Ross Up and Coming Athletic Director Winner, Thunder Ridge HS

After interviewing five candidates who applied for the vacancy in Zone 1, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Mindy Clayton as the Trustee of Zone 1. The Board recognized the difficulty of making this decision given the broad experience and unique qualifications of each of the applicants.

The seat will open for election again in November so this appointment will last until January 1, 2024 when the term expires.

The Board unanimously accepted the recommendation to name Scott Thunstrom as principal of Rocky Mountain Middle School next year. Scott joined District 93 in 2012 as a social studies teacher at Bonneville High School. In 2017, Scott accepted a position of Dean of Students at Rocky Mountain, and then became an assistant principal at RMMS the following year. In 2022, Scott moved to Woodland Hills Elementary when John Murdoch was deployed with the Idaho National Guard.

After spending this year teaching at Black Canyon Middle School, Scott said, is excited to return to Rocky Mountain Middle School. "This is an amazing school with an excellent staff, students, and community, and I look forward to serving them."

Heath Jackson, Executive Director of Planning & Personnel, gave a comprehensive overview of the housing development that is happening across District 93. The north side of the school district continues to see significant home construction along Iona Road with more than 100 homes currently being built. On the east side of D93, major developments are also underway east of Crowley Road, in Iona, along 21st south, and north of Sunnyside. The south end of District 93 has the most major development happening with large apartment complexes and multi-family residences under construction south of Sunnyside Road, as well as new home construction in several new subdivisions. The attachment below lists all of the subdivisions currently planned within the City of Ammon.

Guy Wangsgard, Executive Director of Finance & Operations, provided an overview of state funding that must be dedicated for specific uses. Here are some of the most important special distributions that we receive in District 93:

• Bond levy support: $2.5M, used to help pay existing bonds
  
• State Lottery: $0.9M, used for facilities maintenance and repair
  
• Classroom tech: $1.2M, used for Chromebooks, WiFi, software
  
• K-3rd Grade Literacy: $2.9M, used to fund all day kindergarten, learning coaches, Lexia program, and Chromebooks
  
• Professional Development: $0.46M, used to pay for teacher professional learning, including Professional Learning Communities and Response to Intervention conferences as well as summer professional collaboration for teacher teams.
  
• College & Career Advising: $0.37M, used to hire college and career advisors in our high schools.
  
• Safe & Drug Free Schools: $0.15M used to help pay contract for SROs, DARE program, HOPE Squad supplies, safety improvements

On Tuesday, D93 voters will have the opportunity to decide whether or not to support a $34.5 million bond to build a new elementary school and help pay for school roof repair and replacements.

This week, East Idaho News published a story about Tuesday's bond. You can read the article here.

Polls will be open across D93 on Tuesday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Click on the button below to find your assigned polling location and your voter information.

* The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed bond levy is a tax of $36 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The total amount estimated to be repaid over the life of the bonds, based on the anticipated interest rate, is $37,783,835, consisting of $34,500,000 in principal and $12,273,750 of interest, less $8,989,915 in estimated bond levy equalization payments. The interest rate anticipated on the proposed bond issue is 3.62% per annum. The term of the bonds will not exceed seventeen (17) years from the date of issuance. As of May 16, 2023, the total existing bonded indebtedness of the District, including interest accrued, is $98,737,850.

Here are a few of the stories you'll find in this week's D93 News

• Early voting for the May 16th Election has started, we'll tell you where you can vote in person now
• A very Special annual event took place here in D93.
• EIRMC health minute will delve into pediatric feeding.

A very important night of D93 Live will be on Monday, May 15th at 8:00 p.m. on the District's Facebook page. Tune in to learn more about the May 16th Bond and all the great things happening in D93.

Z103 is celebrating the Class of 2023 by doing a Senior Spotlight on their website. You can participate by submitting your photos at https://z103.fm/classof2023/

District 93 is inviting 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students to get out and enjoy outdoor learning at Pine Basin Lodge! Activities include group games, outdoor classes, hiking, swimming, campfires, visiting Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Playhouse, and more!

To register, please go to pinebasin.com and click elementary application. You may select one of the following weeks for the elementary camp (Please note that some weeks may be sold out):

The cost is $226.42 plus state tax of $13.58 for a total of $240.00 (includes Pine Basin Summer Camp T-shirt and admission to Jackson Hole Playhouse). We cannot guarantee a reservation until it is paid in full. Follow the fee payment portal instructions to reserve your date.

Send questions to pinebasin@gmail.com

Guess what! Your 7th - 12th grade student can earn a high school science credit while having a blast at Pine Basin.🙌 They will learn about forestry, water and fish study, dendrochronology and much more. Click here for more information.

• Week 1: July 31 – Aug 4
  Week 2: Aug 7 – 11

www.eastidahoadaptivesports.com

Students, parents, and employees can reach out for help with bullying, harassment, suicidal tendencies, self-harm, threats, or to report weapons at school by going to d93.org/gethelp or sending the text @gethelp to 855-528-0074.

Thank you to our community partners at EIRMC for supporting our D93 Family Update.