OFFICIAL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOX ELDER SCHOOL DISTRICT
June 11, 2025
A work session was held at 5:30. The School Board reviewed the information received from community members from the June 2, 2025 work session.
Official minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, Box Elder School District, held Wednesday evening June 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Independent Life Skills Center, 960 S Main St, Brigham City, Utah.
Those in attendance at the meeting included Board President Tiffani Summers, Board Vice President Danielle Wright, Members Bryan Smith, Julie Taylor, Karen Cronin, Wade Hyde, and Stephanie DeFilippis. Also present were Superintendent Steven Carlsen, Assistant Superintendents Keith Mecham and Heidi Jo West, Business Administrator Neil Stevens, IT Director Robert Gordon, District employees, representatives of the press and interested citizens.
President Summers welcomed those in attendance and conducted the business of the meeting. After the reverence, which was offered by Heidi Jo West, Keith Mecham led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
Recognitions
Stephanie DeFilippis, Board Member
The Bear River Girls Softball team. The team won the 4A state championship in 2025.
The Bear River Boys Lacrosse team was also recognized. The team won the 4A state championship in 2025.
Kristy Edgington, Teacher at Three Mile Creek Elementary - Nominated for USBE Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Approval of Agenda
Julie Taylor made the motion to approve the agenda. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Public Comment
Thomas Hendry provided public comment on the proposed tax increase. He is opposed to the tax increase.
Laura Wheatly presented Elizabeth Fertig as the new PTA council president.
Joshua Webster provided public comment on the proposed tax increase. He is opposed to the tax increase.
Nicole Webster provided public comment in opposition to the proposed tax increase.
Jessica Nielsen provided public comment questioning why middle schools are not the first priority in the school construction plan.
Kathy Nebeker provided public comment on the tax increase. She recommended more transparency in the school construction process.
Second Public Comment on School Fees
Vita Moss provided public comment supporting the school fees schedule.
Jess Principe provided public comment supporting a reduction of school fees.
Andrew Smith provided public comment supporting a reduction of school fees.
Action Items
Julie Taylor made the motion to move Approval of School Fees, Tiffani Summers seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Approval of School Fees
Keith Mecham, Asst. Superintendent of Secondary Teaching & Learning, presented the proposed school fee schedule.
Danielle Wright made the motion to approve the 2025-2026 School Fee Schedule which will eliminate class fees and general fees. Wade Hyde seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Budget Hearing
Julie Taylor made the motion to enter into the Budget Hearing. Karen Cronin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the final 2024-2025 budget and the proposed 2025-2026 budget.
Kris Udy, a Tremonton resident, provided public comment on the proposed budget. She questioned if property taxes will ever decrease in the future.
Debbie Brantner, a Tremonton resident, provided public comment on the proposed budget. She questioned when the tax increases will end.
Kristi Bowcutt, a Tremonton resident, provided public comment on the proposed budget. She is opposed to the tax increases.
Jamie Poppleton, a Tremonton resident, provided public comment on the proposed budget. She is opposed to tax increases.
Pat Kirby, a Tremonton resident, provided public comment on the proposed budget. She is opposed to tax increases.
Anamarie Hall, a Brigham City resident, provided public comment on the proposed budget. She supports the proposed budget.
Karen Cronin made the motion to close the Budget Hearing. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Approval of Budget
Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the 2024-2025 final budget and the 2025-2026 proposed budget. Wade Hyde seconded the motion. Stephanie DeFilippis, Julie Taylor, Bryan Smith, Tiffani Summers, Wade Hyde and Danielle Wright voted in favor of the motion. Karen Cronin voted in opposition of the motion.
Karen Cronin read the following statement during the vote on the motion:
Last November, the people of this community were asked a direct question from the school district-do you support a $20/month property tax increase for facility upgrades and projects? Nearly 70% said No. That was not a close call, that was a clear, resounding message of rejection by the voice of the vast majority of the people.
Now, just a few months later, I'm disappointed to see a proposed school district budget that forces a tax increase of up to $33/month on the average homeowner-even higher than what the people rejected. That's not only disrespectful to the citizens and taxpayers, I believe it is unethical, and very disingenuous.
I believe this violates both the trust of our constituents and the principles of our US Constitution, particularly the right to taxation only through representation. If we ignore the will of the people now, how can we ever expect them to trust us with future bonds or proposals? When we ask the people to decide-and they do-we should be bound, morally if not legally, to honor that voice.
Some argue, but the needs remain and the people just need to be educated about what is best for their children. However, I've seen no data proving that moving 9th graders to the high school will improve academics, mental health, or student safety. Most schools in Utah still follow a 10-12 grade model. There's no evidence this costly change will yield better outcomes.
There seems to be a need for a new elementary school in Tremonton-but that can be done for far less than what's being proposed.
If the district has another plan, we should take it back to the people and let them vote on the new plan. That's how a representative government works.
This nation was built on the principle that power resides with the people. Abraham Lincoln reminded us we are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. If elected bodies override the people's voice, we're not leading-we're betraying their trust.
I've heard from farmers, young families, business owners, seniors on fixed incomes-they can't afford $400 more a year in property taxes. An elderly woman told me she had to choose this winter between turning on the heat or buying groceries. A young couple told me they're giving up on the dream of home ownership because of rising property taxes and costs of owning a home.
Parents have told me: 'We actually voted for the bond to fix earthquake risks in the schools because we were told the district's priority was student safety, now it seems the priority has changed to move 9th graders into high school and build a 10-million-dollar fieldhouse. We feel deceived.'
One person said, 'Here's what this feels like: Last fall, the school district came to our front doors and politely asked for $20/month. The people said no. Now, it feels like the school district is sneaking in the back door, going through our wallets, and forcefully taking even more. That's not taxation by representation-that's legalized plunder while hiding behind the skirt of big government.'
We've talked a lot tonight about the hardship school fees will place on families and how unfair that is, this proposed tax increase will be significantly harder on families.
Therefore, I will be voting NO on the proposed 2024-2025 Box Elder School District budget in its current form. I was not elected to ignore the will of the people and pridefully think I know more than they do and how they should spend their hard-earned money and what is better for their children and grandchildren. I was elected to represent them, and I will continue to do just that. The people have spoken. I will stand with them. I cast my vote to reflect the clear voice and choice of the people. And I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve and represent them.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - No
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Approval of 2024-25 Tax Rates
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the proposed tax rates for 2025-2026.
Julie Taylor made the motion to approve the proposed tax rates for 2025-2026. Bryan Smith seconded the motion. Stephanie DeFilippis, Julie Taylor, Bryan Smith, Tiffani Summers, Wade Hyde and Danielle Wright voted in favor of the motion. Karen Cronin voted in opposition of the motion.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - No
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Approval of Internal and Independent Auditors
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the recommendation to approve the Internal and External Auditors for the 2025-2026 school year.
Wade Hyde made the motion to approve the internal and external auditors for the 2025-2026 school year. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
MBA Meeting
Karen Cronin made the motion to move into the MBA meeting hearing. Julie Taylor seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the MBA budget.
Danielle Wright made the motion to approve the MBA budget. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Karen Cronin made the motion to close the MBA meeting hearing. Julie Taylor seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Pick-up Contributions for Members of Contributory Retirement System
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the pick-up contributions rate for the 2025-2026 school year.
Karen Cronin made the motion to approve the pick-up contributions rate for 2025-2026 school year. Wade Hyde seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Closed Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining and Sale or Lease of Real Property
Bryan Smith made the motion to move into closed session. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Karen Cronin made the motion to out of closed session. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Tentative Ratification of Negotiated Agreement with BEAA, BEEA, BEESPA
Danielle Wright made the motion to approve the negotiated agreements with BEAA, BEEA and BEESPA. Wade Hyde seconded the motion. Stephanie DeFilippis, Julie Taylor, Bryan Smith, Tiffani Summers, Wade Hyde and Danielle Wright voted in favor of the motion. Karen Cronin voted in opposition to the motion.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - No
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Approval of LEA Mental Health Screening Grant Participation Determination
Megan Bushnell, Student Services Director, presented the Mental Health Screening Grant Participation.
Bryan Smith made the motion to approve participation in the mental health screening grant. Julie Taylor seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Declaration of Open Enrollment Schools
Megan Bushnell presented the recommendation of which schools should have open enrollment for the next school year.
Karen Cronin made the motion to approve the open enrollment schools. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Approval of 2025-26 TSSA Plans
Keith Mecham & Heidi Jo West, Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum, presented the proposed TSSA plans.
Wade Hyde made the motion to approve the 2025-26 TSSA plans. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Information Items
Data Review for Instruction in Health
Rachel Lott presented the data for health education review.
Monthly Financial Report
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator presented the May Financial Report to the Board.
Policy Review
The following Policies were presented for deletion:
Policy 4015 Adoption of Textbooks/Digital Curriculum and Instructional Materials (included in Policy 4016)
Policy 4100 Homework (included in Policy 4103)
The following Policies were presented with no changes:
Policy 1025 Administration Relations
Policy 1080 Board Committees
Policy 1090 Rules of Order
Policy 1120 Policy Development/Adoption/Dissemination
Policy 2060 Deducted Absences
Policy 2180 School Facility Emergency and Safety
Policy 3022 Employment: Box Elder School District - Local Education Agency Specific Teacher License/Endorsement
Policy 4180 Copyright
Policy 5012 Re-Entry Into Public Schools
Policy 5069 Student Self-Treatment for Diabetes
Policy 6005 Educational Authority of Separated Parents
Policy 6012 Parent Classroom Observation
Policy 6040 Public Complaints
Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the policy deletions and policies with no changes. Julie Taylor seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
The following Policies were presented for first reading:
Policy 2170 Buildings & Grounds & Equipment - Use by Students & Employees
Policy 2210 Transportation Eligibility
Policy 3000 Employment: Nondiscrimination
Policy 3015 Title IX Sexual Harassment
Policy 3102 Certificated: Recognition of Teachers Association
Policy 3300 Administrative: Personnel Selection
Policy 4060 High School Graduation Requirements
Policy 4065 Alternative High School Graduation Requirements
Policy 4103 Academic Grading and Citizenship Marks for Grades 8-12
Policy 4105 Sex Education
Policy 4185 Use of Video/Digital Media Materials
Policy 4188 Animals on School Premises
Policy 5036 Admissions and Attendance: Determining Daily Attendance
Policy 5055 Vision Screening
Policy 5066 Students with Potentially Life-Threatening Allergies
Policy 5350 Student Complaints - Resolution
Julie Taylor made the motion to approve the above policies for first reading. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
The following Policies were presented for second reading:
Policy 1190 District Annual Reports
Policy 2015 Cash Investment and Management of School District Funds
Policy 2030 Procurement/Purchasing
Policy 3008 Employee Communication/Addressing Concerns
Policy 3035 Employee Criminal Background Checks and Arrest Disclosure Requirements
Policy 3086 Employee Use of Personal and District Electronic Devices
Policy 4050 Grades 6-8 Middle Level General Core Requirements
Policy 4067 Curriculum: Ethnic Studies
Policy 5110 Technology Security
Policy 5035 Attendance Requirements/Procedures
Policy 5270 Student Rights and Responsibilities: Bullying, Cyberbullying, Hazing, and Abusive Conduct
Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the above policies for second reading. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Consent Calendar
The Consent Calendar included the following items:
Approval of the minutes of the working and regular meetings of held May 14,2025
Approval of claims numbered 513-53-54070, 2051425,5051225, 07053125, 08053125, 09050225, 09052025, 9052225, 09053025, OW051325, 00101452-00101505, 01106437-01106589, 0000291-0000324, 16800610 - 16800614, 30403184 -30403199, 30803788 - 30803807, 40403436 - 40403457, 40804747 - 40804781, 70414929 -70415368, 70415369 - 70415474, 70814961 - 708155506, 77800619 - 77800620 and the ACH and school activity checks for the month of May.
Personnel Items
As detailed in the agenda.
Bryan Smith moved to accept the consent items. The motion was seconded by Julie Taylor and passed on a unanimous vote.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Julie Taylor - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Wade Hyde - Yes
Suggestions for Future Board Meetings
The Board discussed future Board Meetings and topics that will be on the agenda.
Upcoming Events:
Sunrise Graduation - Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Tour of District Office - Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Board Work Session - July 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Adjournment
With the announcement that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Independent Life Skills Center, President Tiffani Summers adjourned the meeting at 10:31p.m.
APPROVED: ___________________________
ATTESTED:
School Business Administrator President, Board of Education
Box Elder School District
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
Contact Mr. Neil Stevens, Business Administrator at 435-734-4800 eight or more hours before the scheduled starting time and efforts will be made to provide the needed assistance.