General Information

Government Type

Public School

Entity

Box Elder County School District

Public Body

Box Elder School District Board of Education

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

School Board Meeting Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

December 10, 2025 06:30 PM

Event End Date & Time

December 10, 2025 10:18 PM

Event Deadline Date & Time

12/10/25 03:00 PM

Description/Agenda

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BOX ELDER SCHOOL DISTRICT A work session was held at 5:00. The School Board hosted State Representative Tom Peterson and State Senator Scott Sandall for dinner and had a discussion of areas of concern in public education. The Board and the legislators discussed topics such as student behavior, student outcomes, literacy, income taxes, school finances and student absenteeism. Official minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, Box Elder County School District, held Wednesday evening December 10, 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, officers of the Box Elder Education Association, 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 Keith Mecham, Stephanie DeFilippis led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. Recognitions Jamie Kent, Public Information Officer, recognized Jenny Rogers' 4th grade class from North Park Elementary. The class was invited to visit the Governor's Mansion for the 'Looking up: A Season of Wonder.' The class was able to help decorate the Christmas tree and visit with the Governor. Nicole Richards from Harris Intermediate, Tom Davidson from Box Elder High School and Kelli Nessen from North Park Elementary were awarded the SEE award for their contributions in strengthening PLCs, expanding student connections, and elevating employee recognition. Approval of Agenda Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the agenda. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Public Comment There were no members of the public present to provide public comment. Action Items Approval of 2026-27 District Calendar and Western Schools Calendar Coerina Fife, Executive Director of Personnel and Title IX, presented the 2026-27 District calendar and the 2026-27 Western Schools calendar for approval. One correction was made to move the beginning of 2nd trimester from November 30 to November 23. This was an inadvertent error when preparing the calendar. Karen Cronin made the motion to approve the 2026-27 District calendar as presented. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Approval of 4-day Week for Western Schools Coerina Fife, Executive Director of Personnel and Title IX, presented the 4-day week for western schools. The District held public hearings at each of the western schools presenting the plan for a 4-day school week. The public overwhelmingly supported the 4-day school week. Danielle Wright made the motion to approve 4-day school week for the western schools as presented. Wade Hyde seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Approval of New Courses Keith Mecham, Asst. Superintendent of Secondary Teaching & Learning presented the new courses to be added for the 2026-2027 school year. These courses include world language electives for both Spanish and Chinese; Multicultural Literature and Film; and CTE courses for cyber security. Karen Cronin made the motion to approve the new courses for the 2026-27 school year as presented. Stephanie DeFilippis seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Consideration of a resolution directing the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District to undertake a project through the issuance and sale of one or more series of the Authority's Lease Revenue Bonds and providing for related matters. Ryan Bjerke, municipal advisor at Cutler and Chapman, presented the resolution for the Board to consider the issuance of one or more series of bonds to finance the construction of a new elementary school in West Tremonton, the expansion of Box Elder High School and the expansion of Bear River High School. Julie Taylor made a motion to approve the resolution directing the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District to undertake a project through the issuance and sale of one or more series of the Authority's Lease Revenue Bonds and providing for related matters. Wade Hyde seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Recess as Board of Education and Convene as Board of Trustees of the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District Danielle Wright made the motion to recess as the Board of Education and to convene as the Board of Trustees of the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Statement of Intent to Issue lease Revenue Bonds Ryan Bjerke, municipal advisor at Cutler and Chapman, presented the statement on the intent to issue Lease Revenue Bonds not to exceed $140,000,000 in principal value. Julie Taylor made the motion to approve the intent statement that the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District intends to issue Lease Revenue Bonds not to exceed $140,000,000 in principal value. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Consideration of a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of not more than $140,000,000 of the Authority's Lease Revenue Bonds, in one or more series, and providing for related matters. Ryan Bjerke, municipal advisor at Chapman and Cutler, presented the resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of Lease Revenue Bonds not to exceed $140,000,000. Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the resolution that the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District intends to issue Lease Revenue Bonds not to exceed $140,000,000. Julie Taylor seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Adjourn and reconvene as the Board of Education Danielle Wright made the motion to adjourn as the Board of Trustees of the Municipal Building Authority of Box Elder School District and reconvene as the Board of Education. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Information Items School Bus Safety Jason Sparks, Transportation Director, presented the requirements for vehicles to stop for school buses. There are multiple violations per day. Kisha Collum, Transportation Trainer, presented on school bus safety for drivers and passengers of school buses. Jason Jensen, Lead Transportation Mechanic, provided a demonstration of the new school bus stop arms. These arms are manufactured by the District and save approximately $300 per arm over the cost of a commercially available solution. RISE, Utah Aspire Plus Data, and Graduation Rates Jeff Morris, Assessment Director provided a summary report of the 2025 RISE, Aspire Plus results and 2025 graduation rates. The District outcomes increased in many of the categories. The District should focus on grade level standards in grades 4-5. MAP testing in grades 6-12 and effective professional learning communities in order to continue to see improvements in the RISE and Aspire Plus results. The 2025 high school graduation rate increased to 90% from 87.3% in the prior year. Literacy Jamie Kent, Director of Public Relations and AshLee Nelson, Director of Instructional Support, presented the literacy achievements and highlights from 2025. The District has consistently met or exceeded the statewide average for 3rd grade literacy achievement. Monthly Newsletter Jamie Kent, Director of Public Relations, presented the monthly newsletter for the District. The newsletter contains updates to District initiatives and related newsworthy items. This newsletter can be found on the District website. Monthly Financial Report Update Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the November 2025 Financial Report to the Board. Board Committee Reports Jubilee of Trees for the Box Elder School District Foundation was November 12th - 14th, at the Box Elder County Fair Grounds. There were 17 tables purchased by attendees at the Gala dinner, which is 8 more tables than last year. Over $28,000 was raised by the Foundation to support student health and wellness initiatives in the District. Stephanie DeFilippis attended the Attendance Committee with USBE. The committee is working on ideas and projects to improve student attendance. Makayla Barton, Student Board Member, provided an update of activities at the high schools. Make-A-Wish drive is ongoing at both high schools. There are holiday activities occurring at both high schools such as pancake breakfasts and hot chocolate before school. November Employees of the Month Heidi Jo West, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Instruction, presented September employee list of employees who were honored in local buildings for their individual efforts. The following employees were selected for September. Kassidy Eakle, Teacher at BRHS Jennie Gamble, Support Specialist at BRHS Morgan Christensen, Teacher at BRMS Riley Nelsen, Support Specialist at BRMS Elizabeth Strong, Teacher at ACHI Ashlea Wilcox, Support Specialist at ACHI Jason Bingham, Teacher at BEHS Shanna Hales, Support Specialist at BEHS William Clayson, Teacher at BEMS Carla Zundel, Support Specialist at BEMS Cindy Gulbranson, Teacher at ACYI Nicole Braegger, Support Specialist at ACYI Robert Frankowiak, Teacher at Sunrise Kortney Bruner, Support Specialist at Sunrise Dacia Pitcher, Teacher at Century Sandy Marble, Support Specialist at Century Kim Baker, Teacher at Discovery Rebecca Birch, Support Specialist at Discovery Tyra Seger, Teacher at Fielding Terra Bell, Support Specialist at Fielding Alexis Zundel, Teacher at Garland Nicole Lund, Support Specialist at Garland Alysha Frazier, Teacher at Golden Spike Arianna Chavez, Support Specialist at Golden Spike Meghan Stanger, Teacher at Lake View Veronica Cid Castillo, Support Specialist at Lake View Camille McDermott, Teacher at McKinley Ashley Hardy, Support Specialist at McKinley Shellie Herem, Teacher at North Park Naiomi Whitmore, Support Specialist at North Park Tammy Pedersen, Teacher at Three Mile Creek Clarice Hodgkinson, Support Specialist at Three Mile Creek Candice Coburn, Teacher at Willard Maury Wheatly, Support Specialist at Willard Amy Pugsley, Teacher in Western Schools Sydney Ward, Support Specialist in Western Schools Policy Review The following Policies were presented for first reading: Policy 1222 Naming of Facilities Policy 2217 Transportation - Requests for Field Trips/Activity Policy 3023 Educator Induction, Mentoring, and Professional Learning Policy 3098 Employee Surveys Policy ESP: Fringe Benefits and Leave of Absence Policy 4066 Curriculum: Religious Neutrality Policy 4102 Grading: Grades K-7 Policy 4104 Grading: Packet Credit Policy 4105 Sex Education Policy 4107 Testing Procedures and Standards Policy 4108 Testing Procedures and Standards - Exclusion from Testing Policy 4115 Grading: Course Grade Replacement Policy 4140 School Volunteers/Resource Persons Policy 6000 Public Records Access and Management Policy 6050 Community Use of School Facilities Policy 6060 Conduct on School Premise The Board discussed the proposed changes to policy 1222. The Board questioned why the 20% threshold for naming of the building was changed. Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, responded that the increased cost of facilities makes a 20% donation of the total cost more than unlikely because a new elementary school is almost $40 million to build. Karen Cronin posed a question on policy 4104 about packets for credit. Keith Mecham, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary, stated that the District does not issue packets for credit. Karen Cronin posed a question on policy 4108 about the exceptions for basic civics test. Keith Mecham, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary, stated that the state requirements for civics is changing and the exemption is no longer needed. Wade Hyde made a motion to approve the presented policies on first reading. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed 6-1. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - No Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes The following Policies were presented for second reading: Policy 1036 Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy 1072 Board Meetings: Notice Requirements Policy 1100 Minutes Policy 2030 Procurement/Purchasing Policy 2034 Procurement: Contracts and Contract Limitations Policy 2039 Child Nutrition Program Procurement Policy 2060 Deducted Absences Policy 2227 Transportation: Equipment: Buses Policy 2228 Transportation: Unauthorized Persons on Buses Policy 2241 School Nutrition Program - Charge and Delinquent Accounts Policy 3085 Employee Work Information Privacy Policy 4016 Evaluation and Selection of Instructional Material Policy 4018 Evaluation and Selection of Supplemental Material Policy 4020 Individual Learning Plan Policy 5278 Student Privacy and Modesty Policy 5320 Student Travel - Overnight, Over 150 Miles, Out of State Policy 5321 Educational Field Trips Policy 6002 Government Data Privacy Policy 6065 Flags on School Property Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the above policies for second reading. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Consent Calendar Julie Taylor moved to accept the consent items. The motion was seconded by Bryan Smith and passed on a unanimous vote. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes The Consent Calendar included the following items: Approval of the minutes of the work session and regular meetings of November 12, 2025. Approval of claims numbered 55219 - 55391, 02111825, 05111025, 07112625, 08112525, 09110325. 09111225. 09112025, 09112625, 0W110625, 00101559 - 00101546, 01107217 - 01107301, 406 - 420, 168000631 - 168000635, 30403231 - 30403242, 30803869 - 30803879, 4043507 - 40403516, 40804883 - 40804901, 70415827 - 70415934, 70815943 - 70816046 and the ACH and school activity checks for the month of November 2025. Personnel Items As detailed in the agenda. Clubs As detailed in the agenda Suggestions for Future Board Meetings Bryan Smith would like a presentation of the Alternative Learning Classrooms. Closed Session to Discuss Sale or Lease of Real Property Julie Taylor motioned to move into closed session. The motion was seconded by Karen Cronin. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Danielle Wright motioned to move out of closed session. The motion was seconded by Bryan Smith. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Approval of Sale or Lease of Real Property Julie Taylor motioned that the BESD Board of Education approve the real estate sale contract for the property located at 7950 S 575 W South Willard, UT 84340, parcel ID# 01-040-0090, parcel ID# 03-082-0024, in the amount of $1,000,000 to Vernon Mortensen. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - Yes Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Danielle Wright motioned that the BESD Board of Education approve the land exchange with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. .83 acres of parcel ID # 05-040-0106 plus $510,000, owned by the Box Elder School District will be exchanged for parcel ID # 05-169-0017, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for the purposes of facilitating the expansion of the Bear River High School. Wade Hyde seconded the motion, which passed 6-1. Bryan Smith - Yes Julie Taylor - Yes Tiffani Summers - Yes Danielle Wright - Yes Wade Hyde - Yes Karen Cronin - No Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes Adjournment With the announcement that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Independent Life Skills Center, President Tiffani Summers adjourned the meeting at 10:18 p.m. APPROVED: January 14, 2026 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.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

Electronic participation is not available

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

Independent Life Skills Center
960 S Main St
Brigham City, UT 84302
Show in Apple Maps Show in Google Maps

Contact Name

Marci Hatch

Contact Email

marci.hatch@besd.net

Contact Phone

(435)734-4800

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

January 15, 2026 12:46 PM

Notice Last Edited On

January 15, 2026 12:46 PM

Deadline Date

December 10, 2025 03:00 PM

Audio File Address

Audio File Location

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZTDjgE1L6E&list=PLnGV6r4WDnpY2MjIzqfPNe37UHs60U5Vb&index=5

Subscribe by Email

Subscription options will send you alerts regarding future notices posted by this Body.