OFFICIAL MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOX ELDER SCHOOL DISTRICT
A reception for District employees who are retiring was held at 6 p.m.
Official minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, Box Elder County School District, held Wednesday evening May 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Adele C. Young Intermediate School, 830 Law Dr, Brigham City, UT 84302.
Those in attendance at the meeting included Board President Tiffani Summers, Board Vice President Danielle Wright, Bryan Smith, Karen Cronin and Stephanie DeFilippis. Board Members Wade Hyde and Julie Taylor were not in attendance. Also present were Superintendent Steven Carlsen, Assistant Superintendents Keith Mecham and Heidi Jo West, Business Administrator Neil Stevens, District employees, representatives of the press and interested citizens.
Coerina Fife, Executive Director of Personnel and Title IX, presented the Retiring Employee Recognitions. The following employees who are retiring were recognized: Debi Blaisdell, Lori Korth, Karen Braithwaite, Tricia Brown, Patti Brunty, Tracy Burrows, Steven Carlsen, Gregory Dupuis, Cindy Gibbs, Jan Hawkes, Marsha Haynie, Julie Hess, Rebecca Hodge, Ronald Mark Nelson, Kerry Rawlinson, Bonnie Robinson, Catherine Runyan, Duane Runyan, Marlene Spendlove, Irlanda Stevens, Karen Stevenson, Corey Thompson, Judy Thompson, Kappy Williams, Melanie Williams and Janet Wood.
President Summers welcomed those in attendance and conducted the business of the meeting. After the reverence, which was offered by Bryan Smith, Neil Stevens led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
Recognitions
Jamie Kent, Public Information Officer, and Jeff Morris, Director of Assessment recognized English Language Learners teachers for the increase in the number of students who exited the program due to the increase in their proficiency of the English language. The State of Utah identified the English Language Learners program as a critical need. With three new teachers joining Lynette Tervort, the number of students exiting the program increased from 5 last year to 28 this year. Jennifer Penland, Lake View Teacher; Jennie Cross, North Park Teacher; and Lynette Tervort, Lake View Teacher were recognized for their contributions to the program's success.
Jamie Kent, Public Information Officer, recognized the students who participated in the Ritchey Science Fair at Weber State. Collectively the students earned $3,260 in cash prizes, $4,700 in scholarships, and five special awards. The students who placed were:
Raylayne Logan - 2nd place Environmental Science Senior Fair ($100 cash, $700 scholarship), the American Society of Safety Professionals award ($400)
Alliyah Orellana - 1st place Zoology Senior Fair ($150 cash, $900 scholarship)
Avalyn Reeves and Kaylie Hatch - 1st Place Social Behavior Senior Fair ($150 cash, $900 scholarship), American Psychological Association Award
Sarah Pace - 1st place Botany ($150 cash, $900 scholarship), 1st Place NASA award (prize), Air Force Excellence Award, Dawn M. Gatherum Legacy Grand prize ($1000), chosen for ISEF (expense paid trip to International Science & Engineering Fair)
Avery Baugh - 1st place Physics Senior Fair ($150 cash, $900 scholarship) 3rd place, Air Force Association ($45 cash), 1st place, American Society of Safety Professionals ($500 cash), NASA project excellence (prize)
Elaina Burbank - 1st place Chemistry Junior Fair ($75 cash, $400 scholarship), Dawn M. Gatherum Legacy Grand prize ($500 cash), 2nd place U.S. Air Force Association Award ($40 cash),
Other student participants with excellent projects include Molli Gingell, Ruby Miller, Rykan Creager, Setsuna Pros, Aubriana Oram, and Kamberleigh Bowcutt.
Jamie Kent, Public Information Officer, recognized the State Science of Reading Award. Brandi Johnson was awarded by the State Office of Education as an exemplary reading teacher. She shared how a new state training program transformed her teaching.
Jaime Kent, Public Information Officer, shared that Malorie Serdar, Instructional Coach at Golden Spike; Chelsey Schneringer, Health Teacher at BEHS; and Justice Servoss, 4th Grade Teacher at North were awarded the SEE award for their contributions in strengthening PLCs, expanding student connections, and elevating employee appreciation.
Brandon Nelson and AshLee Nelson presented Box Elder Education Association's annual employee recognitions. The following employees were recognized: Outstanding Building Administrator: Dallin Gittins (Century) and Brandon Nelson (Secondary); Outstanding District Administrator: Jeff Morris; Outstanding Elementary Teacher: Jill Dowling (North End) and Randy Jo Call (South End); Outstanding Secondary Teacher: Jamie McKenna (North End) and Samantha Elgin (South End); Outstanding Related Service Employee: Amy Jo Summers (North End) and Angie Carter (South End); and Outstanding Volunteer: Dion Anderson (North End) and Ernie Anderson (South End).
Approval of Agenda
Bryan Smith made the motion to approve the agenda. Danielle Wright seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Public Comment
DJ Bott provided public comment thanking Superintendent Carlsen for his leadership and collaborative working relationship with Brigham City.
Sheena Hansen provided public comment opposing the Board's attempt to use a lease revenue bond, arguing it bypasses voters who rejected a GO bond. She accused the Board of ignoring the petition and Utah Code and urged them to seek grants.
Ben Soholt provided public comment criticizing a confusing online driver's ed registration process. He also opposed using a loan with a higher interest rate and proposed an alternative: lower taxes, then run a new GO bond for just two schools, promising to rally support for it.
Public Comment on K-5 Math Curriculum Adoption
There were no public comments presented on the K-5 Math Curriculum Adoption.
Action Items
Approval of 2026-2027 Board Meeting Calendar
Superintendent Carlsen presented the calendar, maintaining the standard schedule of the second Wednesday of each month for Board meetings. Karen Cronin motioned to approve the 2026-2027 Board Meeting calendar. Bryan Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Approval of Amendment to Sunrise High School TSSA Plan
Keith Mecham, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum, presented the amendment of the TSSA plan for Sunrise High School. The school would like to shift a portion of the TSSA funds to pay for Phoenix Friday classes and in-person summer school.
Bryan Smith motioned to approve the amendment to the TSSA plan amendment for Sunrise High School. Karen Cronin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Approval School Land Trust (SLT)
Keith Mecham, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum and Heidi Jo West, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Curriculum, presented the 2026-27 School Land Trust plans for each school. Plans developed by school community councils focusing on academic needs were presented. It was stated that the plans were received late due to an USBE website revision and a delay from USBE in providing information to the District. Bryan Smith asked about Park Valley's funding. Heidi Jo West clarified that Park Valley will combine small allocations with other funds to hire a para.
Karen Cronin motioned to approve the 2026-27 School Land Trust plans. Danielle Wright seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Approval of Construction Contract for Discovery Elementary
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, and Corey Thompson, Facilities Director, presented an overview of the planned expansion of Discovery Elementary School. The construction contract has a total cost of $15,567,195 for the expansion of Discovery Elementary. The project will add a net of 10 classrooms (including new functional skills and preschool rooms), a new bus drive, carpool lane, parking, and a new, separate gymnasium. The existing building will be remodeled for a secure entrance and other upgrades. The expansion will increase capacity by about 200 students. The cost does not include playgrounds, to be added later.
Karen Cronin noted that there is strong constituent support for addressing overcrowding in elementary schools; however, she expressed taxpayer opposition to financing the project through a lease that would bypass a public vote.
Bryan Smith noted that the District has performed a survey of the public after the GO Bond vote and there is support from the community to address elementary school overcrowding. He does not feel that any laws have been broken in the process to secure financing for the construction of elementary schools.
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, clarified that the District has $28 million in capital funds, and using $15.6 million cash would deplete it, hindering other projects. A borrowing mechanism is needed for a combined $55 million project cost.
Karen Cronin stated the following, 'In representing constituents and taxpayers across the District regarding crowding at the elementary schools in the Tremonton area and at Lake View, there seems to be strong support for action. While lower-cost options on the south end of the District, like opening Foothill for a couple of years until Lake View can be rebuilt, seems to be preferred by taxpayers, it is recognized that building onto Discovery Elementary for approx. $15.6 million may be an alternate, albeit expensive, solution to provide relief.
However, I speak for many taxpayers across the District who are firmly opposed to bypassing public input through a real-property lease to finance this.
As was pointed out to me, in the 'Financial Implications' portion of the information provided from Neil, the Business Administrator, for this action item it states that the loan payments will be made from existing funds, the person went on to say that this seems like it is kind of a contradiction in terms because if there are existing funds in the Capital Outlay Fund for this why would the School District need to obtain a loan? We know the only way that the $4.4 million estimated annual lease payments for this project, -- in combination with the Tremonton Elementary project, for a combined total loan amount of approx. $55 plus million, -- can be made is from the continuation of the 37% tax increase increment funding for the next 20 years. If this finance option is used, it will obligate the taxpayers for up to the next 20 years to pay for something the School District went around them to finance. This will most likely cause increased distrust and frustration with taxpayers during those 20 years, and it will be very hard to get their trust and vote to finance any other major capital projects for years to come.
I again strongly advocate for and urge the Board to reconsider over the next few weeks the option to roll back the existing tax increase, with the exception of what is needed for the employee salary enhancement, and let the community know we acknowledge their concerns, and let the taxpayers vote on a GO Bond for this project with a lower overall amount of an impact to their family finances. This community values education and there is strong support for building an elementary school. Working to build trust now allows for better and more comprehensive capital funding solutions in the future.
Tonight, I will vote to approve the Construction Contract for Discovery Elementary to get relief for some of our other elementary schools, mainly Lake View, but my vote is based on the expectation that we secure financing through a public voted financing mechanism or use existing, unencumbered Capital Funds, and do not use a financing method that bypasses the taxpayers.'
Danielle Wright clarified that this approval is only for the construction contract, not the approval of the financing for the construction. She added that many community members have reached out to me, and I've talked to many, and they support this and support the Board's decision to not continue wasting money on portables and continue into the tune of millions of dollars over the last few years. She added that opening Foothill could cost five million dollars. She stated that she feels that the expansion of Discovery Elementary is much more responsible use of taxpayer money than a temporary solution of five million dollars to reopen.
Stephanie DeFilippis noted that there is community support for this project. She stated that she knows that the portables relieve a lot of the overcrowding, but the portables do not help with restroom use and lunchroom space.
Tiffani Summers noted that there are two sides to this issue and many other issues in our community. The Board has always listened to both sides of these issues.
Karen Cronin responded that the best way for the Board to understand the will of the majority would be to put question on the ballot.
Danielle Wright motioned to approve the construction contract for Discovery Elementary. Bryan Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
K-5 Math Curriculum Math Adoption
Superintendent Carlsen brought it to the attention of the Board that the K-5 Math Curriculum Math Adoption will be presented for public comment again at the next Board meeting. This is due to a change in the state law of how LEAs must adopt core curriculum materials.
Heidi Jo West, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Curriculum answered questions from the Board about the curriculum adoption process.
Information Items
Review of Positive Behavior Plans (PBS)
Megan Bushnell presented the review of the Positive Behavior Plans (PBS). She noted schools set goals for behavior, attendance, and substance use. The District's chronic absenteeism rate is down, and efforts are ongoing to improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention plans.
Book Battle Presentation
Stephanie DeFilippis presented a review of the Book Battle Blitz. The District held its first 'Book Battle Blitz' reading competition with Garland Elementary and Alice C. Harris Intermediate. Oak Dragon was the winning team. The program aims to encourage reading, teamwork, and critical thinking. It will expand to all elementary schools, and the middle school next year, with an increased book list. Community libraries will be asked to carry the books. Parent volunteers are crucial for success.
Monthly Financial Report
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the monthly financial report. He shared that the District is on track with financial projections for the end of the fiscal year. Revenue is up by approximately $4 million from the previous year, and the overall financial position is stable and aligned with the budget.
Bryan Smith asked for an update on the Project Stratos data center project. Neil Stevens reported on meetings with MIDA regarding a new energy tax revenue. The county will likely negotiate an interlocal agreement to share this revenue. The governor's office has committed to ensuring a net positive outcome for the District. Neil will attend the next MIDA meeting and present an update at the next Board meeting.
Board Committee Reports
The Multicultural Celebration was held at Box Elder Middle School. The event was a great success and is expected to grow.
The annual dinner for the Boys and Girls Club is June 12th. A food donation event with Feed America is scheduled for May 21st.
Graduation for Bridgerland Technical College is on June 12th. Over 80 students from the District will have graduated through its programs this year.
Student Board Member Report
Makayla Barton, Student Board Member, reported that high schools are busy with finals and preparing for graduation. The Box Elder High School graduation ceremony is on May 26th, and the Bear River High School graduation ceremony is on May 27th.
The Board praised Makayla for her service and asked her to prepare a letter for the next Student Board Member.
April Employees Appreciation
Heidi Jo West, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Instruction, presented the April employees who were honored in local building for their individual efforts. The following employees were selected for April.
School Teacher Support
BRHS TJ Rhodes Maylee Flinders
BRMS Ann Shaw Corey Ballard
ACHI Tricia Payne Judy Thompson
Jade Garn
BEHS Travis Mumford Elizabeth Henrique
BEMS Maria Brana Leann Nelson
ACYI Emily Zito Lacie Smith
Sunrise Kelly Sorensen Anita Port
Century Jill Roche Katie Gardner
Discovery Kappy Williams Rachel Reynolds
Fielding Brooke Reynolds Melinda Jepperson
Garland Lauri Hawkins Jaci Hawkes
Golden Spike Katrina Argyle Amy Forsberg
Lake View Adrienne Nelson Tara Tonoili
McKinley Julie Kent Sarah Brown
North Park Hollie Allen Jayci Anderson
Three Mile Creek Jenny Hilton Kamryn Peterson
Willard Michelle Southwick Taylor Nelson
Western Joann Kimber
Kristin Tanner
Policy Review
First Reading
Policy 3044 Orderly School Termination for Employees
Policy 3300 Administrative: Personnel Selection
Karen Cronin noted that Policy 3300 as written in the packet for approval tonight is not the same as what the Board talked about last week (during the May 7th work meeting), noting that the Board has talked a lot about when we go into closed session, the Board can't take a vote so we can't approve a recommended candidate. It was her memory from last week that we could be made aware of who was being selected, but that the Board couldn't approve anyone, because the Board would be in closed session. She said she went back and looked at the policy the Board talked about last week and this policy is not the same. She noted this proposed policy also has in there 'it would be contingent upon formal approval by the Board during a closed work session.' After discussion, it was acknowledged that the policy in the packet was not the most up-to-date copy of the policy. Therefore Policy 3300 was tabled.
Coerina Fife, Executive Director of Personnel and Title IX, noted that the policy attached to the agenda is incorrect.
Second Reading
Policy 2175 Buildings & Grounds - Energy Conservation
Policy 5250 Student Speech & Publications
Policy 5330 Academic Eligibility for Activities
Karen Cronin made the motion to table policy 3300 and approve the above policies for first and second reading. Stephanie DeFillipis seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Board Discussion Items
Review of Tentative FY27 Budget
Neil Stevens, Business Administrator, presented the tentative FY27 budget to the Board.
Total estimated revenue is projected at $150 million, with expenses at $147.8 million, leaving a $2.4 million cushion. The District faces a program funding loss of about $625,000, which will need to be covered by local funds. The District has not had an operational deficit in recent years.
Bryan Smith asked Neil Stevens to lead a District-wide effort to identify cost savings by reviewing services and contracts. He will report on progress monthly. Neil Stevens agreed to lead this effort.
Consent Calendar
Karen Cronin noted that the minutes for April 9th, there is an error with the naming of the new, appointed Superintendent.
Karen Cronin also asked questions about the approval for trips over 150 miles. She noted concern on Agenda Item M.5 of a 150 Mile Trip Request for a basketball team to attend a basketball camp during the month of June when the high schools do not have basketball teams selected during the summer. It was confirmed that sports camps are open to all who want to participate because there are not selected teams during the summer, and being school sponsored the District would need to cover any costs of someone who wants to participate but cannot afford the camp fees because all fees of school sponsored activities are fee waiverable, and therefore the fees would be covered by the District.
Superintendent Carlsen and Assistant Superintendent Mecham respond that this approval is for the annual summer boys' basketball camp.
Stephanie DeFilippis asked clarifying questions about the Linq ERP contract approval and also the SRO contract approval. Neil Stevens responded to those questions.
Tiffani Summers asked a question about the baseball turf contract and the name of the contractor to perform the services. Neil Stevens responded that the Tarkett Sports is the same company as Field Turf, which is already known to the District.
Karen Cronin noted her concern about the issues surround the turf fields at BRHS.
Danielle Wright moved to accept the consent items with the noted changed to the minutes. The motion was seconded by Bryan Smith. The motion passed 4-1.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - No
Bryan Smith - Yes
The Consent Calendar included the following items:
Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings of April 8th, April 9th, April 16th and April 28th.
Approval of claims numbered 55952 - 56609, 20441056, 5041026, 7043026, 9041426, 9042026, 101638 - 101649, 1107818 - 1107945, 514 - 530, 16800652 - 16800655, 30403295 - 30403305. 30803942 - 30803956, 40403494 - 40403569, 40804969 - 40804986, 70415986 - 70416432, 70810791 - 70816498, 77800652, and the ACH and school activity checks for the month of April 2026.
Personnel Items
As detailed in the agenda.
Approval of 2026-27 Administrative Changes
As detailed in the agenda
150 Mile Trip
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of CTE Budget Revision
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of Concurrent Enrollment Budget Revision
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of Counseling and Guidance Budget Revision
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of Child Nutrition Budget Revision
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of Linq ERP Contract
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of School Resource Officer Contract with Brigham City
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of School Resource Officer Contract with Tremonton
As detailed in the agenda
Approval of Contract to Renovate BRHS Baseball Field
As detailed in the agenda
Suggestions for Future Board Meetings
Bryan Smith suggested that Neil Stevens keep the Board informed about the outcome of future meetings with the county commissioners.
Tiffani Summers suggested that Neil Stevens work with the District PIO to publish summaries of the meetings with the county commissioners for the public to understand how the District is involved in the Project Stratos progress.
Danielle Wright suggested that the District reach out to the cities and county to invite them to a Board Work Session.
Superintendent Carlsen suggested that the District would investigate the feasibility of swearing in the new Superintendent in June instead of July.
Upcoming Events
BEHS Graduation - Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:00 at Weber State University
BRHS Graduation - Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 8:00 pm at BRHS
Sunrise Graduation - Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 6:00 pm at BEHS
ILSC Graduation - Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 9:30 pm at ILSC
Board Handbook
Danielle Wright presented the types of decisions that the Board makes.
The Board makes many different decisions, all of those decisions can be put into four general categories: policy decisions, problem-solving decisions, managerial decisions, and personnel decisions. Policy decisions are straightforward. If the Board sets good policies, it solves a lot of the other problems and eliminates other major decisions and problem-solving decisions for the Board to make up. A problem-solving decision is usually in response to a crisis or an opportunity that cannot be resolved by the Superintendent or is not fully addressed in existing Board policy. For example, closing a school due to declining enrollment, or an example that this Board did would be changing school start times because of a lack of bus drivers several years ago. That was a problem-solving decision.
Next, managerial decisions required of each local school board are set forth in statutes. The School Board is required to implement the core curriculum, administer tests, implement training programs, enroll children in school, establish school libraries and establish school safety, traffic committees and ensure that community councils receive the required annual training and review. It also must approve the school improvement plans developed by the school community councils, like we did tonight. With few exceptions, managerial duties are delegated to the Superintendent, and that is in state statute.
Then the last one, personnel decisions represent a special category of managerial decisions. Most school boards delegate personnel matters to the Superintendent. The Board uses policies to express their desired standards for hiring, evaluation, compensation, discipline and dismissal. This approach avoids the quagmire of wrestling directly with hiring or disciplining employees.
Closed Session to Discuss Sale or Lease of Real Property, Professional Competence of Individual or Discuss Strategy Sessions with Respect to Collective Bargaining or Pending or Imminent Litigation
Bryan Smith motioned to move into closed session. The motion was seconded by Karen Cronin.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Karen Cronin motioned to move out of closed session. The motion was seconded by Bryan Smith.
Stephanie DeFilippis - Yes
Tiffani Summers - Yes
Danielle Wright - Yes
Karen Cronin - Yes
Bryan Smith - Yes
Adjournment
With the announcement that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Independent Life Skills Center, President Tiffani Summers adjourned the meeting at 11:20 p.m.
APPROVED: June 10, 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.