THE SUMMIT

ELEVATING EDUCATION AT BLAINE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Idaho Senate Chamber

Photo courtsey of Lara Stone

Meeting with Idaho Lawmakers

In addition to board meetings and visitings schools, school board trustees are also called upon to meet with Idaho lawmakers to discuss how the legislature can best support students. In 2025, members of our board and Superintendent Foudy have:

- Met with our local legislators both locally and in Boise to share our concerns about proposed bills, including school vouchers, accountability and levies.

- Testified before the Idaho Senate Education Committee in favor of Senate Bill 1031, which would require school districts to regulate cell phone use in school.

- Attended the Idaho School Board Association "Day on the Hill" event in Boise to remind legislators that Idaho has the lowest per student K-12 funding the nation and advocate for sufficient funding.

- Presented to the House Education Committee about the importance of districts creating a 5-year Strategic Plan.

“Working with students and being a part of their lives every day is a privilege…We continually work to understand student needs and to connect individuals with the resources they need to succeed.” 

- Patrick Kinney, WRMS teacher

Supporting All Students

Sometimes students need a little extra help and attention – to boost learning, literacy or navigate challenging times.

At Wood River Middle School, Patrick Kinney is the top advocate for these students. He leads the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) program, a school-wide structure of resources designed to equitably support the academic progress of all students.

Here’s an example of how it works: one student’s academic development had completely stalled as she began sixth grade, after a traumatic disruption in her home life. The MTSS team learned of her situation and provided her with interventions: a literacy class and a daily social-emotional check-in with a trusted adult. She continued to struggle throughout sixth and seventh grades, but encouragingly, by eighth grade she started gaining academic traction. She began to find her voice and share her ideas. Today, data verifies that she is on track to enter high school with the tools she needs to succeed. Read more...

“Cub Council means a lot to me because I like caring for others.”

-Cub Council leader at Bellevue Elementary

Looking to add some kindness to your day? You’ll find it at Bellevue Elementary School, where the 5th grade student leadership group, the Cub Council, is hosting a Kindness Challenge through February, featuring:

• A kindness spirit week with morning announcements encouraging daily random acts of kindness tasks.

• A Generosity Store, where they gave away fancy pencils for a promise of each customer doing a kind deed.

• A kindness spirit assembly including teaching the whole school how to do the Cupid Shuffle dance, leading the Bellevue Honor Code and presenting teddy bears to community helpers.

Read more...