School Community

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of West Ada School District is to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges.

2025-26 School Year Theme: 75 Years of Learning, Growing and Leading.

Dear West Ada Families,

Who knew a school board meeting could feel like a rock concert? Monday night was a powerful celebration of student achievement, leadership grown from within West Ada, and a community ready to support the future of our students and the facilities they need to graduate college and career ready.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council continues to elevate student voice across our district. This year, students collaborated on a Student Bill of Rights, inspired by America’s 250th anniversary, reflecting the values and experiences of all West Ada students. Their presentation to the Board was thoughtful, impactful, and a true testament to the leadership of our students—it made me incredibly proud.

The Board also approved four new principals who will lead with a focus on educational excellence and strong school communities. Please join me in welcoming Nolan Kerby to Eagle Hills Elementary, Jennifer Dunlop to Frontier Elementary, Karen Rice to Mountain View High School, and Shay Davis to Seven Oaks Elementary.

Lastly, we are proud to announce Cliff Rice as our new Chief Academic Officer of Student Success. With 25 years of education experience, he brings a deep understanding of how to support student growth. After a nationwide search, the top two candidates came from within West Ada—a strong reminder that we grow exceptional leaders right here in our district.

In addition, trustees advanced two major building projects to support student growth and career readiness—without increasing taxes. Plans include rebuilding Lake Hazel Elementary to address rising enrollment in the southern part of our district and developing a new Career Technical Education Center on Locust Grove. Both projects reflect our commitment to expanding opportunities while remaining fiscally responsible.

The new funding mechanism state lawmakers passed this legislative session (HB 636) could radically change how West Ada pays for new school buildings and facility improvements without placing any further burden on taxpayers. We are grateful for this commitment to public education from House Speaker Mike Moyle, Representatives Sonia Galaviz and Jason Monks, and Senator Treg Bernt.

During my visit to Eagle High this week, I had the privilege of recognizing the Student Council for earning the National Gold Council of Excellence Award—one of the highest national honors for student leadership, service, and school impact.

Our district also celebrated one of our most meaningful traditions—the We Are West Ada Staff Awards. This event honors the incredible educators and support staff who make a difference every day. Each school recognizes a Teacher and Support Staff Member of the Year, with districtwide honorees are all named in this newsletter. One of the most special moments of the evening is recognizing our community partners. This year, Star Mayor Trevor Chadwick was named West Ada’s Citizen of the Year for his support in building Independence Elementary, our 60th school opening this fall. Lieutenant Shawn Harper of the Meridian Police Department received the Superintendent’s Distinguished Service Award for his leadership in developing West Ada’s Campus Sentinels safety program.

A final reminder that Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off on Monday. As a long-time educator, I can tell you one of the most meaningful ways to show appreciation is simple—a note or an email expressing gratitude. Our educators work tirelessly for your children, and those kind messages of thanks truly make a lasting impact.

Thank you for your continued support. Your partnership is what makes West Ada such a special place.

With gratitude,
Dr. Derek Bub
Superintendent
West Ada School District

Registration for 🔗Summer School 2026 is open from April 13 – May 21 at 3:00 PM. Current West Ada students and those pre-enrolled for the 2026–27 school year can sign up through the district Web Apps portal. Starting with this year's freshman, Idaho now requires students to complete a 🔗one-credit Digital Literacy course as part of graduation requirements. Current and incoming freshmen have a great opportunity to get ahead by completing Digital Literacy online this summer.

Students can choose between in-person or online options and earn up to 2 credits:

• In-Person (Meridian High School):
• Session 1: June 1–12
• Session 2: June 15–26
• *Students can take one class per session
• Online (June 1–26):
• Flexible, asynchronous learning, students work at their own pace each day, with teacher support available M–F.

The West Ada School District Board of Trustees has unanimously approved moving forward with two major building projects aimed at addressing rapid growth and expanding career-focused learning opportunities for students.

New Lake Hazel Elementary School
The Board approved plans to construct a new elementary school on the current Lake Hazel Elementary site. Enrollment projections indicate a need for more than 220 additional student seats in this area over the next five years.

After evaluating three district-owned sites, the Long-Range Planning Committee—comprised of parents and community members—recommended building a new school on the backside of the existing campus. The committee determined that constructing a new facility is more fiscally responsible than renovating the current building, which would require nearly $8 million in upgrades while still falling short of future capacity needs.

The proposal is to use the same design as Independence Elementary in Star, which is scheduled to open this August. Estimated construction costs are $23.2 million. With plans already completed, construction could begin this fall for the 750-seat school, with a targeted opening in August 2027.

Career Technical Education Center in Meridian
The Board also approved the development of a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Center in Meridian. A vacant warehouse on Locust Grove will be transformed into a modern, hands-on learning facility by August 2027.

The center will offer training in high-demand fields such as residential construction, powersports, and welding, with future program expansions planned in cosmetology and dental assisting.

“As Idaho’s largest workforce development organization, West Ada is committed to ensuring every student graduates with a clear pathway to a meaningful career,” said Dr. David Reinhart, West Ada Chief Operations Officer.

Originally estimated at $16.5 million, the project cost was reduced to $13.8 million through value engineering and design adjustments, including modifications to the interior build-out and parking expansion. West Ada is on track to award more than 1,000 CTE diplomas this May, and the new center will expand that capacity in the years to come.

Funding and Next Steps
Both projects will be funded through legislative support, including House Bill 521, and the district’s strategic financial planning—without increasing taxes for residents. West Ada’s current levy rate is just $1.43 per $100,000 of assessed value. It will not increase.

Once bids are received for both projects, the district will return to the Board of Trustees for final approval of project costs.

The Board Meeting can be watched in its entirety 🔗here.

West Ada School District proudly celebrated excellence at the 2026 We Are West Ada Staff Recognition Awards, held April 24 at the Galaxy Event Center in Meridian. More than 300 staff members and guests gathered to honor 118 outstanding Certified and Classified Employees of the Year—from each school—recognizing their unwavering commitment to educational quality and student success.

The evening spotlighted district-wide honorees, including Certified Employees of the Year: Katie Hodson (Meridian High School), Zoe Roberts (Meridian Middle School), Margrethe Wood (McMillan Elementary School), and Jacque Kober (Discovery Elementary School). Classified Employees of the Year included Quintin Mikell (Rocky Mountain High School), Rigoberto Prado (Lewis and Clark Middle School), Amy Vogelsberg (Joplin Elementary School), Tiffany Davis (Silver Sage Elementary School), and Allie Anderson (District Service Center). Rookies of the Year were Reily Baron (Hunter Elementary), Olivia Lake (Ustick Elementary), Abigail Barbey (Eagle Middle School), and Cole Witter (Eagle High School), while Counselors of the Year were Dana Whipple (Owyhee High School), Ryan Newby (Meridian Middle School), and Andy Grant (Lake Hazel Elementary School).

Additional honorees included Student Support Specialist of the Year Shalie Morgan; CTE Employees of the Year Andy Smith (Certified) and Nadia Lucas (Classified); Administrators of the Year Ryan Wilhite (Centennial High School), Trevor Morris (Heritage Middle School), and Jennifer Logan (Desert Sage Elementary School); Volunteer of the Year Robin McCulley (Spaulding Elementary); Citizen of the Year Mayor Trevor Chadwick (City of Star); and Superintendent’s Distinguished Service Award recipient Lieutenant Shawn Harper (Meridian Police Department). The celebration concluded with a shared meal and dessert, honoring the passion, dedication, and impact of those who truly embody what it means to be West Ada.

Students and families—don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future! The New York Life Golden Futures Awards & Scholarships program is now accepting applications, offering up to $20,000 in scholarships for high school juniors and seniors and $1,000 awards for students ages 5–16. Submissions are open now through late spring and summer, giving students a chance to share their goals, talents, and dreams for the future. Encourage the young people in your life to apply and take a step toward turning their ambitions into real opportunities.

Last week, the district celebrated the best of the best at the 2026 We Are West Ada Awards.

Thank you to the incredible teachers and staff across West Ada who work tirelessly each day to educate, support, and inspire our students. Here’s a brief look at just a few of this year’s honorees.

Get ready for high-octane excitement as Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live roars into Albertsons Stadium on Saturday, June 6! This family-friendly event brings your favorite monster trucks to life with gravity-defying stunts, car-crushing action, and nonstop thrills.

As part of this West Ada special offer, tickets start as low as $10—and there’s even more reason to go: $5 from every ticket purchased will go back to support the West Ada Education Foundation, helping fund programs and opportunities for local students.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the action while giving back to our schools—🔗grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable show!

In honor of May being Military Appreciation Month, the West Ada School District College Career Counselors will be hosting Military Information Night on Tuesday, May 5! The Military representatives will be presenting information on Career, Educational, and Scholarship opportunities that are possible through the Military. Students and families who are interested in exploring Military as a future possibility are encouraged to attend this informational event!

WHAT: WASD Military Information Night
WHEN: Tuesday, May 5th
TIME: 6:00-8:15 PM
WHERE: Renaissance High School (1307 East Central Drive, Meridian)

Agenda:

• Military Fair (6:00-8:15 PM) - Renaissance High School
• Visit with Military representatives/organizations and check out the booths.
• Presentation (6:15-7:15 PM) - Auditorium
• Families wanting to learn more about the opportunities the different Military branches can provide are encouraged to attend.

The following Military branches and organizations will be attending:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Idaho Air Guard
• Idaho Army National Guard
• Navy
• Marines
• Military Academies (WestPoint, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy)
• BSU ROTC

For questions or further information, please contact your High School College Career Counselor.

West Ada School District, in collaboration with the CTE department, is excited to offer 4 paid student summer internship opportunities within District departments this summer including CTE, Curriculum, School Nutrition, and Communications.

We’re asking for your help to identify and encourage students who would be a great fit to apply. These internships provide valuable real-world experience and help students build professional skills while exploring potential career pathways, an important part of preparing them for success beyond high school. Student internships are early work experiences that develop workplace skills and confidence in our students.

All positions are paid and are now posted on the 🔗West Ada job openings site.

Please share this opportunity with students who:

• Are responsible and motivated
• Would benefit from hands-on, real-world work experience

Your support in spreading the word and encouraging students to apply is critical to helping us connect students with these meaningful opportunities.

Thank you for helping us support students in gaining valuable career experience!

If you’re a parent considering Renaissance High School, or an educator exploring ways to improve student achievement, academic success, and peer tutoring programs, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

🏫 Renaissance is the top ranked high school in Idaho, and one key to that success is its powerful peer tutoring model. Over spring break, a team of students and staff attended the Secondary School Writing Centers Association (SSWCA) Conference, gaining new strategies to support student learning and writing skills.

🎙️ In this episode, we hear from Dany and Brannia—student leaders and peer tutors at the Lighthouse Tutoring Center. They share their experiences from the conference and talk about the impact of peer-to-peer learning, academic support, and asking for help in a rigorous school environment.

✨ Their insights highlight how student leadership, collaboration, and tutoring programs can drive real results.

👉 Tune in to learn how Renaissance is supporting college readiness, student growth, and academic excellence.

Learn more about peer tutoring at Renaissance 🔗here.

Learn more about the Secondary School Writing Centers Association (SSWCA) 🔗here.

Want to stay current on everything going on in West Ada and our fantastic communities? Visit our Community Bulletin board for information about clubs, camps, clinics, and more!

🗓️WASD Community Bulletin Board 🖱️

If you run into technology issues, the West Ada Service Desk is here to help! Parents and students have two easy ways to get support:

• Online Support Request: CLICK HERE

  to visit the Parent/Student portal and report your issue.

• Call the Service Desk: Reach our team by phone at 208-350-5300, Monday–Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requesting support online is the fastest way to connect with the right technician, but either option will get you the help you need.

This West Ada School District news update is brought to you by the District's communication team. For access to previous updates, please visit: https://www.westada.org/page/west-ada-weekly-newsletter