D91 Updates

I’m often asked if the district plans to ask voters to support a bond and if so, when. That’s a great question, and I want to share where we are in that process and what’s happening behind the scenes.

About a year ago, the Idaho Falls School Board directed the district to conduct a utilization study. You might be wondering, “What exactly is a utilization study?” The purpose of the study is to evaluate how our school buildings are being used, determine whether each school has enough classroom space to support current and future enrollment, and identify opportunities for growth across the district.

Ideally, school buildings operate best when they are between 75% and 89% capacity. That range allows us to make the most of each facility, using classrooms, libraries, gyms, and common spaces efficiently, without overburdening the school facility.

In early September, the district reported the results of the utilization study to the Board. Here’s what we learned:

• Idaho Falls High School is beyond its designed capacity.

• Skyline High School is at 100% capacity.

• Emerson High School is also at maximum utilization 90% capacity.

• Our middle schools are near capacity with limited room for growth.

• Among our elementary schools, four are over 90% capacity, six are within the ideal range, and two are slightly below that range.

Based on these findings, the School Board asked the district to take the next step to review growth projections for the City of Idaho Falls, evaluate how classroom spaces are currently used, and conduct a study of parent and student interest in different types of learning models.

These learning models include:

• Career Technical Education (CTE) programs like those offered at CTEC,

• Project-Based Learning, the model used at Compass Academy, and

• STEM-focused instruction, similar to the approach at Temple View Elementary.

• Other learning model options that may be of interest to our community are also being explored to ensure we continue offering engaging and relevant opportunities for all students.

I want to be very clear. The Board has not discussed closing Compass Academy or any other school. The goal of this process is to ensure that our district facilities and programs are being used effectively to meet the needs of 21st-century learners.

The district will report its findings to the Board at a meeting in February. The Board will use that information to make thoughtful, data-informed decisions about how best to plan for future growth and student success.

This work is all about preparing for the future and making sure our schools have the right space, programs, and resources to continue serving our students well. I’m proud of the careful, collaborative approach our Board is taking, and I look forward to keeping you updated as we continue this important conversation together.

• Nov. 17: D91 Scholarship Night | Compass Academy, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Nov 20: End of Trimester 1
• Nov. 21: Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL
• Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

R.O.A.R. Theatre Company at IFHS will open their production of "Macbeth" on Wednesday, Nov. 5!

Tickets are $5 for students and $6 for general admission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.

The Eagle Rock Drama Department will open their school musical, Between the Lines JR, this Thursday, Nov. 6! Performances begin at 7 p.m. at Eagle Rock, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and children.

The application window is now open for Idaho LAUNCH, Idaho Opportunity, FAFSA, and CEI Foundation scholarships!

Idaho LAUNCH can cover up to 80% of the published tuition and fees at an eligible institution, up to a maximum of $8,000. Initial applications are due Nov. 30!

This Saturday, community groups will gather together for the Homeless Stand Down. This annual event allows individuals, families. and veterans who are homeless or at high risk of being homeless to connect with service providers with resources for housing, food, and other needs.

Last week, the results of the district’s independent financial audit for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, were presented to the Idaho Falls School Board. Board members met with the lead auditor to review the report and ask questions about the district’s financial practices.

I am pleased to share that the audit found no issues or concerns, and the Board formally accepted and approved the audit report.

Idaho law requires all school boards to approve their annual audit before it is submitted to the state by November 1. While districts may request an extension, doing so can delay the state’s November 15 funding payment. Thanks to the work of the Idaho Falls School Board, our audit was completed and submitted on time.

This strong audit reflects the exceptional work of District 91’s Business Manager, Lanell Farmer, and the entire Business Department. Their dedication to refining our budgeting and accounting systems ensures we continue to provide the best possible services within the funds allocated by the legislature.

By sharing our audit results publicly each year, District 91 reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the community resources entrusted to us—all in service of our students’ success.

Interested in reading the full report? Find it here.

D91 teams rose to the podium and the occasion last week at the district cross-country championships, working together to gift an e-bike to dedicated IFXC Coach Craig Enos. Craig has coached at IFHS for 21 years and has given all of his stipends straight back to his programs.

After a serious health scare this summer, Craig needed to scale back in order to continue coaching. Enter rival Skyline XC coach, Sean Schmidt, who had the idea to gift Craig an e-bike. He reached out to former IFXC Coach Kathy Erickson, and in just a few days, IFXC alumni and parents raised enough funds to cover an e-bike, a bike rack, and accessories.

Thanks to Sean, Kathy, IF Coach Alan McMurtrey, Dave’s Bike Shop, and the rest of the D91 cross country family, past and present, for their assistance in making this happen. Whether we are Tigers or Grizz, we show up for each other — that's the D91 difference!

Each year at parent-teacher conferences, Sunnyside 5th graders set up a fundraiser for a cause they care about. This year, led by ideas from Zoe Reeder and Reagan Rusch, students in Ms. Rasmussen’s class raised $461 through a bake sale for the Terry Belnap Memorial Fund!

Terry, who passed away from cancer in 2022, was a former D91 teacher who taught at A.H. Bush, Sunnyside, and Westside. Terry also had connections to Bonneville’s District 93, and each year, Hillcrest High School hosts a special football game in her honor and coordinates the distribution of the memorial fund to community members battling cancer.

Small ideas can turn out to have a big impact, especially when helping hands reach across district lines. We are so proud of our Sunnyside students and their initiative to serve those in need!

There’s exciting work underway in District 91 to strengthen the experiences of our students who participate in activities and athletics! Following direction from the Idaho Falls School Board, the district has established new procedures to ensure the safety and success of all students involved in extracurricular programs from athletics to activities like debate, band, choir, theater, and student government.

To guide this important work, the district recently convened the Activities and Athletics Advisory Council, made up of principals, athletic directors, teachers, and parents. This diverse group brings together perspectives from across our schools to support well-rounded, safe, and meaningful opportunities for every student.

The Council held its first meeting on October 27, where members worked collaboratively to draft a mission statement that reflects the purpose and spirit of D91’s programs:

“Providing a community that develops life skills and personal excellence through practice, competition, and performance.”

The next step for the Council is to define clear outcomes for participation that emphasize personal growth, teamwork, leadership, and balance between academics and extracurricular involvement. These outcomes will help ensure that every student who participates in a D91 activity or sport gains valuable skills that extend far beyond the field, stage, or classroom.

District 91 is excited to see how the Activities and Athletics Advisory Council will continue to shape safe, inclusive, and inspiring programs that help students learn, lead, and thrive!

The D91 School Spotlight is back, and this week, we are celebrating Taylorview Middle School! Taylorview currently enrolls 776 students in 7th and 8th grade. These Wolverines go on to attend Idaho Falls High School.

Principal Dave Webster grew up in Rexburg, ID. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from BYU-I, a master's degree in counseling from Adams State University in Colorado, and an education specialist degree from the University of Idaho. Dave has been a committed part of D91 since 2007 and has worked at Theresa Bunker, Dora Erickson, and Edgemont. His favorite thing about being a principal is watching students grow and helping them develop new skills!

Dave enjoys cheering for the Green Bay Packers and going on road trips with his wife and 3 kids. They have visited all 50 states, and taken pictures by highway "Welcome to [STATE]" signs in 48 of those!

🏆D91 had a lot to celebrate in Lewiston this past weekend at the state cross-country meet, bringing home 4 trophies! The IFHS girls team won the 5A championships, with Jaycee Jensen (2), Eliza Peck (8), Tess Eddington (15), Lucy Okeson (28), and Ivy Petersen (37). Jaycee set a new school record with a PR of 18:04!

The Skyline boys team took gold for 5A for the second year in a row with Davis Roberts (3), Alexander Renna (4), Will McCombs (9), Kaleb Mickelsen (27), and Desmond Swaner (33). This is the first time in program history the team has won back-to-back state titles!

But neither school was content to go home with only one trophy – the Skyline girls team earned the 4th place trophy [Zoey Bailey (17), Reagan Rhodes (20), Sara Martineau (31), Melody Chandler (32), and Arianne Nef (41)], as did the IFHS boys team [Jackson Bushman (11), Will Monson (23), Austin McCord (25), Carter Boyle (30), and Logan Kite (50)]. We couldn’t be prouder of these D91 runners! Congrats to them and their coaches on an incredible season. 🎉🧡💙

Congratulations to the IFHS boys swim team, who took the district title last week (for the second year in a row!) with 164 points! The Skyline boys snagged second place with 144. Congratulations also to the Skyline girls team, who took the gold with 172 points, with the IFHS girls coming in second at 147!

D91 will be well represented at the state tournament this weekend in Boise – good luck to all our swimmers! 🏊

Idaho’s 5A All-Conference soccer selections were released last week, and the list was full of D91 players -- including both players of the year, Josh Peterson and Grace Eastman, from IFHS! Congratulations to these hardworking student-athletes!⚽🎉

Last week, the Academic Decathlon team at Compass Academy competed at the Shelley High School Scrimmage. The team earned 24 medals and 15 honorable mentions!

🏅 Congrats to these medalists: Ben Chandler, Jane Madsen, Lauren Mecham, Salais Peterson, Victor Pruett, Anya Smith, Eden Smith, Cambri Standfield, Rose Thomas, Hannah Underwood, and Eli Zeller!

Academic Decathlon, or AcaDeca, is a team-based competition akin to Scholastic team that challenges students in 10 categories: art, economics, essay, interview, language & literature, mathematics, music, science, social science, and speech. Students are tested through multiple-choice exams, essays, performances, and speeches. The team's next competition is Nov. 15 at Compass -- good luck to these scholars!

The state football tournament is in full swing! Skyline (#3) beat Bonneville (#14) on Friday 42-21, advancing into the quarterfinals of the state tournament. They’ll face Sandpoint (#11) this Friday at the ICCU Dome at 5:30 p.m. Good luck to the Grizzlies! 🏈💙

On Tuesday night, the IFHS Marching Band invited friends and family to not only watch their full show, but march with them! Check out the D91 Facebook and Instagram for a POV video.

A few season highlights from the band -- now in its 5th year of continuous growth!

• 2nd place @ Madison Invitational
• 2nd place @ USU Invitational
• 1st + all 5 Caption Awards @ Burley Invitational
• 4th in division + 2nd of all Idaho schools @ ISU Mountain West Invitational
• 2nd + Best Colorguard @ Regional Championships

Every day in D91, there are amazing people whose hard work and positive attitude make our schools shine, from the cafeteria to the classroom, the ball fields to breakfast duty!

The High Five Club is your chance to celebrate those everyday heroes who make D91 an incredible place to learn and work. If you know someone who lifts others up, spreads positivity, or brings their best to every day, take a minute to nominate them for a High Five today! Let’s keep the positivity going and recognize the people who make D91 truly exceptional!

We were glad to welcome Senator Dave Lent and Representative Barbara Ehardt to Bush Elementary last week to learn about District 91’s new PASS program!

PASS (Proactive Approach to Student Success) is a targeted behavior support program that provides the academic rigor of a traditional elementary classroom.

To help students learn appropriate classroom behaviors, PASS uses:

• Visual schedules
• Positive reinforcement
• Small class sizes

Students from any elementary school in the district can be recommended for PASS. They typically graduate from the program after 6-8 weeks, and 100% of students who complete it have successfully returned to their home classrooms!

Last week, IFHS teachers and admin made Tiger Nation aware of the need to stock the shelves of their food pantry. In just a few days, the shelves were filled with cereal, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, granola bars, and so many other needed items. Thanks to Tiger Club, the IFHS girls soccer team, and the many students, parents, and community members who stepped in to help!🍎

Trunk or treating, Tim Burton portraits and more spooky sights awaited students and families at Compass Academy’s community Fright Night on Thursday! The event was an opportunity to showcase a variety of student work that demonstrates the project-based learning model, including pumpkin-launching trebuchets from physics, monster houses from interior design, zombie worms from biology, a haunted hallway from the drama department, and scary stories from the myths and legends class. Plus, a trunk or treat engaged kids of all ages. What a fun way to celebrate the season!

CTEC welcomed community members on Tuesday to learn about their 21 different programs and tour the building. Community nights like this are fantastic opportunities for students to practice networking and for our schools to show off the amazing work they do!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful fall season. Fall in Idaho is gorgeous! Now that frost is forming and temperatures are dropping, it’s time to review our snow closure procedures.

On snowy mornings, Ralph Frost, our Transportation Director, and his dedicated crew begin driving the roads around 4 a.m. to assess road conditions. Ralph also works closely with city and county officials to stay up-to-date on the latest weather and road reports. Around 5 a.m., Ralph gives me a call to report his findings. I’m in touch with superintendents from nearby districts and consult with them before making a decision about a school closure. The decision to remain open or to close school is typically made between 5:45 and 6:15 a.m. Once a decision has been made to close schools, the district notifies parents, teachers, staff, and local media. Snowstorms mean busy, early mornings for us!

I’m often asked why D91 doesn’t close schools as frequently as surrounding districts. One key reason is that many of D91’s roads are within city limits, and the City of Idaho Falls does a fantastic job of keeping those roads clear. Unlike rural roads, city streets are less prone to large drifts from wind-blown snow, which allows D91 to stay open more often than neighboring districts.

The decision to remain open or to close schools is never easy. It impacts students, families, teachers, and staff alike. For many families, snow days can present an unexpected challenge in finding daycare on short notice.

Above all, my priority when deciding about a snow day is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Fingers crossed for a smooth winter ahead!

In April, the District 91 Advisory Council identified themes for a new mission statement. Their thoughtful feedback helped shape the following draft mission statement: “Empowering learners. Developing leaders. Creating a legacy of excellence.”

As parents and guardians of D91 students, your input is valuable! We invite you to review this proposed mission statement and respond to four brief questions. This survey will close on Tuesday, November 11 at 11:59 p.m.

If you have already responded to this survey, thank you for your input!

At District 91, one of our key behavior goals this year is Civility in Action and Language—the idea that how we treat others and how we speak to one another matters.

District 91’s Behavior Committee has introduced five key goals designed to support positive behavior and a respectful learning culture across all our schools. Each goal highlights an important part of how we learn, grow, and interact as a community. The final goal in this series, Civility in Action and Language, reminds us that how we treat others and how we communicate truly matter. Civility means showing respect, kindness, and empathy through both our words and our actions, even when we disagree. It’s about listening before reacting, speaking with care, and treating everyone from classmates, to teachers, and community members, with dignity.

How Families Can Encourage Civility at Home

Civility starts early, and it’s strengthened every day through small, consistent lessons at home. Families play a powerful role in modeling and teaching what respectful communication looks like. Here are a few ideas for each age group:

For our youngest learners (K–2):

• Model polite greetings like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”

• Praise children when they show kindness or take turns.

• Use stories or picture books to talk about how characters treat one another.

For elementary students (3–5):

• Practice conversations that involve listening without interrupting.

• Discuss how words can affect others, both positively and negatively.

• Encourage children to solve small conflicts with calm words instead of frustration.

For middle school students (6–8):

• Talk about digital civility. Some examples include how to show respect in texts, social media, and online chats.

• Encourage them to express opinions respectfully, even when they disagree.

• Ask them to notice examples of civility (or incivility) in the media and discuss what they observe.

For high school students (9–12):

• Discuss real-world issues through the lens of civil discourse and active listening.

• Encourage them to advocate for what they believe in using positive, respectful language.

• Model professionalism in communication, both in person and online, as they prepare for college and careers.

When students learn civility, they gain empathy, confidence, and strong communication skills that will serve them for life. Homes and classrooms become more positive, relationships grow stronger, and our community thrives.

As a community, we have an incredible opportunity to model civility for our children every day through the words we choose, the patience we show, and the respect we extend. When families, schools, and students work together to put civility into action, we build a stronger, more compassionate community. The way we speak and treat one another shapes the kind of world our students will lead!