Barbara Morgan, Dr. Barber, Susan Feldhusen, John Blackman, Karen Bliss, Fritz Peters, Deborah VanLaw

Boise State University honored teachers last week at an inaugural event called "A Celebration of Teaching - Mentors of the Year." The event recognized two outstanding Blaine County School District teachers; Woodside Elementary teacher Karen Bliss and Wood River Middle School teacher Susan Feldhusen. Selected from over 50 school districts, 22 teachers from southwest Idaho were honored at the event. BSU celebrated teachers who guide, support and encourage fellow educators in their pursuit of effective teaching and professional growth.

Dr. Lonnie Barber, Superintendent of Blaine County School District said, "We are proud of Karen Bliss and Susan Feldhusen for being recognized as outstanding teachers and mentors in the state of Idaho. We all need to do more to recognize our outstanding teacher mentors. Karen and Sue are wonderful examples of just some of what our great teachers give back to the profession."...FULL STORY

Local contractors work on the Bellevue Elementary Project

The Blaine County School District School Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, September 19 at 6:15 p.m. at the District office, 118 W. Bullion, Hailey. The purpose of the meeting is to review Plant Facility Levy projects completed to date, including Carey School, Bellevue Elementary, Hailey Elementary, Wood River High School and the Community Campus, all of which underwent clean energy retrofits and facility improvements. The School Board will discuss future Levy projects, including site improvements at Carey School, Hemingway Elementary energy retrofits, and safety and security measures at all schools. The School Board will consider purchasing Qualified School Construction Bonds to accelerate future Levy projects. The School Board will also make a decision on the budget for the Community Campus auditorium remodel. Public comments will be accepted regarding the auditorium. For an agenda, click here.

Hailey Elementary secretary Jane Dyndiuk collects attendance sheets.

Despite a 9.5% unemployment rate, high foreclosures, and the local effects of the recession, enrollment in the Blaine County School District remains consistent. Enrollment for the first four days of school is tracked both in the classrooms and in the District's database, Skyward. Enrollment total for the District is 3,402. Enrollment for the same period last year was 3,400. Typically enrollment increases throughout the year. This year's enrollment is an increase of 58 students from the end of the year last year. According to the District budget presented and approved in June, 2011, projected enrollment was 3,545. Attendance is taken by each teacher the first four days of school and given to school secretaries for input into Skyward. For an explanation of how attendance affects the District budget, please see Dollars and Sense: Your Guide to the Blaine County School District Budget. 

For the last several years, the Blaine County School District has provided a fee to Mountain Rides allowing students and staff to ride Mountain Rides buses free of charge. This year, due to increasing costs, there have been some changes to the partnership. BCSD is pleased to be able to continue offering students and staff free rides on Mountain Rides buses, limited to only the days when school is in session. On weekends, holidays, and breaks such as summer and spring break, students and staff will not be able to ride Mountain Rides for free.
www.mountainrides.org