Heads Up for Emmett School District Mailers

 Carberry's new roof was completed last summer (Summer'23), and our students got to enjoy a new roof over their heads for the '23-24 school year!

 This project was funded from the May 2023 levy passed by our Gem County voters!  Thank you to our community for supporting local education and making this project possible. This summer, Shadow Butte will be getting a new roof, courtesy of the same levy funds! Thank you!

Two sets of restrooms at the Emmett Middle School were remodeled last summer (Summer '23). The restrooms near the office date all the way back to the original 1950s build, while the other restrooms at the opposite end of the school are from the 1970s era. It was time to give them a fresh, modern makeover!

The restroom remodel project was made possible through the general funds allocated in the 2022-2023 budget. A portion of these funds came from the lottery money used toward our district maintenance. Wright Brothers Construction! fearlessly took on this challenging project, tackling nightmarish 1950s plumbing and asbestos with expertise and dedication. Their outstanding workmanship and commitment to quality were truly appreciated as they helped us create safe, modern facilities for our students.

Upon completion of the remodeled restrooms near the office downstairs, unexpected leaks, and plumbing issues were discovered in the upstairs restrooms. Addressing these issues required extensive repairs, and with the age of the building, it was no small task. While the upstairs restrooms may not have received a full makeover like the other two sets of EMS restrooms, the repairs are now complete, and EMS now has all restrooms functioning and available for use!

Thanks to the allocation from the general fund in the '22-'23 budget, ESD started out with plans to provide updates to the three modulars at Butte View. These classrooms were unused during the 2022-2023 school year. One of the modulars had been used for storage and hadn't seen a classroom in years. With the projected growth at Butte View, as we add two classrooms every year until reaching a K-5 school, remodeling these spaces was essential.

Initially, the plan was for minimal updates to these modulars dating back to the mid-90s. These updates included replacing carpet, painting, updating the restrooms to be ADA compliant, and replacing skirting. However, once the project commenced, unexpected challenges were encountered. Rot, water damage, and structural deterioration necessitated a far more extensive remodel to ensure the safety of the buildings and our students. The full remodel included crucial repairs such as fixing structural issues, adding plywood for structural reinforcement, and replacing the siding. The full list is extensive and also included roof and plumbing repairs, adding gutters, and building new stairs and a ramp, all in addition to the original projected tasks. Shout tout to Wright Brothers construction who stuck out the project from beginning to end despite the unexpected challenges.

With this project completed, our district was able to utilize this safe and renovated space in the '23-'24 school year for both the developmental preschool and the Little Huskies Preschool. These five full classrooms will also provide future options to accommodate Butte View's growth and evolving educational needs.

The old Emmett Middle School concession stand has been a silent witness to countless football games and shared memories for almost seven decades. Its story intertwines with our community, leaving behind a trail of nostalgia and history.

A Walk Down Memory Lane–It’s hard to recall a time when the concession stand didn’t stand by the Emmett Middle School football field. That’s because as far as we can tell, such a time didn’t exist. The school building was completed and put into service as Emmett High School around 1955. The shed/concession stand was likely constructed with the original building or soon after.

Childhood Memories–For many, the concession stand features in memories of growing up in Emmett. One local resident recalls visiting the football field as early as 1957. At seven years old, he attended a football game to watch his cousin play. He remembers visiting the concession stand and ordering a hot dog. Assistant Superintendent Bob Hyde also fondly remembers his childhood adventures, pulling out foam pads and jumping off the shed's roof in a thrill that wouldn't quite meet today's safety standards.!

Time Takes Its Toll–Sheds, like cars, age over time, and the concession stand is no exception. The wear and tear of nearly seventy years in the elements became evident, and the building was no longer safe for storage or its original purpose.

it was determined that rather than embarking on an extensive restoration project, it would be wiser to allocate Covid funds to replace the old concession stand with two new sheds. This decision ensures that the funding meets the necessary requirements and allows flexibility for potential COVID-related needs in the future.

While we bid a fond farewell to what has always been a part of the EMS football field landscape, we were able to welcome two new sheds to serve our needs today!.

EHS Restroom Remodel - Before & After! 

The makeover of two sets of EHS restrooms is complete! Over Christmas break, the atrium and gymnasium visitor restrooms received a much-needed face-lift. Check out the stunning before and after pics below!

Funding and Support:

This project was funded through planned allocations from the general fund, This was made possible because Covid funding allowed for the redistribution of funds normally allocated for other purposes. Thanks to the flexibility these funds provided, the school district could invest in much-needed maintenance projects such as this one.

Local Expertise:

Special thanks to a local company–NHI (Nick’s Home Improvement) for doing quick and thorough work that made such a difference for our school buildings and the students and guests who use them!

Take a look at these beauties! We loved to see them filled with the cheers of our community as we celebrated the Class of 2024's graduation! And we can't wait to see them filled again during the many events of School Year 2024-2025!

This amazing project became a reality thanks to a generous donation in honor of the Class of 2005. An incredible $100,000 contribution, along with additional funds allocated from the general fund by the school board, made it possible. Special shout-out to Wright Brothers Construction for doing the concrete and dirt work and Boise Steel Erectors for their hard work in assembling these grandstands!

The project also included an ADA-accessible walkway from the parking lot to the stadium.

We cannot say thank you enough to those who donated and chose to invest in our students, school, and community with this project!

We are happy to report that our schools now feature secure entries with locking doors that require visitors to be buzzed in. Some of these upgrades included installing locking doors and secure entries at Carberry, Black Canyon High School, and Butte View. These and other upgrades were made to increase safety for our students and staff in our buildings.

These updates included exterior lighting and parking lot upgrades at the rear parking lot of Emmett Middle School.

The old EHS scoreboard was moved and installed at the middle school field. This is a big upgrade for the field and was done in cooperation with Emmett Optimist Football. Thank you to the Optimist program for helping to make this happen!

At a special meeting on January 29, Emmett School District’s updated 10-Year Facilities Maintenance Plan was presented to the ESD Board of Trustees. Such plans are standard tools for school districts, and ESD’s plan was last updated in 2015. Assistant Superintendent Bob Hyde worked closely with the ESD Maintenance Department to carefully evaluate each school facility in the district. The meeting can be viewed on our YouTube channel. The information shared in the meeting is publicly available within the agenda.

Please note, this meeting was for information purposes only. No solutions to facility needs were presented or discussed., and there were no action items. Our buildings are showing their age and will need to be addressed to ensure the safety of our students now and in the future. ESD will not move forward with any solutions without the full involvement of the community in every step of the process.

Please review the material presented last night. The school board has requested a list of priorities to be presented at the February regular school board meeting. The district will await the school board’s direction on how to proceed with identifying potential solutions to our maintenance needs.

We recognize that a community’s school buildings belong to the community. The individuals in a community should have a voice because they reflect who we are. Though Emmett is a community with many diverse opinions, we share the core values of quality education and safety for our youth. As a community, we are responsible for educating our youth and maintaining safe facilities with which to do so. As a school distinct, we are committed to collaborating with our community to create fiscally responsible solutions that will be true to our values and give us reason to be proud of our schools and the education provided within them.

Please review the information within the 10-year Facilities Maintenance Plan and stay tuned for any future community informational and collaborative meetings regarding our facilities. Let us know if you have any questions.

Youtube meeting recording
Link to agenda and materials
 

10-Year Maintenance Plan Presentation

Emmett School District has conducted a lengthy process of researching and gathering feedback regarding potential calendar options for the 2024-2025 school year and moving forward. We appreciate the thorough work of the Calendar Committee and all of our parents, staff, students, and community members who participated in the calendar surveys and provided feedback on this subject.

At the March Regular School Board meeting on March 11, the Emmett School District board of trustees voted unanimously to approve a 4-day school week calendar for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

During the meeting, Superintendent Craig Woods referenced a joint letter signed by him and the GCEA (Gem County Education Association) recommending the move to a 4-day calendar, and the board discussed the issue. The trustees acknowledged the diverse opinions regarding the topic and cited strong community and staff support communicated through survey results. The months-long work of the calendar committee throughout this process was acknowledged and appreciated, and the district communicated a commitment to adapting and supporting all stakeholders in the upcoming transition.

For information on the Calendar Committee process and the information gathered, please follow the button below to the Calendar Committee Page.

Calendar Committee Information

For calendars and bell schedules for the 2024-2025 school year, please follow the button below to the Calendar page.

Calendar Page

This past school year, we introduced a new visitor check-in system, School Safe ID, at many of our schools. This new system is designed to make safety both straightforward and effective for our students, faculty, and staff.

Here's how it works:

When you visit one of our participating schools, you are required to present a valid state-issued ID. The system will then cross-check the visitor's name and date of birth against the national database of registered sex offenders to ensure our schools remain secure.

Where to Find the Kiosks:

These user-friendly kiosks are conveniently located in the front office of Carberry, Shadow Butte, Butte View, Emmett Middle School, Black Canyon High School, and Emmett High School. 

What to Expect:

Visitors scan their valid state-issued ID at the kiosk. Once approved, they receive a badge that includes their name and the purpose of their visit. The system only records their name and date of birth—no additional information from your license is stored. If a visitor does not have a valid state-issued ID, they will need to be accompanied by an escort to enter the school. Visitors won't need to use the system if just dropping something off at the main office, but it's required if checking a student out early. After the initial scan, the system will remember visitors for future visits, making the process even quicker. Name badges are printed at the kiosk, and badges can also be sent to their phone.

Funded for Safety:

School Safe ID was made possible through the Secure Our Future state grant, which allocated funds to our district's schools for specific areas, including safety and security upgrades. School safety is a top priority for ESD. School Safe ID is just one more step toward ensuring that our school environment remains safe and secure.

ESD Mailers:

Emmett School District has sent a total of three mailings within the past year to all Gem County residents. the purpose of these brochures is to keep our community informed and involved with our district. Schools are a vital part of a community, and we appreciate our wonderful community's support as we pursue educational excellence for our youth! Links to our previous mailers and the information provided in them can be found in the sidebar of this page.

Levy Accounting:

Our website allows public access to a monthly report of levy accounting. ESD is working to provide open transparency with the public regarding the funds allocated from the May 2023 Supplemental Levy. In each monthly budget report, a section is assigned for levy reporting. In the monthly report, you can see exactly what levy funds were received and how they were spent.

Please Note: the numbers are continuously running and not project totals. For instance, some of the funds from projects are completed, but the funds are not released until later. This detailed report can always be viewed and attached to the agenda for a regular school board meeting.

Department Updates

Each of our schools and departments create monthly updates that are provided to the school board and posted to our website.

Website & Communication Opportunities

our website allows feedback forms which anyone can fill out. ESD Superintendent Craig Woods offers monthly open door office hours. All of our admin are available to the public by appointment. Community meetings are often held to gather feedback on issues. We also offer digital newsletters that are available to subscribers. We value community involvement and are working hard to provide communication and opportunities for voices to be heard.

Monthly reports can also be viewed on the District's Financial Page.

Shadow Butte's roof was original to the building. After over 20 years in service, it needed replacing. This projected is in progress this summer and is expected to be completed soon!

Shadow Butte's roof replacement is funded by the May 2023 Supplemental Levy. Thank you to our community for the support that ensured that the roof could be replaced, providing a safe environment for our students to learn.

watch our Facebook Page for updates!

New posts and lights are being installed at the entry to Emmett High School and at the corner of the bus lane near the football field concession stand to enhance safety for students and staff.

These updates were made using funds for the May 2023 supplemental Levy. Thank you to our community for providing us with the funds to help keep our students and staff safe.

At the May 2024 Regular Board Meeting, the ESD Board of Trustees voted to remove and replace the current sod with turf. This decision was made after a lengthy discussion regarding safety, financial considerations, and field use.

Funding for this project came from two one-time sources: unanticipated carryover funds from the 2022-2023 school year and a one-time allocation to schools by the Idaho Legislature in April.

Wright Brothers Construction is contracted for the project. You may also see other locals around the site as the contract specifies using local contractors and/or materials that meet contract requirements and design standards when possible.

So far, the project has included some interesting discoveries!

We are thankful that this project will allow us to create an athletic field that is much safer for our student-athletes. We can’t wait to see the finished field ready for so many sports and activities to utilize and for our community to enjoy.

For an update on this project, please watch the video below.

The failing accordion wall between the cafeteria and the band room is being replaced with a standard wall with large garage doors by Anderson Construction for better access and safety. For a description of this project, its funding, and its progress, please check out the video below!

A new wall is being installed in the office to bring the principal’s office to the front of the building and include a small nurse's station. This project is being completed by Anderson Construction and is funded by the May 2023 Supplemental Levy. Thank you to our community for providing the funds to create a better school environment for our students and staff at Butte View Elementary.
 

All schools are undergoing deep cleaning, including refinishing gymnasium floors, waxing entryways, and cleaning carpets.

Emmett Middle School, Carberry, and Shadow Butte are having their parking lots resealed and restriped this summer!

Also, Carberry had the asphalt in their playground repaired.

For more information on these projects, their progress, and their funding, please check out the video below.

This summer, vape detectors are being installed at Emmett High School. This project is being funded by a grant for this purpose.

This fall, our Food Service & Maintenance Building will be getting a new roof. this is being funded by the May '23 levy and is necessary due to age and deterioration of the current roof. 

While the athletic field is being redone, the guest bleachers will also be replaced as a separate project. This is due to the safety issues presented with the old bleachers. This project will contribute to making the entire facility safe for our students, community, and visitors.

Emmett School District has received anonymous donations to fully fund four amazing projects in our district:

 Sweet Elementary School Walking Path
This project will create a walking path at Sweet Montour Elementary, similar to the walking path at Carberry. The path will be utilized by students and the community, creating both health and academic benefits.

 Electronic Reader Boards
This project will fund digital display signs for Carberry Elementary, Butte View Elementary, and Emmett Middle School. These electronic signs will replace the current signs that must be changed manually, saving countless hours for employees. It will also greatly assist in communication with our students, parents, and community.

We want to give a big thank you for the anonymous donations provided to ESD for the specific purposes of fully funding these three projects. They will make a difference for our students, schools, and community in so many ways. We are so grateful.

To View our school calendar and bell schedules, please click the button below.

2024-2025 Calendar

 BusRight App Coming Soon! 

Emmett School District is partnering with BusRight, a school bus technology company, to enhance safety, efficiency, and visibility in our transportation operation. As part of this partnership, we’ll be rolling out BusRight’s bus tracking app for parents. The BusRight Parent App will allow you to track your child’s bus route in real time, directly from your phone and also facilitate communication with our Transportation Department.

August 1, all parents whose children ride a bus will receive an email invitation to download the app for their Android or iPhone mobile device. 

For more information about BusRight, please watch the vido below from our Transportation Director Ben Bennett,

The Emmett School District recognizes the incredible generosity of our patrons, parents, and businesses. The way our community steps up to support youth activities and sports is humbling and inspiring. We also recognize that this support comes with an impact on the time, finances, and resources of everyone involved. To ensure ESD fundraising actions are respectful of the amazing community we are blessed to be a part of, we have been diligently working to develop a plan that meets the needs of our sports and activities programs and creates guidelines for future fundraising.

Here's what we've been up to:

Survey Insights: In the Fall of 2023, Athletic Directors, administrators, coaches, and activity advisors were surveyed about the fundraising needed for sports and activities. Elementary Principals also provided insights on PTO fundraising for teachers and programs. The total amount across K-12 was over $250,000.

Budget Adjustments: In an effort to reduce the number of fundraisers our community is petitioned to participate in, we added an additional $160,000 to the budget to support sports, activities, and elementary schools.

New Guidelines:

Limit Fundraisers:

PTOs and grades 6-12 sports and activities will be limited to one fundraiser per sport or activity.

Focus on Community Involvement:

K-5 fundraisers will focus on community involvement rather than sales. Examples include Talent Shows, Music Nights, and Student Art Exhibits/Auctions.

Committees for Oversight:

Elementary and secondary committees will review additional fundraising requests to ensure they align with district goals.

District-Funded Needs:

Funds provided by the district will cover the specific needs of schools and sports. Additional wants will utilize fund-raised dollars.

Approved Fundraising Opportunities

A list of approved fundraising opportunities for the 2024-2025 school year is being developed and will be available at a later date.

The goals of these changes and budget adjustments is to reduce the overall fundraising needs and allow our parents, coaches, and students to focus more on their activities. While our programs will continue to fundraise to secure desired opportunities that will help them be successful, we hope these guidelines will provide a framework for those efforts.

We are immensely thankful for the generosity of our community and believe these changes will lead to more significant, community-based opportunities for parents and patrons to support our schools. We are hopeful these changes will be welcomed and prove positive for all involved.

July 1, Emmett School District moved to a new financial system called Tyler. Please be patient as we work to transfer many of the existing website links to our new system. If you notice a link that isn't working correctly after August 15, please reach out to info@isd221.net. If you give us a heads up, we'll get it fixed!