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Boise Schools News: A Strong Start to the 2026–2027 School Year!

Posted Date: 08/17/26 (10:00 AM)


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Boise School District News

August 17, 2026

A Great Start to the 2026–2027 School Year

Boise School District students returned to school on August 12, filling classrooms and hallways with excitement, smiles and new possibilities.

Our first-day highlight video captures moments from across the District as students reconnected with friends, met their teachers and began another year of learning and growth. These moments reflect our commitment to exceptional learning opportunities, caring educators, welcoming schools and strong family and community partnerships.

Here’s to a successful 2026–2027 school year – and to educating today for a better tomorrow!

Follow Boise School District on Facebook and Instagram for more stories from our schools throughout the year.

 

A BIG Boise Schools Welcome to Our Newest Team Members! 🎉❤️💙

Boise School District rolled out the red carpet for our newest educators and staff members during the New to the District and New to the Profession meeting and professional development event held August 4, 2026, at Timberline High School.

It was an exciting day of learning, connection and celebration as we welcomed these new team members into a community committed to strong neighborhood schools, meaningful relationships and providing a world-class education for every student.

These dedicated professionals bring valuable experience, passion, creativity and energy to our schools and classrooms. We are excited to see the difference they will make for students, families and colleagues throughout the school year.


Welcome to the team. Welcome to our schools. Welcome to Boise! ❤️💙
 

Capital Graduate Eden Francis Wins National Heptathlon Championship

Congratulations to 2026 Capital High School graduate Eden Francis, who captured the USATF National Championship in the 17–18 Women’s Heptathlon – winning an incredibly close competition by just seven points.

Eden’s hard work, determination and versatility have taken her from competing as a Capital Eagle to standing atop the national podium. She will continue her academic and athletic journey at the University of Idaho in Moscow.

Congratulations, Eden! Boise Schools is proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see what comes next.

 

Boise Students Shine at International Health Conference

Thirty-three students from Boise High, Borah High, Timberline High and Dennis Technical Education Center represented Boise School District at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this summer.

Competing alongside future health professionals from across the United States and around the world, students demonstrated their healthcare knowledge, clinical skills and leadership.

Gabriella Randolph of Boise High School earned gold in the Hilarity for Charity & Health Care Issues Exam and ranked among the top 10% of scorers. Kaylee Hahn of Borah High School placed in the top 10 in Nursing Assisting.

Congratulations to all 33 students for representing Boise Schools on the international stage. These hands-on, career-connected experiences help prepare students for success in college, careers and life.


Boise High School students pose for a photo at the HOSA International Leadership Conference.
 

Boise Schools Honored for Environmental Education Leadership

Boise School District educators and students earned three top honors from the Idaho Environmental Education Association during this summer’s Project Green Sustainability Summit.

Amy Griffin of Whittier Elementary was named Elementary Environmental Educator of the Year. Griffin empowered her sixth-grade students to plan, design, fund and create an outdoor classroom that will benefit every grade level at Whittier.

Jake Miller of North Junior High received the Secondary Environmental Educator of the Year Award. Miller organized a three-day camping experience for 84 eighth graders, helping students build outdoor survival skills, deepen their understanding of Idaho’s natural resources and strengthen connections with their peers.

Timberline High School student Charlotte Meng (pictured) was named Volunteer Educator of the Year. An Idaho Master Naturalist and dedicated environmental advocate, Meng has led bird-conservation projects, taught younger students, volunteered throughout the community and promoted environmental awareness through public events, media interviews and her school’s green team.

Congratulations to Amy, Jake and Charlotte for creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences and inspiring others to care for Idaho’s natural environment!
Amy Griffin, Whittier Elementary: Elementary Environmental Educator of the Year
Amy Griffin, Whittier Elementary: Elementary Environmental Educator of the Year
Jake Miller, North Junior High: Secondary Environmental Educator of the Year
Jake Miller, North Junior High: Secondary Environmental Educator of the Year
 

SCHOOL BOARD CORNER

Trustee Nancy Gregory Honored with Distinguished Service Award

The Boise School District Board of Trustees has presented Trustee Nancy Gregory with its Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her 24 years of extraordinary leadership and dedication to students, staff, families and public education.

Since joining the Board in 2002, Gregory has helped guide the District’s work in policy development, strategic planning, school boundaries, transportation and facilities. She served as Board president from 2014 to 2020 and has been a strong advocate for public schools at the Idaho Legislature and through her leadership with the Idaho School Boards Association.

Gregory is not seeking reelection to the Boise School Board and will step down as she campaigns for the Idaho State Senate. Her principled leadership, ability to build common ground and steadfast commitment to students have strengthened Boise Schools and public education throughout Idaho. The District extends its sincere appreciation for her distinguished service and lasting legacy.
Boise School Board and Superintendent Wendy Johnson
Trustee Nancy Gregory, joined by fellow Boise School Board trustees and Superintendent Wendy Johnson, receives the Distinguished Service Award during the August 10, 2026, Board meeting.
 

Boise School District Trustee Election: Absentee Ballot Request Deadline Is August 21

Can’t make it to the polls for the Boise School District Trustee Election? There’s still time to request an absentee ballot.

The deadline to submit an absentee ballot request is August 21, 2026. The Board of Trustees helps guide decisions that affect our schools, students and community, so make a plan to participate and make your voice count.

Learn more and find absentee ballot information at boiseschools.org/elections.

Boise Schools reminder about the absentee ballot request deadline for the Trustee Election 2026.
2026 Trustee Election
 

Fall Into Learning with Boise Schools Community Education!

Registration is now open for Boise School District’s Fall 2026 Community Education session! For 55 years, Community Education has provided high-quality, affordable lifelong learning opportunities throughout the Treasure Valley.

Classes run September 8 through October 22 at Riverglen Junior High, Timberline High, West Junior High, several offsite locations and online. Choose from hundreds of courses covering arts and crafts, cooking, fitness, gardening, career development, languages, technology and more.

Explore a new hobby, build your skills and connect with others this fall. Browse classes and register today at www.boiselearns.org.

Community Education
 

Boise School District Principals Discuss the New School Year on Boise State Public Radio

Jefferson Elementary School Principal Stacey McKenna and Timberline High School Principal Chad Wright recently joined Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice to discuss the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

The conversation highlights the excitement of welcoming students back, how schools are responding to poor air quality and wildfire smoke, and the implementation of Idaho’s new state-mandated moment of silence.

 

Boise School District’s Ali Ward Selected as School Air Quality Fellow

Ali Ward, Boise School District’s Sustainability Supervisor, has been selected as a 2026–2027 School Air Quality Fellow by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council.

Ward was chosen through a highly competitive selection process that attracted an exceptionally high number of applicants. During the fellowship, she will collaborate with experts and other school leaders to strengthen indoor air quality practices and support healthier learning environments.

This national recognition reflects Ward’s leadership and Boise School District’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, healthy and sustainable schools for students and staff.
 

Standards-Based Reporting Begins This School Year in Elementary Schools

Boise School District is thoughtfully phasing in Standards-Based Reporting (SBR) to ensure our teachers, schools, and systems are fully prepared for a successful transition.

Implementation Timeline
  • 2026–2027 School Year: Standards-Based Reporting begins in all elementary schools (grades K–6).
  • 2027–2028 School Year: Standards-Based Reporting expands to secondary schools not already implementing or piloting the model, completing districtwide implementation across grades 7–12.

Standards-Based Reporting provides families with clearer, more meaningful information about what students know, understand, and are able to do based on Idaho's academic standards. Rather than focusing on points or percentages alone, it communicates a student's progress toward mastering grade-level learning standards while reporting habits of work separately from academic achievement.

To help families learn more about this important transition, we encourage you to visit our Standards-Based Reporting webpage. There you'll find:


We encourage all families to explore these resources as we begin implementing Standards-Based Reporting in our elementary schools this year and prepare for expansion to our secondary schools in 2027–2028.
Standards Based Reporting
 

Boise School District Seeks 4-H STEM Corps Instructor

Boise School District is seeking a part-time 4-H STEM Corps instructor to help students explore gardening, science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on learning.

The AmeriCorps member will support Green Teams and educational activities across the District’s 52 school campuses. The position requires a 900-hour service commitment from September 14, 2026, through June 19, 2027, averaging 20 to 25 hours per week.

Benefits include a $12,500 living allowance, a $3,697.50 education award and professional development and networking opportunities. Interested applicants can find application information in the accompanying flyer.

A flyer for the 4-H STEM Corps Instructor position with Boise School District, featuring gardening tools and plants.
 

🌟 Stay Connected with Boise Schools

There’s always something worth sharing in Boise School District—from classroom learning and student achievements to school celebrations, important updates and inspiring stories from across our schools.

Follow Boise School District on Facebook and Instagram to see more of what’s happening and stay connected throughout the school year.

When you see a story that makes you proud, give it a like, share it with friends and family, and help us spread the word about the great things happening in Boise Schools! đź’™


Instagram: @boiseschools

Join our online community and celebrate the people and programs that make Boise School District a place where students thrive. #BSDProud đź’™
A group of diverse students with raised hands and excited expressions are featured in a photograph, encouraging viewers to stay connected with Boise Schools.
 

Slow Down. School Is Back in Session.

The first day of school for Boise School District students is Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and with thousands of students walking, biking, riding buses, and being dropped off each day, we ask all motorists to help make safety a top priority.

Please be especially alert when traveling near schools. Watch for children using crosswalks, school crossing guards, buses loading and unloading students, and increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic during arrival and dismissal times.

In Boise, school zone speed limits are generally 20 mph when posted school zone conditions are in effect, such as flashing lights, posted school zone hours, or when children are present, depending on the signage at each location. Please pay close attention to school zone signs and always obey the posted speed limit.

A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference. Thank you for slowing down, staying focused, and helping ensure every student arrives at school – and returns home – safely.
 

Staying Safe During Periods of Poor Air Quality

Wildfire smoke can affect air quality throughout the summer and fall. When conditions decline, Boise School District schools monitor the Air Quality Index and adjust recess, physical education, athletics and other outdoor activities as needed to protect students and staff.



 
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You're in Control of Your ParentSquare Notifications

We want to make it easy for you to receive the information you need—without feeling overwhelmed.

With the free ParentSquare app, you can customize how and when you receive school and district communications. ParentSquare's new Smart Notification Delivery also helps reduce duplicate notifications by sending most routine updates through the app first, while urgent alerts and direct messages continue to be delivered through your selected notification methods.

If you haven't already, download the free ParentSquare app from the App Store or Google Play, then review your notification settings to choose what works best for your family.

If you haven't already, download the free ParentSquare app from the App Store or Google Play.

 

2026 Boise School Board Trustee Election Information

The 2026 Boise School Board Trustee Election will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Three trustee positions will appear on the ballot, including two six-year terms and one four-year term.

Whether you're looking for election dates, candidate information, absentee voting details, polling locations, or other important election resources, our 2026 Trustee Election webpage is your one-stop source for the latest information.

📌 Aug. 17 – Early Voting Begins
📌 Aug. 21 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
📌 Aug. 28 – Early Voting Ends
📌 Sept. 1 – Election Day

📬 Absentee ballots are open!

Our Board of Trustees plays an important role in helping guide the future of our schools and supporting opportunities for every student. Take time to learn, make a plan to vote, and participate in this important community decision.

We encourage all eligible Boise School District voters to stay informed and participate in this important local election.

Boise Schools Trustee Election information with key dates: Early Voting Begins Aug. 17th, Absentee Ballot Request Deadline Aug. 21st, Early Voting Ends Aug. 28th, and Election Day Sept. 1st.
Trustee Election Information
 
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Get Informed: Subscribe to Beyond the Bell

Want to know more about how our schools work behind the scenes? Beyond the Bell is a new publication from the Boise School District that offers an inside look at the financial, operational, and policy decisions shaping public education in our community.

Each issue dives into key topics like budgeting, strategic planning, student safety, and our instructional approach—providing timely insights for parents, employees, business leaders, elected officials, and anyone invested in the future of our schools.


🛎️ Don’t miss out—
 
Upcoming Events in Boise School District

Dates of Interest

  • August 17: First Day of School - Pre K and Early Childhood Special Education Programs
  • August 17: Fall Community Education online registration begins at www.boiselearns.org
  • August 17: Early voting begins for 2026 Trustee Election
  • September 1: Boise School Board Trustee Election. Learn more at Trustee Election Information website.
  • September 7: Labor Day - No School Pre K-12
  • October 9: End of First Quarter - Pre K-12 No School; Teacher Directed Day/Professional Development
School Year Calendars
 
Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...