Beyond the Bell - August 2026

At the July Board of Trustee’s meeting, Superintendent Wendy Johnson presented her vision for our district. Superintendent Johnson emphasized building on generations of academic excellence with a clear vision: to provide a world-class education for every student.

“World-class” means ensuring students graduate prepared to thrive in college, career, citizenship and life. It means developing not only strong academic knowledge, but also the critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving skills students will need in a rapidly changing world.

This work begins with our strong foundation, including investments in early learning, literacy, mathematics, student-centered instructional practices, AVID, Career Technical Education, AP and dual-credit opportunities, community schools and student well-being.

Looking ahead, Superintendent Johnson detailed specific goals, including our focus on ensuring every student reads proficiently by third grade, providing clearer feedback through standards-based reporting and working with the community to develop a graduate profile that defines the knowledge, skills and attributes students need for future success.

The vision also recognizes that a world-class education depends on a world-class team. We will continue investing in its exceptional educators and staff while listening to students, families and employees, measuring progress and continually improving its programs and practices.

By honoring what has made Boise Schools successful while embracing new opportunities, the District remains committed to its mission: preparing every student for tomorrow—every student, every day, every opportunity. 

Superintendent Johnson’s presentation to the Trustees begins at 21:40 on our YouTube channel.

The 2026 Boise School Board Trustee Election will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. While there were three trustee positions open this year, only the four-year term is contested and will be the only race included on the ballot. 

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 NOW 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.

Learn more: 2026 Boise School Board Trustee Election

We are beginning work on a five-year technology strategy to transition student and staff learning devices from Chromebooks and PCs to Apple devices. While a small pilot is planned for the 2026–2027 school year, most students will not see a change until the 2027–2028 school year.

The goal is to make a long-term decision that supports both student learning and responsible budgeting. Device costs for PCs and Chromebooks have increased significantly in recent months, making future replacement cycles more difficult to predict. Based on current estimates, the district expects the Apple strategy to save approximately $1 million over five years while also providing more consistent training, support, repair coverage, and classroom tools.

This is not simply a device swap. The strategy is designed to better match technology to student learning needs, with younger students using devices in targeted, age-appropriate ways and older students having access to tools that support productivity, creativity, research, coding, media, assessment, and college and career readiness.

Feedback gathered from the 2026–2027 pilot year will be used to identify training and support needs, and make adjustments before any broader rollout. Families, staff, and the community will receive additional information as pilot schools are identified and implementation plans are finalized.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all Idaho public schools are required by state law (Idaho Code 33-1639) to observe a brief moment of silence at or near the beginning of each school day. Principals have been briefed on the new law and will provide proper procedures to school staff prior to the start of school. 

The purpose of the law is to provide every student with an opportunity for silent, individual reflection. The moment of silence must last at least sixty (60) seconds. During this time, students are expected to remain silent and may choose to use the time for reflection, meditation, prayer, or another silent, non-disruptive activity of their choice.

We are implementing this requirement in a neutral manner that respects each student's individual choice, consistent with state law. As provided in the legislation, parents and guardians are encouraged to provide guidance to their children on how they may choose to use this time each day.

The daily moment of silence will begin in all Boise School District schools on the first day of the 2026–2027 school year.

This summer, Boise School District launched a new website platform for the District and all 50-plus schools. The redesigned sites feature easier navigation, improved search and accessibility, a mobile-friendly design, and a more consistent experience across our schools.

The launch was an important milestone—but not the finish line. Throughout the school year, we will continue refining content, improving navigation and addressing issues based on how families, staff and community members use the sites.

Your feedback can help guide that work. After exploring the new district or school websites, please take a few minutes to share your experience through our brief website feedback form. Links to the form can also be found in the footer on each school website.