NPA student, Sam Barrett performed a monologue from Shakespeare’s, MacBeth and then shared a slideshow highlighting student work from the NPA Art Drop. 

Trustee Nelson and Trustee Ganskie were presented with gifts and heartfelt gratitude for their service as Board members. 

Pictured left to right: Trustee Chilton, Trustee Pritchett, Trustee Johnson, Trustee Nelson, Trustee Ganskie, Trustee Willoughby, Superintendent Frisella, Asst. Superintendent Thompson Trustee Nelson and Trustee Ganskie were presented with gifts and heartfelt gratitude for their service as Board members. NJUHSTA President, Eric Mayer recognized that the collaborative effort between the district and staff teams has improved trust and the working relationships. He raised concerns about adding a dean of students position without sufficient staff communication. He shared that their holiday party was a success and acknowledged departing Trustees Ganskie and Nelson, with appreciation. Superintendent Frisella reported a visit to Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL) to observe end of semester activities and discuss their upcoming charter renewal and a visit to Nevada Union High School with staff from an outside district that is interested in transitioning from a six-period to eight-period bell schedule and adopting a Flex period for intervention. He welcomed Becky Browning as assistant principal of Nevada Union High School. He shared that he is scheduled to visit Bear River High School with Trustee Chilton on 12/13 to connect with staff and gather feedback on current operations. He reported that staff work continues on proposals to address budget challenges which will be prepared for the board and the public this Spring semester. He reported attending the CSBA Conference with several Trustees and Board Member-elect, Kelly Clark, adding it was an opportunity for learning and team bonding.
Pictured left to right:  Trustee Chilton, Trustee Pritchett, Trustee Johnson, Trustee Nelson, Trustee Ganskie, Trustee Willoughby, Superintendent Frisella, Asst. Superintendent Thompson

NJUHSTA President, Eric Mayer recognized that the collaborative effort between the district and staff teams has improved trust and the working relationships. He raised concerns about adding a dean of students position without sufficient staff communication.  He shared that their holiday party was a success and acknowledged departing Trustees Ganskie and Nelson, with appreciation.

Superintendent Frisella reported a visit to Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL) to observe end of semester activities and discuss their upcoming charter renewal and a visit to Nevada Union High School with staff from an outside district that is interested in transitioning from a six-period to eight-period bell schedule and adopting a Flex period for intervention.  He welcomed Becky Browning as assistant principal of Nevada Union High School.  He shared that he is scheduled to visit Bear River High School with Trustee Chilton on 12/13 to connect with staff and gather feedback on current operations.  He reported that staff work continues on proposals to address budget challenges which will be prepared for the board and the public this Spring semester.  He reported attending the CSBA Conference with several Trustees and Board Member-elect, Kelly Clark, adding it was an opportunity for learning and team bonding.

Pictured left to right: Superintendent Frisella, Trustee Johnson, Trustee Klein, Trustee Clark, Trustee Chilton, Trustee Willoughby, Trustee Pritchett, Asst. Superintendent Thompson
Pictured left to right: Superintendent Frisella, Trustee Johnson, Trustee Klein, Trustee Clark, Trustee Chilton, Trustee Willoughby, Trustee Pritchett, Asst. Superintendent Thompson

The Board Reports

Trustee Shaun Chilton (Student Representative)

Trustee Chilton reported he had a positive experience at the CSBA conference and emphasized the value of being a second-year student board member and being able to refine his understanding of governance.  He noted he has a unique perspective as one of only a few returning student trustees and highlighted the inclusive and progressive practices of  NJUHSD in integrating student board members into meaningful roles. He contrasted his experience with other districts where student board members are marginalized, often treated as separate from the main board. He expressed pride in the NJUHSD leadership in this area, including creating a student board member handbook, which was unique among districts and well-received by others. Lastly, he mentioned plans for a site visit at Bear River High School, where he will spend time shadowing a student and attending a rally, with a report to follow next month.

President DuWaine Ganskie (Area 4)

President Ganskie did not provide a formal report.  

Vice President Wendy Willoughby (Area 2)

Trustee Willoughby reported on the value of attending the CSBA AEC conference and emphasized the importance of continuous education for decision-makers in education. She shared that it was an opportunity to learn, embrace change, and explore ideas for growth and improvement in their roles. She expressed plans to share insights from the conference with board members and district staff. Additionally, she noted the importance of building personal connections and fostering camaraderie, which strengthens collaboration during challenging decisions.  She expressed gratitude for the district’s support in providing this educational and bonding experience.

Clerk Olivia Pritchett (Area 1)

Trustee Pritchett shared that the CSBA AEC conference was both valuable and validating. She appreciated connecting with other board members to discuss shared struggles and successes and felt proud of our own board’s accomplishments, recognizing progress on challenges that others are still addressing.   She acknowledged that although the conference is busy and tiring in nature, the insights gained are invaluable.

Trustee Ken Johnson (Area 5)

Trustee Johnson did not provide a formal report. 

Trustee Geoffrey Nelson (Area 3)

Trustee Nelson did not provide a formal report.

Items of Interest/Action Taken

  • The Board accepted donations from a GECHS fundraiser, CASTO, Siemens Mobility, Inc., Drivers Ed Direct, LLC, Hansen Brothers, and Briar Patch Food CoOp. 
  • The TAs between NJUHSTA and NJUHSD were approved.
  • Sunshine Openers between CSEA and NJUHSD were approved.
  • The Board approved the First Interim Financial Statements
  • The following courses were approved:
    • Career Choices Dual Enrollment (13-0)
    • Career Choices Dual Enrollment 10th-12th grade (13-0)
    • Ag Career Choices Dual Enrollment (13-0)
    • Forestry/Natural Resources Pathway Internship (13-0)
    • Agriculture Business Pathway Internship (13-0)
    • Agriculture Mechanics Pathway Internship (13-0)
    • Animal Science Pathway Internship (13-0)
    • Horticulture Pathway Internship (13-0)
    • Senior Meditations (13-0)
    • Business Leadership I (11-0)
    • Business Leadership II (11-0)
    • AP Computer Science Principles (13-0)
    • Computer Science Discoveries (13-0)
    • Elementary Probability & Statistics (13-0)
    • Foundations in Personal Finance (12-0-1)