Board and LEA agree to include new union‑activity language in negotiated agreement pending attorney review of Idaho statute

Trustees, LEA representatives and district staff reviewed a multi-page working draft intended to align the negotiated agreement with the new statutory framework for association activity under Idaho law.

The draft—prepared with outside counsel and reviewed in discussion with the district attorney team according to meeting remarks—covers permitted association activities, association leave, facility use, requirements for documentation and the mechanics for flex or compensatory time when association work occurs during contract hours.

LEA representatives said the draft reflects negotiated protections and clarifies longstanding practice; staff said the statute is vague in places and the district sought consistent statewide language to minimize legal exposure. Trustees asked that district counsel review the draft promptly; the board agreed to insert the language into the negotiated agreement for this year contingent on the attorney’s approval and to then develop a public policy and administrative procedures for implementation and transparency.

Specific operational issues were discussed: how association leave would be requested and paid (22 days of leave were referenced), how flex time and any paid substitute costs would be documented, and who would track compensatory time in payroll. Payroll and HR staff agreed to take primary responsibility for tracking and recordkeeping once procedures are finalized.

Trustees asked that the resulting policy be published where coaches, staff and the public can find it and that the negotiated agreement later cross-reference the public policy.

The board directed staff to send the draft to district legal counsel for review; trustees agreed that, if counsel signs off, the language will be placed in the negotiated agreement for this cycle and staff will continue work to create the referenced policy and administrative procedures.