West Bonner County District board approves executive assistant position amid funding concerns

The West Bonner County District board approved creating an Executive Assistant to District Leadership at a special meeting on Aug. 3, 2026. The motion, made by Trustee Kathy Nash and seconded by Trustee Robert Bauer, passed with four yeas; Trustee Margaret Hall abstained, citing a conflict. Trustees said the role will support the superintendent and district office responsibilities, including HR, payroll and facilities.

Board discussion focused on hours, benefits and funding. Trustees debated whether the position should be three-quarters time with benefits or a smaller, 20-hour role without benefits; they also said the funds for the position were not newly identified but will be reallocated from existing budgets. Trustees noted the new HB426 requirements for the homeschooling network and said the position would help implement related updates. The board requested a December update on the position and added that if it does not prove beneficial within a year the position should be eliminated.