COEUR d'ALENE— The Idaho State Board of Education approved a number of items during its regularly scheduled meeting in Coeur d’Alene.
The Board voted unanimously to authorize Boise State University to proceed with a real estate transaction with the Boise School District. The Harris Ranch Land Swap, as it’s become known, will give BSU approximately 15 acres adjacent to its campus, which they plan to use as a track facility for the athletic department. The site is the current location for Boise East Junior High School, but originally was a track facility. The Boise School District receives in exchange, approximately 21 acres in the Barber Valley. The district intends to build a new East Junior High School on the land.
Athletic directors from each of Idaho’s 4 year institutions delivered their NCAA academic progress reports (APR) to the Board. Boise State University reports that they lead the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in four sports; football, men & women’s basketball and men’s tennis. Idaho State University was given a warning by the NCAA for failure to achieve a passing score in football. ISU Athletic Director Paul Bubb reported that in 2006, ISU men’s football did score a 950, which far exceeds the passing benchmark of 925, but the NCAA uses a four-year rolling average. The four-year rolling average for ISU football is 870. ISU Women’s track athletes registered a perfect 1000 score. The University of Idaho has an overall institution rate of 955, with 13 of the 16 teams well above the 925 minimum. Two of the three sports where Idaho fell short of NCAA benchmarks are men’s basketball and football. "The APR ratings for football and men’s basketball reflect the recent coaching changes we’ve had in those sports and the corresponding loss of retention points," University of Idaho director of athletics Rob Spear said.
"We have in place policies and procedures for all of our student-athletes to ensure we attain and maintain the NCAA APR standards."
Student insurance rates were also discussed and set for the 2007-08 Academic year. Boise State full time students could pay up to $1,302 per year. The Attorney General of Idaho is currently reviewing the awarded bid for compliance to State Board Policy. Idaho State University full time students will pay $930 per year. University of Idaho students will pay $1,388 per year. And full time students at Lewis Clark State College will pay $1,240 per year.
Idaho State University was granted an alcohol waiver for football pre-game activities. The Bengal Foundation holds a "tail-gate" on the grounds west of Holt Arena and wanted permission to offer alcohol through sponsor’s booths and displays. Permission was granted by the Board, given that all parties involved comply with State Board policy and obtain the local permits necessary.
Approval was also given to Idaho State University and the Associated Students of Idaho State University (ASISU) to proceed with design and construction of an addition to the Student Recreation Center at Reed Gymnasium. The plan, which was approved by ISU students, will add some 14,500 square feet to the existing facility. The expansion is set to add an elevated track, free weights room, machine weight room, a large cardio area and three multi-purpose rooms.
The Board also approved individual strategic plans for each of the agencies that fall under its prevue. Agencies, including the State Board of Education are required by the State to provide an annual strategic plan.
Board President Milford Terrell discussed with other Board members the next step in the trustee selection process for the College of Western Idaho. The Board voted through consent to select three board members to review the applicants and bring ten recommendations. The members chosen are Rod Lewis of Eagle, Tom Luna of Nampa and Milford Terrell of Boise.
No deadline was set for the trustee selections.
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