Christy Zito — A brief exchange in which Senator Zito/Ziddo is addressed by name, with the speaker acknowledging her and making a light remark about clapping for him/her, indicating a single continuous interaction.
Carrie Semmelroth — Seconded the motion to approve the minutes.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Semmelroth thanked Mr. Chairman and Mr. Johnson, congratulated Mr. Johnson on being Teacher of the Year, and continued the discussion by asking about mentoring new teachers and how to better support them.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Dave Lent is repeatedly addressed as Mr. Chair/Chairman during the close of questions, and the sequence concludes with the meeting being adjourned by the chair.
Christy Zito — Moved approval of the minutes.
Christy Zito — Senator Zito speaks briefly, apparently indicating she forgot to get something off the record or agenda.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Janie Ward-Engelking first asks about the absence of a student in the final group and thanks the sponsor for identifying a possible issue; the question is then answered. Later in the meeting, she asks for a motion and moves to send RS 32-84-8-C-1 for a print hearing, and the chair notes that she made the motion.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking thanked Mr. Johnson and then raised a continuing question about the public perception of teachers, noting that negative news coverage over the past decade has affected how teachers feel about their profession and asking how to improve respect and a better overall feeling for the teaching profession.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking thanked the superintendent and asked whether the high school testing list was complete, and her question then served as the basis for a follow-up response from Senator Summeroff.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols participates in the procedural handling of Senate Bill 1225 by moving to send it to the amending order and then seconding the motion; the chair subsequently notes that she was the second on the motion.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols congratulated Mr. Johnson, thanked him for being present, and praised his message about connection and relationships. She then followed up by asking what he plans to do with his 2026 Teacher of the Year title.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook seconds the motion.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook thanks the speaker for the presentation and asks follow-up questions about student-teacher connections, specifically whether larger schools make it harder to maintain those relationships and how that concern can be addressed. The discussion is framed as a serious issue and remains focused on preserving meaningful connections between students and teachers.
Kevin Cook — Kevin Cook briefly comments on the upcoming meeting tomorrow and the rules agenda, suggesting that if any items are contentious, they should be set aside and discussed offline before deciding how to proceed.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Cindy Carlson is introduced as the presenter and then opens her remarks on the bill, explaining that it is a print hearing request to rename Lewis-Clark State College to Lewis-Clark State University.
Mr. Belknap — The speaker recalls Mr. Belknap as a caring and memorable teacher who noticed his T-shirt, talked with him about The Who, and even promised to make him a mixtape. The speaker says Belknap’s lessons and kindness stood out, and that a short conversation with him ultimately inspired the speaker to become a teacher.
Mr. Robert Hale — Described as a colleague and FFA teacher at Rigby High School.
Lex Godfrey — Mentioned as part of the team teaching FFA with Mr. Robert Hale.
Lex Godfrey — Identified as being in the room with Rigby FFA and as someone connected to Mr. Johnson's slide/hero reference.
Mr. Brian Lords — Identified as part of the speaker's best administration team at Rigby High School.
Tammy Austin Miller — Described as a 27-year teacher veteran, principal, and mentor.
Mama Kim Keller — Mama Kim Keller is described as the secretary of the counseling office who knows all 2,000 students and supports them through both difficult and happy moments.
Kerry Thomas — Identified as the speaker's brother and tag-team partner in teaching/work.
Macy Boyd Smith — Described as a former student now teaching at American Heritage Charter School who arranged a triple simulcast.
Alexander Zepruder — Identified as a Holocaust educator involved in the simulcast and author/editor of Salvage Pages.
Madison Rigby — Mentioned as part of a conversation or connection facilitated by Macy's work.
Cyrus — The speaker introduces Cyrus, a former student, and begins a supportive anecdote about him. Cyrus is described as a challenging student, but one the speaker felt was worth helping. The speaker then recounts that when Cyrus came into the classroom as a freshman and asked, 'Am I useless?' he was reassured rather than dismissed.
Mr. Carey Thomas — Mentioned as a colleague teaching Holocaust education sections with the speaker.
James Woodward — Not mentioned in this section.
James Woodward — Responded to Senator Cook about class size and the importance of connecting with every student.
James Woodward — Continued discussing the importance of relationships and concerns about students falling through the cracks.
James Woodward — Was congratulated on Teacher of the Year and asked about mentoring new teachers.
James Woodward — Answered that new teachers need nourishment and support early in their careers.
James Woodward — Was thanked and congratulated by Senator Nichols.
James Woodward — Responded that he plans to continue professional development and outreach.
James Woodward — Was thanked for his passion and care for students.
James Woodward — Answered that the focus must remain on kids despite hurtful news and public criticism.
Mr. Johnson — Mr. Johnson is warmly thanked and praised for making a difference, with additional remarks that he brings energy and positivity to the committee and would be welcome for regular pep talks.
Mr. Johnson — Referenced as having spoken earlier about student success and options.