New superintendent to take helm officially July 1
By Eric Valentine
Photo credit: Donovan Group
And then there was one: Jim Foudy.
Blaine County school board trustees believe it is the man who spearheaded successes in another Idaho mountain resort area that can heal any divisions left festering by fallout over its former superintendent and put together a strategy for bringing the local school district to the proverbial “next level” of student achievement.
“I applied because I know I can help return focus to the students and the phenomenal staff at BCSD,” Foudy told Wood River Weekly after learning about his successful job-seeking bid. “Frankly, it was difficult for me to watch such an incredible school district go through the challenges you have faced in the past several years.”
Each of the school board trustees at some point over the interviewing process remarked about Foudy’s interpersonal, open, and friendly style. While personality is always important in selecting someone for a leadership role like superintendent, trustees were especially hard-pressed to find the right fit. Much of the parent and teacher collective gripe about former superintendent GwenCarol Holmes was style based. Parents and teachers claimed her tenure was not only marked by opaque processes but by retribution to anyone who didn’t follow along, triggering a series of lawsuits against Holmes which the district had to settle or defend.
“I, for one, am laser focused on the finances of this district,” said Trustee Dan Turner. “Jim Foudy has proven expertise in school district budgeting and fiscal policy. Furthermore, I believe he will be a leader who will make a real difference in our community. He is passionately committed to a system where no one is marginalized. He understands that his work takes persistence, empathy and determination. He hasn’t just talked the talk—he has walked the walk.”
The Idaho State Department of Education ranks Foudy’s current McCall-Donnelly School District as a “Top Performer” and “Goal Maker” district. Top Performer means they rank in the 90th percentile or above on core indicators and/or “Goal Makers” when meeting the annual interim progress measure toward the state’s long-term goal in key indicators. There is no such indication for BCSD on the state’s website.
Since 2015, Foudy has served as superintendent of the McCall-Donnelly School District. He began his career with the Boise School District in 1996 as an elementary teacher. In 2003, he became an elementary principal for Donnelly and McCall elementary schools. Foudy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Boise State University, a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Idaho and an Education Specialist, Education Leadership degree from the University of Idaho.
Although McCall and the Wood River Valley have resort-town atmospheres in common, the two districts have significant differences when it comes to student population. BCSD serves roughly 2,000 more students than McCall-Donnelly. BCSD is less than 54% white, McCall-Donnelly is more than 87% white.
“I need to gain a deep understanding of the district and community. This happens over time through conversations and relationships,” Foudy told Wood River Weekly. “There is also an analysis that I will be engaging in, looking at student achievement data, financial records, survey feedback, strategic plan efforts, etc. I’m also learning about the equity task force and hoping to start learning with that team soon.”
While the contract officially starts July 1, Foudy says he has already started diving in.
“It’s a mindset of curiosity, without judgment,” Foudy explained.
Foudy and his wife and kids have not decided yet in which part of the Valley they’ll choose to reside.
“We need to sell our house and then look at options. We’re at the mercy of the market,” Foudy said. “Ideally, it would be ‘centrally located’ so we’re not commuting a ton. We have two children that will be going into fourth and sixth grades.”
