The Professional Standards Commission on Thursday approved disciplinary actions for four educators in Idaho.

The commission enforces the state’s code of ethics and has the authority to approve, suspend and revoke teaching and administrative certificates in Idaho.

Letters of Reprimand

Nicole L. Applewhite, RISE Charter School

Ethics Violations: Inappropriate physical contact with a student

Disciplinary Actions: Letter of reprimand, courses on boundaries and ethics

According to a stipulation agreement that Applewhite signed, in April 2025 she made inappropriate physical contact with a student on school grounds. This included, but was not limited to, slapping or touching a student’s buttocks. She also yelled loudly at a student in a disrespectful and unprofessional manner. According to April 2025 minutes from the RISE Charter School board, Applewhite resigned.

Jeff W. Blaser, former superintendent of Bruneau-Grand View Joint School District

Ethics Violations: Breached confidentiality of student records

Disciplinary Actions: Letter of reprimand

According to a stipulation agreement that Blaser signed, he released educational records to law enforcement during an investigation, at the request of law enforcement. Blaser may have had “good and legitimate intentions,” but there was no basis to provide the records, such as a subpoena or emergency. Blaser resigned in the middle of the school year.

Lisa L. Morales, Idaho Stem Academy (Bingham Academy)

Ethics Violations: Inappropriate interactions with coworkers and students

Disciplinary Actions: Letter of reprimand, courses on boundaries and confidentiality

According to an administrative complaint, Morales in October 2023 texted a suggestive and inappropriate picture to a colleague and, around the same time, pulled up her shirt to reveal her bra in front of the colleague. In May 2025, she attended a school event where students threw pies at teachers and asked at least three students to kiss her. In May 2025, she revealed confidential information to a colleague.

Suspension of certification

William F. Lower, Rockland School District

Ethics Violations: Inappropriate interactions with female high school student

Disciplinary Actions: Suspended certification until Lower completes courses on boundaries and ethics

According to a stipulation agreement Lower signed, he had inappropriate interactions with a female high school student. The agreement says he accessed the student’s locker, shared overly personal comments with the student and called her “sweetie,” “dear” and “sweetheart.”