District considers property transfer, updates on student safety policies

Superintendent Matt Davidson commended the challenging work carried out by school district business managers across the state during the legislative process, including District #1 business manager Richard Parker.

At last week’s Big Horn County School District #1 board meeting, trustees recognized multiple student honors and staff members for their contributions across the district while also taking up a series of policy updates and a small property transaction.

Several resignations were announced, including Wendy Kuper, ELA teacher in Burlington; Tim Jones, cross country coach at Rocky Mountain High School and wrestling coach at Rocky Mountain Middle School; Kendall Moore, assistant middle school football coach; Sami Poulsen, high school special education teacher in Burlington; and Kylie Carson, Burlington ag education teacher and FFA advisor.

At Rocky Mountain Elementary, Stacy Moore was recognized for her leadership in promoting reading through the Accelerated Reader program, creating incentives and building enthusiasm among students.

 At Rocky Mountain High School, special education teacher Rancy Grohman was honored for his work supporting students and staff, particularly in challenging situations, and for his leadership within the Life Skills program.

At Burlington, Karen Henderson was recognized for her willingness to support both students and staff, her work maintaining technology, and her efforts to promote reading through enrichment groups and creative activities that encourage student participation.

The board also discussed transferring a small communications site near Frog Rock to the Deaver-Frannie Fire District #5. The proposal includes the sale of a 6-by-6-foot building and a 25-foot communication tower for $1, allowing the fire district to complete its lease transfer and continue use of the site. For more than 30 years, this site was an important part of the school district’s computer and communications network, dating back to when there were still school facilities in Byron, Deaver, and Frannie.

In policy discussions, trustees reviewed updates to several district policies. Changes to the tobacco policy clarify that all district properties, vehicles, and school-sponsored events remain free of tobacco, vaping devices and nicotine products.

The district’s bullying policy has been amended to more clearly include off-campus and social media behavior. The policy defines bullying as intentional actions, whether physical, verbal, written, or electronic, that harm a student, damage property, or create a threatening or disruptive school environment.

The update emphasizes that bullying is not limited to school grounds. The district may respond to off-campus or online conduct, including social media, if it involves threats, serious harassment, or significantly disrupts the school environment or a student’s ability to learn and feel safe.

A draft update to support staff assignment and transfer procedures was also discussed, reaffirming that the superintendent, in consultation with principals, will oversee assignments and recommend transfers for board approval.

One thing that was clear from the meeting was ongoing apprehension about how the district will proceed as details of the Wyoming Legislature’s new recalibration formula continue to emerge.

In comments sent following the meeting, Superintendent Matt Davidson said:

“I would like to start my comments with a shout-out to our district business managers across the state. They have been wading through the financial trenches trying to understand the intended and unintended consequences of the recalibration law. They certainly deserve some kudos for their efforts.

“The new funding model has not been officially released to districts yet, so we are still operating on preliminary figures. There is a meeting on March 31 that should provide answers to questions and final budget numbers.

“Teachers will receive a well-deserved salary increase which was provided by this new funding model. However, there was no funding provided for other staff to receive salary increases, so we are trying to identify an avenue to take care of those staff members as well.

“In my opinion, this instructional silo that has been created through this law will have the longest lasting impact on districts. It will be much more difficult to address operational costs and keep all employees compensated in an equitable manner.”

District leaders said they will continue refining budget, staffing, and curriculum decisions as the state works to finalize the funding model for each school district.