Lovell school board discusses uncertain state funding outlook

Long time educators Karen Wardell and Gwen Walker retire

The Lovell school board covered everything from preschool growth and reading achievement to budget uncertainty and new state policy requirements during its regular meeting Monday night.

The board also approved several new hires and heard an emotional farewell from Lovell Elementary Principal Chris Jensen, who reflected on his time working in the district and thanked staff, students and the community.

Among personnel actions approved by the board were the hiring of Aimee Crosby as middle school English language arts teacher, Ali McAuliffe as an elementary teacher, Chelsea Craw as a food service worker and Kristin Warner as eighth-grade volleyball coach.

The meeting began with recognition of Lovell Middle School student James Sanders and Lovell High School student Kandace Asay as students of the month. Sanders was praised by staff and peers alike for his kindness, dependability and work ethic, while Asay was recognized for balancing academics, athletics and activities with a consistently positive attitude.

Two longtime employees were honored upon retirement by Superintendent William Hiser: special education teacher Karen Wardell and longtime library paraeducator Gwen Walker.

Hiser praised Wardell for nearly 30 years of service to students, staff and families “with compassion, patience and unwavering commitment.

“She has been a steady and trusted presence, always willing to listen, lend a helping hand and advocate for what was best for students,” the tribute read.

Hiser also praised Wardell’s “quiet strength, positive attitude and genuine concern for others,” saying her dedication had “touched countless lives” and helped shape a positive school culture.

Walker, who served 33 years in the district, was described as “truly the heart of our school library and a blessing to our entire school community.

“With the patience of an angel, a warm and gentle smile and an unwavering willingness to help in any way she could, Gwen made every student and staff member feel welcomed and supported,” the tribute stated.

Hiser also praised Walker’s “kindness, compassion and quiet humility,” adding, “Our school is better because of her, and it is hard to imagine this place without the joy she brought every day.”

Business Manager Lane Black-Partridge reported to the board on several district matters, including progress on state-required audits, mental health grant funding and the uncertainty surrounding Wyoming’s ongoing school funding recalibration process.

Black-Partridge described the state funding situation as “unusually uncertain.” She said the recalibration process remains ongoing through summer and still includes unresolved discussions involving K-12 funding, mental health, school nutrition, technology, safety and security and potential judicial decisions tied to recent legislative changes.

Black-Partridge also discussed the confusing and sometimes conflicting guidance districts are receiving from the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office.

“The AG’s office put out some guidance, and now they’re going back to the AG’s office because that guidance went totally against what the law was intended for,” she said.

“I’ve been here this long, and I don’t even have a clue,” Black-Partridge added while discussing the continuing recalibration process and changing state guidance.

Much of the evening focused on reports from administrators, particularly an extensive presentation from Lovell Elementary School.

Preschool instructor Jennifer Franks shared updates on the district’s preschool program, which was created three years ago after Head Start services ended locally. She said the preschool currently serves 30 students and already has 24 students enrolled for next year.

She highlighted partnerships with kindergarten teachers, the public library, local daycares and community organizations while discussing efforts to strengthen both academic readiness and social-emotional learning for young students.

Elementary Principal Chris Jensen later praised the preschool program and its leadership.

“When you listen to Jen talk about the preschool, you know you’ve got the right person,” Jensen said. “She’s done a phenomenal job.”

Jensen also shared extensive data on reading growth and student achievement at the elementary school, pointing to gains in both FastBridge and IRLA reading assessments. He credited teachers and staff for tightening instruction and focusing closely on student learning targets.

One statistic he highlighted showed the percentage of students reading at grade level on the IRLA assessment rising from 28% two years ago to 73% this year.

“These are just great things,” Jensen said. “It speaks to the efforts the teachers are putting in.”

Toward the end of his report, Jensen became emotional while speaking about leaving the district.

“I’ve loved working here,” he told the board.

He went on to praise the district’s staff members across all departments.

“The admin team, the teachers in my building, the paras, the folks in the kitchen, the custodians — I’ve never been more proud to lead a group of individuals,” Jensen said.

He also praised the work ethic of district employees.

“They’re not scared of doing hard things,” he said. “And I think a lot of the results that you saw show that. I’ll have friends that I keep forever.” 

The board also heard a report from Lovell High School Student Body President Charlotte Bair, who will graduate next week.  She summarized recent student activities including prom, senior trips, teacher appreciation efforts and graduation preparations.

Bair said students appreciated the efforts made by district staff and the school board.

“It’s just a good community,” she said. “I think you guys have done a lot.”

Maintenance Director Kyle Fluty updated the board on several summer projects, including gym HVAC upgrades, generator work at the elementary school, repainting and refinishing gym floors, playground improvements and ongoing planning for parking lot work.

The board also approved several policy updates tied to new Wyoming laws regarding student attendance, athletics, extracurricular participation, electronic devices, data privacy and medication administration.

In financial matters, trustees approved a preliminary 2026-27 district budget, though administrators stressed that many state funding figures remain uncertain and subject to change later this summer.