No decision on concealed carry policy in District One

At the regular school board meeting of Big Horn County School District No. 1 on Thursday, Aug. 14, held at Burlington High School, no decision was reached concerning the concealed carry policy.

Superintendent Matt Davidson informed the board that the policy was still out for public input. There was a great deal of discussion with Chairman Joseph Bassett commenting that there seems to be a variety of opinions about the intent, purpose and implementation of the new law. AJ Rasmussen-Dickson noted, “We need to educate and inform but let people govern themselves.”  Bassett added that the board should “not be in a hurry to get it (the policy) out there.”

Davidson clarified that, when the public comment period is over, all input will go to the policy committee for review, and the proposed policy will then come back before the board, most likely in October.

An agreement with Open Ed, the online school that works with homeschool families, has not yet been reached. The board agreed that they were still interested in forming a partnership with the company. Davidson said that financial director Richard Parker, special education director Wes Townsend and himself have been meeting with the company working toward a contractual agreement. He also reminded everyone that the district would be responsible for all students on an IEP that sign up for the Open Ed curriculum.

When asked his opinion, Parker said he believes it will be advantageous to the district. He reminded the board that the initial expenses would come from district money until reimbursement could be received from the state.  He also suggested that a limit needed to be placed on the number of students accepted into the program in order to guarantee a quality experience for both students and the district. Davidson requested that the board give him authority to negotiate a contract with Open Ed. The board unanimously agreed to give Davidson that authority.

Earlier in the day, Davidson had conducted a district-wide back-to-school meeting with all staff at the Rocky Mountain Elementary building. During that meeting the teacher and staff member of the year were announced, and a nationally known speaker, Steve Gilliland, gave a presentation (see related story). Both were received with great enthusiasm Davidson reported.

The teacher of the year is Patricia Casey. Casey is the family and consumer science and art teacher at Burlington Middle/High School. She is also the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) advisor. She has taught in the district for six years.

Brandon May was recognized as staff member of the year. Brandon is the maintenance director for the district. He has been a member of the staff for 19 years. His dedication and work ethic are seen all over the district as people comment on the excellent condition of the grounds and buildings.

The relatively short meeting ended with hiring Rachel Whipple as the life skills teacher at Rocky Mountain High School and Sherri Schenevar as an assistant cook for the Burlington Schools. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.