Lovell School District is prepared to act when the town decides the fate of the swimming pool

The Lovell School Board met January 12 at the district boardroom, with Chair Stacy Bair calling the meeting to order at 7 p.m. All board members were present, along with Superintendent William Hiser and district administrators. There were no public comments. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the December meeting and payment of bills.

During recognitions, Olivia Rael was named Lovell Middle School Student of the Month, and Sadie Ennis was recognized as Lovell High School Student of the Month. The board’s monthly focus centered on Special Education, with Director Elisha Summers reporting that 9.8 percent of district students currently receive special education services. Summers outlined ongoing professional development efforts, including a staff book study and implementation of improved practices, as well as approval of a related service contract for a speech-language pathologist who specializes in alternative communication methods.

The school board accepted the resignations of Nicc Crosby as freshman boys basketball coach, Riley Mickelson as a teacher at LES, Madison Hecker as a paraprofessional at LES, effective when she begins maternity leave, Karen Wardell as special education teacher at LHS and Tiffany Anderson as the eighth-grade volleyball coach. 

Two new hirings were announced, with Jacob Lohof joining as a high school boys assistant basketball coach and Kristin Lloyd as the business manager secretary.

Financial and program reports highlighted several district initiatives. Business Manager Lane Black-Partridge provided an update on Bulldog Nation, the district’s new athletic sponsorship program, which has secured 12 sponsors totaling $9,000. Sponsorship banners are scheduled to be installed prior to the first home basketball game on January 22. Board Vice-Chair Kyle Leithead also reviewed governance policy related to superintendent evaluation, reporting full compliance.

Student Council representative Charlotte Bair shared a wide-ranging report on recent activities, including FFA events, community service projects and strong athletic performances. Lovell’s wrestling team captured first place at the Thermopolis Invitational, and the boys and girls basketball teams both earned wins over Rocky Mountain. Cheer and dance teams are preparing for State Spirit this week, with cheer pursuing a fourth consecutive state title. Administrators also reported on professional development, facilities upgrades and nutrition program improvements.

Swimming pool

Maintenance Director Kyle Fluty outlined steps the district has taken to be ready once the Town of Lovell decides how to proceed with the swimming pool facility. District officials noted that state school funding cannot be used to repair the pool or update its equipment. If the town is unable to secure funding, the district is prepared to seek state approval for demolition. 

Fluty said the district owns the land surrounding the pool and that it could be transferred back if needed, stressing that no decisions have been made and the work is strictly preparatory. He emphasized that any discussion of future uses for the space or building would be premature at this time.

The board approved multiple policy updates, many tied to compliance and nondiscrimination requirements, along with security changes involving building access fobs. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m., with the next regular board meeting scheduled for February 9.