By Karla Pomeroy
Editor
Jay Richard honored with Bell Ringer award
Washakie County School Dist. 1 Board grants increase to base salary
Share
Tweet
Karla Pomeroy
Jay Richard is congratulated by Worland Superintendent David Nicholas after winning the Bill Ringer award Monday. Trustee Dean Dupree is at center.
WORLAND - Pumpkin grower and set designer Jay Richard was honored by the Washakie County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees with their annual Bell Ringer Award.
Chairman Don Bryant, in presenting the award Monday night at the trustees regular meeting, said, "The Bell Ringer is an award we give out each year to someone in the district who we feel is remarkable, does things behind the scenes, does things for the district."
He said Richard is "so positive for the district. He never misses activities, is always there to promote Worland, to promote anything he can."
Bryant added that Richard has been involved in after-school activities, a huge supporter of extra-curricular activities and has spent numerous hours working on sets for drama and musical productions.
Bryant noted that the board asked Richard to come to the meeting on the pretense of doing a presentation on his giant pumpkins.
Richard said, "That's pretty darn cool. I'm very humbled. It's an honor to serve the community the way I do. I take it seriously. I enjoy it. We have a great community. I appreciate everything you as a board have done for myself and my kids."
The board handled a number of personnel items at Monday's meeting as well.
Resignations for retirement were accepted for elementary teacher Lorraine Loschen, Worland High School math teacher Duane Riedel and Worland High School housekeeper Ruth Dye. Other resignations accepted were elementary teacher Loranna Michaels and Worland Middle School counselor Jennifer Berdahl.
Three certified staff members were hired at the board meeting - Ashley Weaver, West Side elementary teacher; Vanessa Woffinden, WMS math; and Julie Atkinson, sixth grade special education instructor. Aaron Newell was hired as the new transportation supervisor, replacing Brad Feather who also retired at the end of the school year.
The board also approved a salary and benefit package for the upcoming fiscal year with $500 added to the base salary for certified staff and honoring steps and lanes on salary schedules. Stipends for coaches also increased, tied to a percentage of the new base as approved by the board.
The board hired new high school assistant coaches - Brenna Abell, cross-country; Jonah Baker, girls basketball and Jes Baker, cheerleading.
