'Communication issues' discussed at WCSD2 board meeting

Visitor input during the March 11 Washakie County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees meeting was dominated by an issue of communication between school officials and community members.

First to speak was CJ Grimes, who said, "I met with [Principal Robert] Griffin last week to discuss a transportation issue, and I just got this kind of impression that there's maybe some communication problems, maybe he's spread a little thin because there's a lot going on... is there a span and control issue is the next question in my mind, and if so, it should probably be worked out on an organizational level, communicated through a clear and open chain of command with facts strongly encouraged."

He continued, "My recommendation to the board is to work together with the superintendent and principal to come up with an organizational strategy that addresses small issues when they happen so that they don't escalate or continue and apply a lessons-learned approach so the same mistakes aren't being repeated. I see the current trend as downward."

Following Grimes, Sarah Ackerman also spoke. She said, "I'm saddened at the way our community has been behaving. I'm really saddened at the way they are attacking coaches, teachers, administrators ... I've been in education for 31 years, I've been a victim of it. Because of a rumor I had to go to the school board and tell them that I am not a stripper."

She continued, "This needs to stop, we are better than this. I love this school, I love this town, and I love the people in it, and attacking each other like a bunch of chickens is sickening."

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Superintendent Annie Griffin once again provided an update on the construction progress of the new Ten Sleep School. She said, "Arete presented some ideas for the ceiling in the heart space. I am requesting pricing to help in determining which to go with and hoping to meet with them Monday about this. The additional cost will come from the contingency money which is built into the project."

She said the furniture pre bid meeting has taken place and there seem to be several businesses interested. They are also about to go out to bid for the servers and routers for the new building.

Griffin added that a majority of the rooms on the first floor had been drywalled and that significant progress is being made on the gymnasium. She revealed that she recently found out a scoreboard for the football field would be included in the bid for the school, and that she will work with Arete construction to make decisions on a crow's nest, restrooms and a concessions area at the new field.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business at Monday's meeting:

Ten Sleep School senior Jacob Holiday was announced as valedictorian of the class of 2024. Senior Isabelle Fox was announced as salutatorian.

Ten Sleep School Counselor Chawna Weichmann announced four new members to the Ten Sleep chapter of National Honor Society - juniors Grace Gertsch and Kiyoshi Smith and seniors Jacob Holiday and Isabelle Fox.

After an evaluation during executive session, the contract for Principal Robert Griffin was approved for a two-year renewal.

POLICY

The following policies were approved on second reading:

Policy 6.11, Drug Testing – outlines the process for drug testing students that participate in activities.

Policy 5.41, At Risk Students – updating language.

The following policy was approved on first reading:

Policy 6.02, Parties and Dances – requirements for attending school parties and dances.