During the March 14 meeting of the Hot Springs School District No. 1 Board of Trustees, a celebration was held to recognize educators whose classes achieved top 10 scores in Wyoming in either the ACT or Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress tests taken this school year.

Eleven teachers were credited with making the top 10, and some more were recognized for finishing in first place in their teaching categories. Ryan Roybal and London Jenks’ classes both earned first place in science, and the math team of Darren Elder, Janelle Snedigar and Forrest Christensen earned first place in math.

Superintendent Dustin Hunt said, “They’re definitely putting in a crazy amount of effort on behalf of our students, and not just as superintendent but as a dad for a child in the building, I really do appreciate the work you do.”

MUSIC STAFF

UPDATE

Hunt provided a brief update on the absence of a music teacher in his district. According to him, finding music educators is an issue nationwide. He said, “There are very few music majors coming out of college, especially in the West. We have some candidates, and we are offering a sizeable signing bonus. We are doing basically everything we can to fill that position, but we are in competition.”

STAFFING

The following staffing recommendations were approved:

Cassie Hetzel, Special Services Director for the 2024-2025 school year.

Mike Fisher, mechanic.

Chalice Weichman, special education paraprofessional.

Buddy Rangel, cook.

Michael Kelley, custodian.

Thrisha Myers, cook.

Lisha Xiahou, daycare support staff.

The following resignations were approved:

Caleb Robertson, high school social studies teacher.

Taylor Dulaney, special education teacher.

Jessica Flores, special education teacher.

TRANSFERS

The following transfers were approved:

Grace Martin from library paraeducator to high school librarian.

Jeni Schrawyer from district day care to Ralph Witters Elementary as part-time secretary.

BUILDING REPORT

Vice Chairperson Nichole Weyer provided an update on upcoming building projects in the district.

She said that due to $1,500 monthly cost to heat the greenhouse on the high school campus, it will be taken down for the time being.

The commons area of Thermopolis Middle School will have the carpet removed from the floor and replaced with vinyl planks. The project will cost $60,000

The district intends to start a project to redo the roofing on the high school, but is still waiting on legislative funding.

Thermopolis High School will be getting all new lighting, another $60,000 project.

Weyer said that the project to construct wheelchair accessible seating at the high school football stadium had been downsized due to cost. The new plan for the project will provide seating for two occupants and will cost $24,000.

Over spring break, the district will hire a contractor to reseal the high school parking lot. The project will cost $100,000.

Weyer also spoke about the issue of student wages for those students working on the construction of teacherages. Currently, students are making only $7.25 an hour for their labor. She said that she was working on finding a way to increase their wages.

All four teacherage units were announced to be ready by Aug. 1.

POLICY

The following policy revisions were approved on second and final reading:

Policy EDC-R, Student Sign out of Retired Computers – Changed wording.

Policy GDBD, Support Staff Fringe Benefits – Changed semester credits eligible for reimbursement from six to 12, and the rate from $100 per credit to $150.

Policy GCBD, Professional Staff Fringe Benefits – Changed semester credits eligible for reimbursement from six to 12, and the rate from $100 per credit to $150.

Policy EEAEA-R, Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing (Bus Driver Requirements, Training and Responsibilities) – added requirements to check drivers’ files at the CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to align with federal statute.

Policy EEAE-R, Bus Safety Program – Changed wording.

Policy EEAE, Bus Safety Program – Changed vehicle inspection schedule from biannually to annually.

Policy EEA, Student Transportation – Changed wording.

Policy ECA, Security – changed mention of “custodial supervisor” and “technology department” to “facilities director,” added a fee for lost keys.

Agreement for students self-managing their diabetes – Contract for diabetic students, signifies that they are responsible for managing their diabetes.

The following policy revision was approved on first reading:

Policy IHBG, Home Schooling – Removed the sentence, “Any instructional program provided to more than one family unit does not constitute a home-based educational program.”

TABLED

The following policy was discussed and pushed back for further amendment:

Policy EEAEA, Bus Driver Requirements, Training and Responsibilities.