Big Horn School District No. 2 moving forward with service dog program

Big Horn County School District No. 2 held their monthly board meeting on Monday, May 13, to discuss the schools’ needs.

One of the main focuses was the possibility of the school district obtaining a service dog that would be utilized throughout the schools.

Superintendent Doug Hazen spoke on how a service dog for the schools could help students with anxiety in a variety of situations and other ways it could create a positive impact.

“This idea came from attending a conference and seeing ways that other districts were using dogs in their schools,” Hazen said. “Having a well-trained, certified dog can really have some big advantages for students to cope with anxiety or other emotional struggles, which could lead to their greater success in academics.”

Local dog training expert Wes Mangus of K9 Elite presented some statistics and facts about the practicality and usefulness of a canine companion in various scenarios.

Mangus highlighted ways in which he felt the school would benefit from having a dog in the buildings.

“A service dog is a tool to make everyday life better,” Mangus said. “How that scenario looks is different from person to person, and it’s not the case for everyone, but dogs generally make kids happier.”

Mangus gave a brief overview of the implementation process and details regarding specific training, handler training, costs and characteristics of different breeds while answering questions from board members.

Later in the meeting, the members of the board approved a motion to direct Superintendent Hazen to proceed with the student support dog program.

RECOGNITIONS

The following students were recognized as Students of the Month in the district: Rebekah Hendershot, Lovell High School; Maecie Joy, Career & Technical Education; Petra Jerome, Lovell Middle School.

Elana Schilthuis received the First Lady/Governor’s Choice Award for her art project, and Lacee Davila was presented with the Friend of the School honor.

Linda Hitz and Marlene Schmidt were both recognized for their service to the district as they have chosen to retire after their many years.

Hitz was employed by the school for 28 years and drove bus for almost every child in the district over her tenure and was also known for her cartwheels down the aisles.

Hitz summarized her career by saying, “Many have riden, and none have died... you’re welcome!”

Schmidt served for 31 years in food service for the district and stated that, “Serving students was a work of heart.”

UPDATES

High school principal Craig Lundberg reported that the upcoming credit recovery program had lower than usual numbers for students needing to make up courses, predicted graduation to flow smoothly and informed the board that this year’s yearbook staff noticed some flaws with printing so yearbooks are being reprinted and their distribution will be delayed.

Hazen gave a brief announcement that this year’s WY-TOPP testing scores are unofficially encouraging that overall looked good with some areas of improvement needed and continued about the consolidated grant meeting and vertical alignment work.

Middle school principal William Hiser discussed the increase in enrollment numbers, STEM activities and the upcoming eighth grade promotion.

Hiser provided clarification to the board about the lack of a summer school program at the middle school and offered reasoning for the decision.

“We haven’t had the staff to work it the last three years,” Hiser stated. “There’s a philosophical debate out there of the effectiveness that we had at the beginning of August right before school starts, but the majority of the student growth is throughout the school year, not in those two weeks.”

During the summer, there are currently more than 260 people signed up for the weekly meal kits and another 30 for in-person meals provided by the district.

Lovell Recreation District and BOCES gave reports on their activities that have been completed and the busy schedule they will have during the summer.

BOCES also recognized the four $500 scholarships they awarded to Summer Teter, Paige Thomas, Carson Asay and Kreed Jolley to attend Northwest College.

BUSINESS

All old business was unanimously passed on policies CBI, CCB, CFA and approval of the new Lovell High School language arts curriculum. 

As far as new business, the following policies were all approved: CFB, CH, CHA.

Policy KB was discussed in more detail on first reading, referring to the parent’s rights in education.

Wyoming will soon see a new law that mandates educators in the state to obtain parental consent to teach classes on gender identity and sexual orientation. 

It also requires teachers to notify parents of changes in their students’ physical, mental or emotional health.

School board member Bruce Jolley voted against the school district having to approve this piece of legislation he said was being forced on local schools.

“I 100% believe that parents should be involved and know what’s going on with our students in our district,” Jolley stated. “I totally respect parent involvement and communication. However, I don’t think state government should mandate policy that regulates this, and I believe it should be done at a local level -- local control with local officials in conjunction with parents guiding these policies.”

The preliminary budget for 2024 was approved along with the district calendar for 2025-26. In that school year, the schools will have a “true spring break” with nine days off of school during that time and school being held from August 20 through May 29.

The Lovell Middle School mascot will no longer be the mustangs as the board voted to switch to the bulldogs to coincide with the high school.

The board approved the bid from Midway Construction for the LHS track resurfacing project, Computer Professionals Unlimited for the desktop computer replacement project and Home Technology Solutions for the audio/visual replacement project.

EMPLOYMENT

The following resignations were accepted: Joey Bassett, LMS head wrestling coach; Mallory DeWitt, speech pathologist and head eighth grade volleyball coach; Nick DeWitt, LHS activities director and PE teacher; Steven Durtsche, LHS assistant football coach; Skye Mickelson, LES custodian; Mandi Spanier, special education paraprofessional; Chris Edwards, LMS head track coach; Chauna Bischoff, LES music teacher; and Christy Bischoff, LES preschool paraprofessional.

Elisha Summers was selected and approved as special eduation director and consolidated grants manager while Riley Dodd and Shayla Mayes were hired as LES teachers for next year.

Kirra Anderson also was approved for a position in food services.

The meeting came to a close at 9:12 p.m. and the June board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 10, at 7 p.m.