District One hosting nationally known speaker

A brief board meeting was held Thursday, Aug. 8, in Burlington for Big Horn County School District #1.

Superintendent Matt Davidson announced the agenda for the district in-service meeting on Aug. 15. The staff will hear from nationally known motivational speaker Sam Glenn. Glenn is known as a speaker with a unique delivery, and he creates art during his presentation. According to his website, “The core of my entire program is designed to recharge, rekindle and inspire new levels of optimism, purpose, engagement, resilience and teamwork.” 

The annual District Data Dig was attended by board members, administrators and, this year, directors. During this intensive workday, small groups worked to understand what information the testing data was giving them and how they could help. This information led to a revision of the District’s Strategic Framework, which is used to shape the goals for the coming school year. Superintendent Davidson commented that Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will do “specific work to lead to better interventions and extensions,” using the Framework and data for guidance.

Board members commented that they felt this was the best Dig they had attended, adding the directors added a new dimension of information. (The Strategic Framework can be found on the district’s website.)

Chairman Joseph Bassett reminded board members that the filing deadline for school board elections was fast approaching. Up for election this year: Byron area, currently held by Don Hatch; Deaver/Frannie area, currently held by Jared Boardman; and one at large position, currently held by Holly Michaels.

The following employees were recognized by the board and will be again at the district in-service: John Bernhisel, Wyoming Coaching Hall of Fame; Kirk Hopkin, 2025 Teacher of the Year; and Dory Cauffman, 2025 Staff Member of the Year.

The following actions were accepted by the board: resignations from Lacey Bassett, Early Literacy Outreach Coordinator at Cowley; and Aubrey Scheiner, secondary teacher for Wyoming Connections Academy. Also accepted was a transfer for Amy Hedges to full-time special education paraprofessional at RMMHS.

The following new personnel were approved: Jamie Hawley, special education paraprofessional (pending HQ certification) for RMES; Macey George, Title I paraprofessional for RMES; Dale Riddle, Title I paraprofessional for RMES; Eddie Whiting, asst. football coach for RMMS; and Amanda Johnston, secondary social studies for Wyoming Connections Academy.

Chairman Bassett called an executive session to discussion employment. The board came out of executive session and adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.