District One school board revisits concealed carry law discussion

The Big Horn County School District No. 1 school board convened their regular meeting Thursday in Burlington after an executive session where personnel were discussed. Board members in attendance were Joseph Bassett, Jared Boardman, Craig Jones, Thomas Bridges and AJ Rasmussen-Dickson.

The longest discussion of the meeting revolved around the new law that will go into effect on July 1, which allows those with concealed carry permits to carry weapons on school property. In the April board meeting, the board had decided to take a “wait and see” approach in dealing with the new law. However, school resource officers Shane Brost and Nathan Kreider spoke to the board concerning the partnership that they feel the school district and the Sheriff’s Office could have to address this new law.

Brost stated that he had read the bill many times to better understand the letter and intent of the law. He expressed the desire of the Sheriff’s Department to aid in the discussions and decisions for policy and training. He stated that, with no policy in place, everything was left to chance, but with a well written and executed policy the school district would be taking steps to ensure the safety of students and staff in difficult situations. He further noted that, as an officer coming into a very dangerous scene, without knowing who the concealed carrier staff members are, he could potentially see the situation create a great deal of confusion and possibly result in unintended harm. Brost concluded by saying, “We can’t control the public, but the intent of a policy is to train and help staff.”

Superintendent Matt Davidson shared with the board the policy Carbon County School District has in place to address this issue. After a great deal of discussion, Davidson was asked to gather other policies and begin to a draft a policy relating to the new concealed carry law for the board and the policy committee to look at. According to the district office this would entail a public forum, input from the policy committee (which includes staff members), administration and local law enforcement.

Recognitions for employees of the month were given. Eric Honeyman recognized Madison Bryson as the employee of the month for Rocky Mountain Elementary School. He stated that, as a first-year teacher, Madison always has a positive attitude and great determination. She is there early and stays late often to go above and beyond for her students. She is an important part of the RMES community.

Betsy Sammons recognized John Bernhisel as Rocky Mountain Middle/High School employee of the month. John will be retiring, and the school will be left with a great void because of his many contributions, she said, adding that Bernhisel has worn many hats and has brought some wonderful ideas and activities to the entire school. He is loyal to his colleagues and has made a lasting impact on RMMS/HS.

Burlington chose Wayne Parker as their employee of the month. He is also retiring from his many years of service to the school. He has always been ready to help whenever and wherever. He ensures that everyone in the custodial department has what they need to be successful and keep things functioning properly. He will be missed.

Wyoming Connections Academy (WYCA) chose Stephanie Cozzens, the Jr. and Sr. English and Honors teacher. She is patient and kind to her students and has the ability to engage her students in their writing. She collaborates well with other teachers.

Ryan Beottcher was also recognized for receiving Wyoming’s Curriculum Director of the Year award. He was chosen by his fellow directors from across the state.

There were several student presentations given to the board. Seniors from Burlington presented a slide show of their capstone trip to Washington D.C. They explained some of the photos and what they’d learned and experienced during their trip. They thanked the board for their support.

Each senior in the district is required to have a project for their Senior Studies class. The two high schools chose one project each to represent their students and present them to the board. Elliahna Scheeler, representing RMMS/HS, asked Craig Olsen to be her mentor in learning to tune pianos. She has since developed her skills into a business and intends to continue while attending college. Levi Wardell, representing Burlington, found Jared McIntosh and Tia Mancuso as mentors for his photography project. This was a new adventure for Levi, who learned to love the experiences he had while hiking and enjoying nature and taking photographs. He learned to use editing programs and enjoyed making the photos the way “I like them.”

Burlington’s FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) had four members, Jordan Casey, Weston Gotfredson, Kyler Winters and Riley Trujillo, qualify for the national convention in Orlando, Florida this July. The students requested transportation to and from the airport and funds for two chaperones. Later in the meeting the request was funded unanimously.

SKILLS USA contestant Harry McNiven came before the board with advisors Aric Hanusa and Jill McNiven to report on the state competition. Eleven students participated in the following events: Commercial Drones, Cabinet Making, Prepared Speech and Technical Drafting. McNiven received the first-place award for Drafting and is eligible to participate in the national competition in Atlanta. He requested transportation to and from the airport and that Jill McNiven, his mother, be his chaperone. Later in the meeting the request was funded.

The board recognized the retiring staff with a bell and small gift. Those retiring are as follows: John Bernhisel, 35 years at RMMS/HS; Rod Winland, 31 years at RMMS/HS; Maryanne Bischoff, 31 years with District 1; Benda Brost, 29.5 years RMMS/HS; Wayne Parker, 28 years at BHS; and Daniel Robertson, 10 years at RMMS/HS.

There were many changes approved for staff throughout the district. Resignations accepted are as follows: Michelle Banks, RMHS Special Ed. Para; Sheril Slater, RMHS Special Ed. Para; Stephanie Smith, BES Teacher; Kelsie Nelson, BES Special Ed. Para; Kay Townsend, BHS Asst. HS Volleyball Coach; Dale Cook, BHS Asst. Boys Basketball Coach; Steve Foley, BHS Athletic Director; and Daye Farricy, WYCA Teacher. Transfers approved as follows: Stephanie Ames to RMHS Special Ed. Para; and Blake Smith to BES Special Ed. Para.

New personnel approved for employment are: Rachel Bitton, District Asst. to the Superintendent; Branden West, RMHS Ag/Science Teacher; Kay Townsend, BES Part-time Teacher & RMHS Asst. Volleyball Coach; Cheyenne Bendixen, RMMS/HS Special Ed. Para; Macy Jones, RMMS/HS Part-time Library Para; Jadie Gifford, RMMS/HS Life Skills Para; Macie Muller, RMHS Para; McKay Baxendale, RMMS Head MS Boys Basketball Coach; Aric Hanusa, RMHS Asst. Track Coach; Patrick Winland, RMHS Asst. Track Coach; Riley Winland, RMMS Asst. Volleyball Coach; Dale Cook, BHS Head Boys Basketball Coach; Raegan May, Cowley Summer Grounds; Kennedy Brimhall, Cowley Summer Bus Care; and David McBride, Burlington Summer Grounds Supervisor.

During the board meeting the preliminary budget for 2025-26 was approved, as well as transfer of ownership of the communications tower on BLM land and currently owned by the District to the Deaver-Frannie Fire Department.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.