School District No. 1 faces leadership transition after Chairman Bassett’s passing

The regular school board meeting of Big Horn County School District No. 1 was held last Thursday evening at the district offices in Cowley, and the mood was noticeably somber.

Board members and administrators gathered knowing the meeting would mark the first time the board convened without longtime chairman Josh Bassett, who passed away unexpectedly.

Vice Chairman Jared Boardman opened the meeting by inviting board members and those in the audience to share reflections on Bassett’s life and service. He was repeatedly described as “incredibly dedicated,” with speakers noting that if the public had seen the time and care he put into the role, they would have better understood how seriously he took his responsibilities.

Several speakers recalled Bassett’s ability to create a respectful and welcoming atmosphere, even during difficult conversations. “No question was too stupid,” one member said, adding that even in moments of disagreement, meetings remained a safe place for discussion.

Others highlighted Bassett’s approach to leadership, saying he listened to understand and often encouraged colleagues to explain different perspectives, particularly when decisions affected students.

More than once, members reflected on the personal impact he had. One noted simply, “Knowing Josh made me a better person,” while others expressed gratitude for the legacy and lasting influence he leaves behind.

After the tribute, the board moved forward with the difficult task of reorganizing its leadership. Trustees unanimously elected Boardman as the new board chairman. Andrew “AJ” Rasmussen-Dickson was selected as vice chairman, Wendy Fuller was chosen to serve as treasurer and Hiedi Christensen was voted to continue in her role as board clerk.

The board also discussed the process for filling the vacant trustee position following the passing of Bassett. Trustees agreed to begin advertising immediately for letters of interest, with applications due by January 23. The board plans to appoint a new trustee at a special meeting scheduled for January 29.

Applicants must be qualified electors of Big Horn County School District No. 1, meaning they are at least 18 years old, registered voters and residents of Wyoming. The position is at large, meaning any person living within the school district is eligible to apply.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest to Big Horn County School District No. 1, P.O. Box 688, Cowley, WY 82420 or by email to mdavidson@bighorn1.com. Letters must be received by January 23, 2026, and should briefly outline the applicant’s interest in serving, relevant experience or perspective and confirmation of district residency.

In other business, the board approved routine consent agenda items, including previous meeting minutes, resignations and financial warrants. Trustees also approved Pryor Mountain Engineering to provide civil engineering services for a new parking lot project at Rocky Mountain High School and approved several policy readings and personnel items.

One of the most significant policy changes discussed by the board was the possibility of adding a 20-credit diploma option, designed for exceptional cases where the alternative may be a student dropping out of high school. The board emphasized that the district will continue to offer a 26-credit diploma as the standard graduation pathway, with the reduced-credit option intended only for students facing serious life circumstances.

Administrators explained that the option was added to provide flexibility for students who encounter significant academic, personal, medical, behavioral or community-based challenges, most often later in high school. In those situations, board members noted, allowing a student to complete a diploma could be preferable to losing them entirely. The board stressed that the option would not be used broadly and remains above the minimum graduation requirements set by the state.

Multiple safeguards were discussed to ensure the 20-credit diploma is not chosen for convenience. Board members said the option is not intended for students who simply want to leave school early or enter the workforce, but rather for cases where hardship makes the traditional path unrealistic. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on evaluating the whole student and their circumstances.

Approval for the 20-credit diploma requires a meeting involving the student, a parent or guardian, a counselor and the principal. All students will be expected to complete the 26-credit diploma unless an established need is demonstrated. After extensive discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the policy on first reading.  It must pass at least three times and still has the potential for other changes to be made.

The meeting adjourned at 8:13. The next regular board meeting will be February 12 in Burlington.