Staff recognition, strategic goals highlight District No. 1 board meeting

The Big Horn County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on October 7, addressing a wide range of topics from staff achievements and safety preparedness to strategic planning, facility updates and policy adoption.

The meeting opened with Employee of the Month recognitions. Honorees included Jodi Winland, school nurse; Tori Kidgell, RMMHS; and Ashley Tribby, Burlington.

RMES Principal Eric Honeyman noted that, “School nurse Jodi Winland brings a positive culture to our school each day. She not only fulfills her nursing responsibilities with care and professionalism but also goes above and beyond in taking on extra duties. Serving at both schools, she provides support to countless students and staff. She consistently maintains all requirements for state reporting, keeping us organized and compliant. Most importantly, she is always willing to help in any way possible for our school. Her dedication, leadership and caring spirit make her an invaluable part of our family at RMES.”

RMMHS Tori Kidgell teaches both middle and high school classes. Principal Betsy Sammons reported that, “Tori has been working hard to bring new ideas to her lessons and focused units. She works hard to meet standards, raise student engagement in the classroom and build on some real-world skills. In addition, Tori is our Student Council sponsor. She recently organized a very successful homecoming week. We are lucky to have someone with Tori’s energy, creativity and leadership at Rocky Mountain.”  

Burlington’s Ashley Tribby is an outstanding educator whose consistent high expectations and effective teaching methods inspire her students to excel. Principal Autumn Tempany praised Ashley’s abilities to “skillfully guide freshmen to understand and meet her standards, then welcomes them back in upper-level classes, seeing their growth firsthand,” adding, “Her classroom management is exemplary, and she deeply honors the unique needs of every student, including those with IEPs and 504 plans. Mrs. Tribby creates a supportive and inclusive environment, building strong relationships with both high achievers and those who face challenges. Her dedication truly makes her classroom an inspiring place to learn.” 

Principals Honeyman and Sammons reported on the district-wide reunification drill. The drill, designed to simulate procedure for reuniting students with families after an emergency, was deemed successful. It also alerted administrators to what could be done to fine tune the process. According to building principals, teachers accounting for students went very quickly, and the transitions went quickly, but it was noted that more people would be required for quicker reunification. Sammons also explained that there needs to be something for students to do while they are waiting, especially if they have to be sitting for a long time.

Board member AJ Rasmussen-Dickson shared insights from a recent visit to Iowa, where he observed innovative educational programs and district leadership strategies. He felt the program he witnessed was very different from a traditional high school. The program enlisted sponsors who volunteered places for students to come, learn and participate. Students were required to interact with professionals as they worked together on a project or solved a problem. His report emphasized that if a similar program were developed in BHCSD 1, student participants would have to “want” to embrace this style of project-based learning. Principal Sammons said, “Implementing this kind of program is very doable for juniors and seniors at RMHS.”  

Superintendent Matt Davidson stated that, “This opportunity to visit other schools, funded by a grant from the University of Wyoming College of Education, allows us to see model schools and glean ideas for our district.” Future visits will be to Virginia and Pennsylvania schools. 

Davidson also reported that he and principals Sammons and Tempany met with Northwest College administrators to discuss potential partnerships between the college and BHCSD#1 in the area of career technical education.

The board reviewed progress on the district’s Strategic Framework Goal, which focuses on exploring options for enhancing classroom learning and curriculum. As part of this initiative, the district will partner with a marketing and communications firm -- Kalen Marketing Solutions -- to conduct an audit of district operations. The audit will evaluate what the district is doing well and identify areas for improvement, helping shape future communication and outreach strategies. Superintendent Davidson noted that several surrounding districts have undertaken similar efforts in recent years to strengthen transparency, branding and community engagement.

The facilities report outlined ongoing maintenance projects and planning for future upgrades. Current projects include the addition of security lighting at the gravel parking lot west of RMES and additional safety lights at the bus barn. Major projects in the next few years include installation of membrane roofs at RMES and Burlington and paving football field parking lots at RMMHS.

The transportation report informed the board of an additional $92,000 required to upgrade safety and accessibility features on the newly purchased travel school buses.

Following months of review and public comment, the board completed the final reading and adoption of the district’s Conceal and Carry Rule. The policy outlines specific procedures and eligibility requirements for staff members seeking authorization to carry concealed firearms on school property, in accordance with state law.

BHCSD#1 new hires were unanimously approved: Jarrett Nelson, elementary special education para part-time at BES; Kyler Marchant, assistant wrestling coach pending certification at RMMHS; and Nicolette Bullinger, assistant girls basketball coach pending certification at BMS.

The board expressed appreciation for district staff and community support as BHCSD 1 continues to focus on safety, academic excellence and transparent communication. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 13 at 7 p.m. in Burlington.