Uncertainty casts shadow over BHCSD No. 2 meeting

Funding concerns, staffing changes and state mandates create uneasy outlook

What is typically a routine March meeting of the Big Horn County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees carried a noticeably heavier tone last Monday, as uncertainty from the state level continues to cloud local decision-making.

Much of that tension centered on Wyoming’s newly adopted school funding model, which district leaders say raises more questions than it answers, especially with critical deadlines fast approaching.

“We don’t know specifics yet of how it’s going to affect the district,” Superintendent William Hiser told the board, noting that key funding details may not be available until late April or early May.

That timeline creates a serious problem for local schools.

“It doesn’t fit our timeline,” Hiser said. “Our contracts and staffing decisions come before that.”

The funding changes include reduced flexibility in how districts can use money, shifting from a block grant system to tightly controlled “silos.” Those restrictions could significantly impact day-to-day operations.

The word “silo” came up repeatedly during the discussion, and for good reason.

Historically, school districts operated under a block funding model, receiving a set amount of money with the flexibility to spend it where it was most needed. If a district identified a long-term concern, such as declining math scores, it could direct additional resources toward that area through new curriculum, updated materials or additional staffing.

Under the new model, that flexibility is largely gone.

The state now distributes funding in designated “silos,” with strict rules on how each portion of money can be used. In some cases, those restrictions go beyond broad categories and extend to specific programs, including approved literacy curriculum and materials.

District leaders made it clear that this shift represents a significant loss of local control and will make it more difficult to respond to the unique needs of Lovell students.

For more background on these changes, see last week’s coverage in the Chronicle.

“It’s really going to hinder our day-to-day operations,” Hiser said. “We have used our block grant to fund activities, to fund school resource officers and school nurses.”

At the same time, several major expenses remain unfunded at the state level, including nutrition services, school resource officers and insurance costs. Activity funding will also be reduced.

“So it’s just less funding, less funding, less funding,” board member Bruce Jolley said.

District leaders emphasized that while they have been proactive in managing staffing through attrition, difficult decisions may still lie ahead.

“We have a long way to go before we can have any answers,” the board was told.

Adding another layer of concern, a new K-12 literacy law will increase state control over curriculum and instruction, something administrators described as both restrictive and discouraging.

“It’s another example of the state removing local control,” the board heard.

All of this comes as Lovell schools continue to navigate a gradual decline in enrollment, compounding the uncertainty facing the district.

Staffing changes approved

Amid the uncertainty, the board unanimously approved several personnel changes.

Resignations included Lesa Mayes as Special Education Secretary; Paige Culwell as LMS/LHS FACS teacher; Mara Rasmussen as LHS Special Education paraprofessional; Cardston Fenton as LES Special Education paraprofessional; and Craig Lundberg as Lovell High School principal.

Lundberg’s resignation, previously reported, continues to resonate. In a recent interview, he reflected on the demands of the role.

“I think the biggest thing is kind of just the weight of the job that goes into everything that you do in this position,” Lundberg said.

The board also approved new hires, including Cardston Fenton as Special Education Secretary, April Nicholls as LMS assistant track coach and Bob Weber as LHS assistant track coach.

Regional 

tournament success

Despite the challenges discussed, the meeting also included moments that highlighted the strength of the community.

In his report, Lundberg noted that Lovell’s hosting of the three-day 3A West Regional Basketball Tournament was a major success, but one that required a tremendous collective effort.

He emphasized that it took a “massive army” of volunteers, parents, coaches, officials and athletes to make the event run smoothly, along with strong support from the Lovell Booster Club.

Lundberg said he could not praise the Booster Club enough for the work they put in behind the scenes.

Student Body President Charlotte Bair also reported strong student turnout and support during the tournament, reflecting a positive school climate with excitement about the teams’ successes. 

A difficult road ahead

While the meeting included positive updates and community successes, the overall tone remained cautious.

With incomplete information from the state, reduced funding flexibility and new mandates taking effect, district leaders made it clear that the coming months will require careful planning and likely difficult decisions.