Big Horn District 1 School Board has some concerns about new football field parking lot

The August meeting of the Big Horn County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees was held in Burlington last Thursday.

The new buses have arrived, the board was told Thursday. Students, athletes and staff will enjoy the new air-conditioned buses, especially with the extended heat. This also results in the one older bus to be sold with a blind bid starting at $2,000 and the other being donated to a local fire department for training purposes.  More information about the blind bid is upcoming, stated Superintendent Matt Davidson, and there was discussion among the board members about what a great conversation project this could be for someone’s travels.

All motions were unanimously approved including the financial report given by Richard Parker. His continued efforts to adjust to the new funding guidelines implemented by the State Legislature in July were noted and appreciated. Assurances were made as each district in the state is dealing with this issue in similar ways. The largest expense this month was the new parking lot at Rocky Mountain Middle/High School’s football field, coming in just over $475,000.

The new parking lot at the football field looks great, the board all agreed. However, the lines on the home team side are spurring some concern. The lines were painted at a 65-degree angle, while lines in the visiting team lot are not angled. The concern is to back up when leaving the area leaves little maneuvering room, especially for full-sized trucks. Extreme attention and caution were advised for the upcoming football season.

The district is putting its final touches on their strategic framework. With the foundation being positive culture, the document states, “Positive culture is created when purpose is clear, people are supported, processes are trusted, resources are stewarded, progress is understood and potential is pursued. The six pillars and values are enduring. Annual priorities are reviewed, refined and updated through continuous improvement so the district remains aligned, responsive and focused on student success.”

The school board also acknowledged students’ successes at the Big Horn County Fair as well as the Park County Fair. Barry Jolley, Benson Jolley, Gus Loyning, Josie Loyning, Kinli Bitton, Colten Bitton, Paisley Malson, Dally Malson, Lilly Bauwens, Charlee Anderson, James Laffin, ‘the Bendixen kids,’ Treysen Merrill, Karli Larsen, Hendrik Slabbert and Sammy Boardman were all acknowledged and celebrated by the school board and superintendent.