District No. 1 honors Parker and Arnold for service, leadership

Big Horn County School District No. 1 honored two longtime staff members during its all-district in-service last week, recognizing employees who have made a significant difference in the schools and district office while exemplifying the district’s commitment to “Learning, Growing and Achieving Together.”

Business Manager Richard Parker was named the district’s Employee of the Year for the 2025-26 school year, while Rocky Mountain Middle High School math teacher Vicki Arnold was selected as Teacher of the Year.

Richard Parker

Parker has worked for the district for 20 years and oversees responsibilities extending well beyond school finances. Superintendent Matt Davidson described him as efficient, proactive and detail-oriented, crediting him with helping the district maintain a strong financial position so the needs of students and staff can be met.

“He wears a variety of hats, including finance, insurance representative and human resources,” Davidson said.

Throughout his career, Parker has helped add benefits for district employees, including life insurance, disability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Davidson said those additions reflect Parker’s efforts to improve the district’s benefit package while protecting its long-term financial health.

During the past two years, Parker has also represented the district throughout Wyoming’s school funding recalibration process. He attended legislative committee meetings and participated in professional judgment sessions, where educators and administrators offered information about the resources schools need to operate effectively.

“His insights helped the recalibration experts revise some proposals, which resulted in more favorable outcomes for our district,” Davidson said.

Parker is also active in the Wyoming Association of School Business Officials, a professional organization serving school business managers, financial officers and operational leaders across the state. He has served as the organization’s president for the past two years and regularly assists other school business managers with questions involving funding, budgeting and educational management.

“I appreciate his efforts on behalf of our students, staff, schools and district,” Davidson said. “His work is impactful for every system in our organization. This honor is well deserved.”

Vicki Arnold

Arnold has taught at Rocky Mountain High School since 2010, earning a reputation for her knowledge of mathematics, dedication to students and willingness to continually improve her instruction.

Rocky Mountain Middle High School Principal Betsy Sammons described Arnold as an expert in her subject and a master teacher who consistently reflects on her work and searches for better ways to reach students.

“What sets her apart is her commitment to continuous improvement,” Sammons said. “Her willingness to grow, adapt and refine her instruction ensures that all students have access to meaningful learning experiences.”

Sammons said Arnold has worked intentionally to build strong relationships with students and uses every available opportunity to support their learning. Her efforts frequently extend beyond the classroom and regular school day.

“I have personally seen her deliver materials to students’ homes to help them stay caught up, and she is always willing to meet with parents whenever concerns arise,” Sammons said.

Arnold’s approach combines high expectations with genuine concern for students. Rather than making excuses when students struggle, Sammons said, she looks for solutions and works to improve the learning experience for each student. She also shares her knowledge with colleagues and is always willing to support other staff members.

In addition to teaching high school mathematics, Arnold teaches middle school STEM and coaches the district’s robotics program. She has worked to strengthen and expand robotics opportunities for students at both the middle and high school levels.

Sammons said Arnold’s influence reaches well beyond test scores or classroom assignments.

“I have witnessed the impact Vicki has on students’ lives,” she said. “She has helped change the trajectory of students’ lives with her genuine care and support.”

Sammons said Arnold’s passion, leadership and commitment to students make her deserving of the district’s Teacher of the Year honor.

“She represents the very best of our profession,” Sammons said.