Back to School at SCSD#1

School for students will begin on August 21 in School District #1, Ranchester and Big Horn. New superintendent Jeff Jones, who stepped into his new position on July 1, talked about the upcoming school year and his plans for SCSD#1.

Jones was born and raised in Northeastern Montana. Throughout his 30-year career, he has been a teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal, college professor, and principal – the past five years at Tongue River Middle School.

When asked about the enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year at SCSD#1, he said things can change but currently enrollment is slightly higher than in the past. “But we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks.”

There are normally around 1200 students enrolled in the brick and mortar schools, but with the Cowboy State Virtual Academy, the enrollment is about 1400.

When asked what his plans were for the upcoming year, Jones said his priority this year and every year is

He talked about the Big Horn and Tongue River communities and their commitment to the education.

He said they hired 11 new teachers for this year, which is about normal. “All those positions are filled,” he said, except for a few small number of classified staff positions, which he hopes to fill soon. He felt the pool of applicants was smaller than normal, but he felt they would continue to find quality staff.

Housing was a problem as well, as it is throughout most of the state.

He addressed some of the problems of being a superintendent for both schools, and he felt he had the advantage was that his kids were grown and off to college, so he could be more invested equally between the two schools. He said he planned to be on the Big Horn side as much as on the Tongue River side.

In his 100-day action plan, Jones said, “It is an honor and privilege to lead this district because the schools have a track record of excellence and a sincere investment in helping all students reach their full potential. Also, the Big Horn and Tongue River communities have demonstrated a tremendous level of support for their schools throughout the years. As a result, the traditions and successes, on both sides of the district, run deep. I look forward to supporting the long-standing traditions and encouraging the creation of new memories!”

He said his action plan is grounded in the following tasks: Listen, Examine, Communicate, and Execute. While these tasks will guide action plans with upcoming initiatives and projects, they will not be implemented in isolation. Rather, they will serve as a framework as we simultaneously approach different and varied challenges every day. The school-family partnership is most effective when both groups support and honor their respective roles. Our common goal should be to help all students achieve their maximum academic and personal growth potential, something supported in Wyoming statute and our school accreditation process.

He added, “While I have served on the Tongue River side for the last five years, my personal and professional integrity are worth more than a blind loyalty to just Tongue River. I ask that you give me a chance to demonstrate that my loyalty lies with all of SCSD#1 equally. When BH and TR compete head-to-head…I will be neutrally dressed but proud to see both schools continue to represent our school district, and communities, with class!”

“It is my intention to continue the high expectations for success at SCSD#1. While I am confident my educational and professional experiences have prepared me for my new role, there will be circumstances that will push me beyond my own comfort zone. During those times, I will come back to what is most important: Doing What is Best for Students.”