SCSD#1 Board Hears from TRS Principals

SCSD#1 Board of Trustees met on Tuesday October 20 at the Central Office in Ranchester. In the presentations section of the meeting, the board heard from Tanya LaBossiere, principal at Tongue River Elementary.

She talked about the ‘Eagle Promise’ at TRE.

She said that TRES ranks high among other medium sized schools.

Another opportunity she wanted to highlight was their outdoor education.

Kristin Yalowizer, TRE Kindergarten teacher, and Heidi Carreiro, PE teacher talked about the program, and the educational aspect as well.

In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Jeff Jones said that their students and staff are doing amazing work in every classroom every day. Our families are incredibly supportive which allows for a strong school-family partnership. If that wasn’t the case in our district, we wouldn’t consistently be ranked among the best districts in the state, no matter the metric being used.

Since winter may be just around the corner, Jones added that he speaks with the transportation director pretty frequently prior to a weather event. It is my strong belief that communicating with staff and families as soon as possible is better for everyone.

Sometimes, because of the situation, that might even mean letting you know the evening before that we are going to be on a two hour late start. For example, if we have a lot of snow already and the forecast calls for more snow overnight with very high winds, you don’t need a crystal ball to predict our country roads are very likely going to be plugged in the morning until the plows can get to all of them.

In those situations, it makes sense to let people know the night before we are going to start with a two-hour delay and then communicate more in the morning once we know more. When we don’t have that kind of assurance to make the call the night before, I will always try to make the call in the morning between 5 – 5:30 a.m.

Early notice is so important because many of our staff and families travel a good distance as a part of their morning routine. Also, from having kids in my own family, I know that it can become pretty stressful to make alternative plans. You will be reminded to stay home if you can’t travel safely.

In other business, the board heard from the principals of the other Tongue River Schools, Fred Hollingshead, director of the Cowboy State Virtual academy; Russ Wilde, Tongue River Middle School; and Wade Sanford Tongue River High School. Each gave a short report on how the year is beginning for the 2026 school year.

The board then went into an executive session to discuss personnel matters, but Chairman Clint Krumm said that no action would be taken.