SCSD#2 Board Addresses Several Issues

The SCSD#2 Board met on Monday, April 10, with over 40 people attending.

Administrative Assistants and Paraprofessionals were recognized. Kristie Garriffa, Assistant Superintendent, said that paraprofessionals are the driving force behind the success of the students. Each plays a vital role in our school. “I cannot say enough about the impacts of the paraprofessional. Their work is invaluable.”

Four students, Camden Burrup; Noah Newman; Aaron Baures and Rubey Reimers, who were honored with WHSAA Good Sportsmanship awards we recognized. Lillian Kerns, Cameron Reckard, speech and debate national qualifiers, and Izzy Kennah, first runner-up were honored as well, and Stephanine Zukowski introduced the spring musical cast and crew.

Superintendent Scott Stults talked to the board about the Scott Foundation’s contribution to Sheridan’s teacher housing.

The old NSI facilities were purchased by the Scott Foundation, and they partnered with the school and renovated the buildings to be used for short-term teacher housing.

Troy Decker gave facilities update which included the greenhouses on Fifth Street. He said the district has applied for a $100,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The goal is to provide healthy, locally grown produce to students by installing and managing hydroponic raft growing systems that produce up to 100 pounds of leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, mustard and other greens per week for school meals. A variety of local partners, Rooted in Wyoming, Papa Joe’s Produce, Western Variety Farms, Landon’s Greenhouse and community volunteers have come together to offer insight and feedback.

Other updates that the board approved were SHS Sports Field Lighting; SHS Performing Arts Renovation; Districtwide Pavement Maintenance and Repair and purchasing a new John Deere Tractor. Decker said the suggested list price for the tractor is $49,021.20, but John Deere of Sheridan is able to offer the tractor to the district for $37,032.94, based on quality government discounts. The board approved the purchase. Tractors are used for mowing in the summer and snow removal in the winter. SHS will also be receiving three new pianos, funded through the Gollings Fine Art Renovation Fund.

Rebecca Adsit talked about the 2023-24 school calendar, and the one major change was to set spring break to coincide with U of Wyoming and Sheridan College.

She also presented the 2032-24 student handbook, and there was discussion about the consequences for students who broke the rules against smoking, profanity in school, and inappropriate behavior.

Trustee Ed Fessler, who was a teacher in the district, commented on the consequences section of the handbook.

The motion to accept the handbook was denied.

Chairman Rader then opened the floor to audience comments, mostly about books in the libraries and this story will be posted later today.