SCSD#2 Board of Trustees Discuss Teacher Salaries, Graduation Rates

At the Monday, Feb. 5, SCSD#2 Board of Trustees meeting, the board honored the food service workers at the schools; as well as recognizing several outstanding students.

Food Services director Leslie Haberkern talked about the food service staff. Saying that the 31 employees have collectively 99 years of service. She said she was grateful for the relationships they have built with the students. “School nutrition workers are essential. Students cannot learn on an empty belly,” she said.

Activities director Kasey Garnhart and coach Jeff Mowry presented Dane Steel with a banner naming him Gatorade State Player of the Year.

Chad Rose, and Ryan Walker, SHS music department, recognized All-State Music students Samantha Osborne (Orchestra), Henry Craft (Band), Thayne Orchard (Choir).

In other business, Scott Stults, superintendent, talked about the district goals and teacher salary schedule.

He added the district also made some changes in the insurance options for the staff.

He talked about the curriculum transparency committee that he serves on and what they do for curriculum transparency.

He also thanked the board members for their support of the school.

Kristie Garriffa, assistant superintendent, reported on the 2023 graduation rate saying that SCSD#2 schools, SHS and JC Schiffer, had ‘unprecedented graduation rates.’ She said that the graduation rate is 81.4% in the state of Wyoming. In SHS it 91.3% while Schiffer was 80%, both which were well above the state average. She added that the CTE programs graduation rate was over 98%.

Food Services director Leslie Haberkern gave an update on the ranch to school program, and thanked the ranchers and Western Heritage Meat for their help with the program.

Facilities director Troy Decker gave an update on the fifth street greenhouses and the new hydroponic system for raising vegetables.

There was discussion and a public comment from attendee Holly Carter about learning how each board member voted on issues.

The board also moved to approve the firm of Carver, Florek and James as the district’s audit firm for the upcoming fiscal year.

Next meeting will be March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Central Office.