Library Policy and HB194 Discussed at SCSD#2 Board Meeting

Highland Park Elementary Principal Molly Swan presented a slide show and a talk about the students at Highland Park at the Monday April 7, SCSD#2 Board meeting. She was joined by several of the staff from Highland Park. She also talked about three staff members who were retiring this year.

One parent spoke to the board about Highland Park and his son, and how they felt welcome in the school. Several students were recognized as well at the meeting. Their names will appear later in the story.

The board also approved several policies, and approved the 2025-2026 board meeting schedule, and the school calendar. Rebecca Adsit, Assistant Superintendent, said that the school district received 922 responses from the community about the calendar, and the majority of those responding preferred the option where school will begin on August 25, 2025 and will end on May 27, 2026. The spring break was set to align with Sheridan College and UW Spring breaks.

Troy Decker, Facilities Director, reported that the new Story Elementary playground is finished. He also asked for board approval to purchase a new maintenance vehicle for the school.

Superintendent Scott Stults, in his report, thanked the representatives who attended the meeting.

In the audience section comments Melinda Evans spoke about the culture of the school board, and she wanted more transparency and more communication.

Representative Tom Kelly, who is on the judicial committee and the education committee, spoke about HB 194.

Trustee Edward Fessler asked Kelly for a brief summary of the bill, and Kelly added,

In new business, the board addressed policy IJL, Library Materials Selection and Assessment, and concerned parent Dwight Stanislaw was given the opportunity to speak on the policy, and the fact that he felt that the school was not adhering to the policy that they set. He has two high school students at SCSD#2.

He added about why he was speaking about the policy.

He wondered how students could adequately research a topic or see both sides of the issue with such a deficient collection. He approached the school about the issue, but after five months he received no satisfaction, so he approached the board with the topic.

He said he didn’t want the policy changed; he just wanted the policy to be followed.

In the recognition section of the meeting, Kasey Garnhart recognized several athletics who earned the WHSAA Good Sportsmanship Awards in Basketball.

Alex Osborn; Colton Phillip; Lexi Johnston; Hanah Mowry; Fisher Peldo; Johnny Spielman; Riley Friday; Avery Ligocki; Parker Treide; and Nate Miner.

Kasey Garnhart & AJ Longhurst recognized the performers in the Spring Musical Legally Blonde Jr.

Coach Taylor Kelting talked about the Boys’ Indoor State Team and Relay Champions & Individual State Champions, Garrett Otto, Ryder Charest, Chance Morris, and the Girls’ Indoor State 4 x 200 Relay State Champions & Individual Pole Vault State Champion, Lily Charest.

Nordic Ski State Champion, Kayley Alicke (10 kilometer freestyle) was recognized by Coach Falk Alicke, and Girls’ Wrestling Individual State Champion, Becca Oetken was recognized by Coach Marcie Lane.

Boys’ Wrestling Individual State Champions, Keegan Rager & Kelten Crow – Kasey Garnhart & Coach Scott Cleland.

Erin Hofffman and Alyssa Fehlauer

Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy, which was given to students who are fluent in English and another language, was given to Erin Hofffman, Alyssa Fehlauer, Makena Mowry, & Henry Phillips by Kristie Garriffa & Kathy Good