Trustees table nordic ski proposal

A proposal to add nordic skiing to sports offerings at Sheridan Junior High School and Sheridan High School was tabled by trustees of Sheridan County School District 2 at their meeting Monday night.

Trustees voted unanimously in favor of the motion made by Trustee Ann Perkins, who proposed deferring action in favor of exploring private/public partnerships to help fund a nordic skiing program.

The proposal was presented by Don Julian, Sheridan High School activities director, who said a nordic skiing program has been piloted at both the high school and junior high over the last two years, the high school in collaboration with Laramie High School and at the junior high through the after-school program.

Julian said participation in the program at both schools has been strong and growing, with a projected 10 to 15 athletes skiing at the high school level next winter and 30 at the junior high.

Projected budget for the program next year would be $16,000 for the high school and $6,500 for the junior high. Julian said those figures include coach stipends, travel expenses, uniforms and some equipment rental.

Julian said the school district has forged community partnerships with the Antelope Butte Foundation, Black Mountain Nordic Club and the Sheridan Recreation District.

In other action at Monday’s meeting, District 2 trustees approved an agreement with the city of Sheridan to establish and maintain the Sheridan Recreation District for another five years, and granted approval for the district to submit the annual Consolidated Grant application to the Wyoming Department of Education.

The grant application, which is due to the state on July 1, gives the district authority to expend federal funds in the coming fiscal year. The district will seek just under $2.9 million for the year ahead.