Covid-19, School Shootings and Fifth Street Property discussed at SCSD#2

Jhett West, Fourth Place Winner at National FFA Creed Competition

In the December 6th SCSD#2 board meeting, the SCSD#2 held an election of officers, with the current trustees, Sue Wilson, Chairman, Arin Waddell, Vice-Chair, Shellie Szmyd, Clerk, and Shane Rader, Treasurer, all re-elected to their positions.

Don Julian, activities director recognized several individuals who have taken awards during the fall season. Some of the winners were:

SHS Golf: Individual Boy’s State Champion, Brock Owings; SCSD#2 students or teams won several WHSAA Good Sportsmanship Awards and he mentioned where the award was given. Winners were: Chance Larson at the Laramie Football Game 8/27/21; Luke Lawson at the Cheyenne South, State Tennis Tournament 9/23/21; SHS Cheerleaders at the Thunder Basin Football Game 10/23/21; and the SHS Volleyball Team at the Thunder Basin Volleyball Match 10/23/2. He also mentioned that Sheridan were the 4A Football State Champions.

The US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association honored Taylor Kelting as the Boys’ High School Coach of the Year for the State of Wyoming.

Julian added that Chad Rose, SHS, received the honor of being chosen as a member of the Rose Bowl Parade Band of Directors for the Marching Bands. Jhett West, SHS Student and John B. Kendrick FFA member, took 4th in the FFA National Creed Competition.

Scott Stults spoke about the Covid-19 plan review, and masks are again, “Strongly Recommended” SCSD#2 schools, but are not required. He said the during a special board meeting on Nov. 16, Sheridan County was in a place where the mask requirement could be dropped. Since then, the positive cases in Sheridan County have dropped even lower from 65 to 53.

Trustee Fessler had this comment, which caused a minor disruption from the attending parents.

A few parents spoke to the board, one parent was concerned about the crosswalks and parking at the schools, concerned that the traffic can create a dangerous situation for youngsters.

Troy Decker reported on the Fifth Street property, and the community input on what the property might be used for, as well as grants available for improvements. A survey for local resident was available and the four ideas presented for using the land was local foods; youth sports and activities; economic development and neighborhood enhancement.

He said the property is zoned commercial but allows for educational use. The SHS property is zoned educational, and height restrictions for educational buildings is three stories and total height 35 feet. The business zoning on the Holly Sugar property allows for four stories up to 45 feet. He presented a sketch of the existing holly sugar buildings as well as the a building that is the total 82,000 square feet, the largest structure that could be built on the property. The Fifth Street property is an ongoing project.

Principals from the elementary schools in SCSD#2 gave reports on what is happening in their schools. Focus was on science, which included hands-on learning, such a field trip to the Story Fish Hatchery. Math and literature was also a topic for the elementary schools, as well as social and emotional development. Stressed as nearly as important as education, was the relationships that can be built between teachers and students in elementary school.

Sue Wilson turned the floor to Scott Stults, saying, “I promised so people you would address what we are doing, in light of the tragedy in Michigan” Stults told the board what action SCSD#2 schools are taking in case of an active shooter situation.

Stults also commended the elementary principals and the teachers, saying that it was about relationships, between the staff, administration, and the students. And that the principals were praised for hiring good teachers and staff.