Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
TEN SLEEP – The Washakie County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees met on Monday, Feb. 10 for their regularly scheduled meeting to discuss a new policy, new calendar, as well as perform a superintendent evaluation.
The Ten Sleep school board finished the night in executive session to discuss personnel, as well as determine whether to extend the contract of current Superintendent Jimmy Phelps. Upon discussion and an evaluation of the performance that the superintendent has done, the board decided to extend the contract of Phelps one more year than was previously agreed upon, through June of 2023.
Earlier in the night, the board discussed and approved the calendar for the 2020-2021 school year, with a start date set for Aug. 21. Important dates noted in the calendar include homecoming Oct. 19-24, Christmas break Dec. 21-Jan. 4, Easter break April 2-5, graduation May 16 and school ending on May 20. In total this will accumulate to 175 days for students next year as approved.
Superintendent Phelps updated the board regarding the process for a new school, where he said that the design budget for the school was approved by the Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee, but must pass through the two branches prior to approval by Governor Mark Gordon, where if he signs the budget, that would become available July 1 of this year.
NEW POLICIES
The board approved second readings of policy 1.25, which pertained to verbiage being changed regarding the Ten Sleep Recreation District’s final budget being reviewed and considered by the school board, this change aligned the language of the policy closer with state statutes. The board also approved policy 5.21 on second reading, which will now allow students the opportunity to receive excused absences for post-secondary institution visits upon approval.
The board also held a first reading to change policy 6.3 pertaining to out-of-state trips. If approved on a second reading, this will allow administration to approve out-of-state trips and report the trip to the board if the trip is set to occur “before the next scheduled board meeting.”
OTHER BUSINESS
The board received approval from the state to purchase a replacement activity bus. However, since the bus had not reached a certain mileage threshold required for full reimbursement by the state, the state will only pay for 25% of the bus because of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.
The board also approved a bid on a new phone system, deciding to approve a bid from Lewan Technology based out of Colorado, with a bid of $43,015.92.
In an interview, Phelps said there was an incident regarding a ball valve on a hot water line breaking on a water heater and flooding the downstairs of the school on Thursday, Feb. 20, and the area would be assessed and reported to the insurance.
He said he broken hot water heater did flood the downstairs area, including Dave McGarvin’s office, the bathroom, washing machine room and bottom of the staircase.