James Yule honored with Bell Ringer award; New East Side principal named

The June 24 meeting of the Washakie County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees began with the presentation of the annual Bell Ringer Award to photographer James Yule.

Presented to a community member each year who makes a difference within the schools, Yule was selected as the recipient of the Bell Ringer Award for the time he has spent over the years photographing school events.

Chairman David Tommerup read aloud a statement saying, "I can't think of anyone else who devotes so much of their personal time and finances to capture the spirit of sports in our community."

James is an accomplished wildlife photographer, having won 38 awards at the Wyoming Wildlife photography contest at the time of an interview with Northern Wyoming News in 2020. He has spent most of his lifetime documenting nature in northern Wyoming, but he spends a considerable amount of his free time photographing a variety of events for Worland youth, ranging from theatre to sports.

Another statement said at Monday's meeting was, "James has captured a lifetime of memories for our community through his lens."

STAFFING

Tanya Kienlen's contract was approved for East Side Elementary School principal for the 2024-2025 school year.

Former principal Brittany Miller moved to principal at Worland Middle School earlier last month and former WMS principal, Ryan Clark, was moved to special education director with the resignation of Kim Sanford last month.

The following certified staff were approved: Argylle Moore, third grade teacher at South Side; David Duncan, school psychologist; Alexandra Russell, speech language pathologist assistant; Tolman Flannery, English language instructor; Ayni Garza, sixth grade English language arts.

The following high school extra duty assignments were approved: Brian Aagard/Josh Keller, SkillsUSA; Jeana Croft, FCCLA/SkillsUSA; Amy Lamm, FBLA; Tim McGee, National Honor Society; Grace Godfrey, FFA; Connor Dennis, vocal music, assistant band; Loren Lauridson, band; Kim Files, flag corps; Rick Dorn, forensics, fall play/drama festival; Emily Myers, assistant Forensics; Naomi Durrant, spring play; Phillip Nelson, assistant drama; Sarah Staley, yearbook; Andrea Bilodeau, Student Council; Victoria Danovsky, dance coach; Lissy Hughes, athletic trainer; W-Club and cheer coach positions open.

The following middle school extra duty assignments were approved: Ben Hofmann, athletic director; Debbie Keller, Student Council; Angela Richardson, yearbook; Connor Dennis, drama.

COACHING

Spring high school coaches approved for the 2024-2025 school year: head track coach Tracey Wiley and assistants, Tammy Montoya, Joshua Garza and two open positions; boys soccer head coach Ronald Overcast and assistant Rylan Mocko; girls soccer head coach Jesus Davila and assistant Sydnee Jameson; golf head coach Benjamin Hofmann and assistant Candace Whitlock; softball head coach Charity Glanz and assistants Tim Barrus/Dave Coronado.

Spring middle school coaches approved for the 2024-2025 school year: track head coach Brenna Abel and assistants Rachel Cruz, Kim Lang, Stacy Kissner; practice coach Scott Thomas; boys soccer head coach position open; assistant boys soccer Jackson Wassum; girls' soccer head coach Tanya Kienlen and assistant Casey Wassum.

Connor Warner was approved as middle school assistant wrestling coach.

OTHER

The base salary of the transportation director was approved to be increased to $60,850.

Chief Operations Officer Charlie Cauffman reported that handicap accessible playground equipment has been installed at the playground at East Side Elementary, and barring some touch-ups the project is complete. He reported that all other summer projects (front office and weight room remodels, air handler unit replacements at South Side and West Side) are progressing according to schedule.

Cauffman also said that the district's garage sale made $2,125.