001here tonight. Um, it is 6:00 and I'd like to call this meeting of the Laramie County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees to order. If you would please rise, we'd love for you to join us with the Pledge of Allegiance. >> Hi, I'm Katie Montgomery. I'm the principal at Bain Elementary School. >> And I'm Michelle Bertman. This is my first grade class and they're going to perform the Pledge of Allegiance for you. >> I pledge allegiance to the of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Well, thank you to those Bain Bulldogs. Um, all right. Dr. Newton, do we have any adjustments to tonight's agenda? >> Madam Chair, there are no adjustments
002to this evening's agenda. >> Madam Chair, I move to adopt the agenda. >> I'll second. >> Okay, we have a motion and second to adopt the agenda. All in favor, say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Okay, that's been adopted. We're going to move right into what I think most of you are here for tonight, and that is the recognition of our students and our staff for different outstanding achievements. Uh, we're going to start tonight by recognizing uh, Novah Novah Evans from Putnam Elementary School, um, for um, her fundraising efforts or for Novah's fundraising efforts with the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, I believe. So, if Mr. Delbridge would come forward and anybody else you want to bring up? >> Thank you so much. If I could have all my group come up here. So,
003good evening, everyone. What a great opportunity to recognize one of our amazing students at Freedom Elementary. About 4 years ago, this is our school nurse Andrea Escobedo asked me if she could start a Kids Heart Challenge to the American Heart Association at our school and it's just become a big part of our school. And like I said, we've been doing it for 4 years and each year it just gets bigger and bigger. And Miss Nova Evans this year, I think she came in second across the entire state. She at a 2024 students, she came in second. And so she raised just right at $2,000 all by herself. So what a special opportunity to recognize not only a great student in our building, she's also on our elementary student to student leadership team. So just just
004a great student overall. I think Jody, you wanted to say something as well. >> Hi everyone. My name's Jody Abrams. I'm the Vice President of School Engagement for the American Heart Association for Colorado and Wyoming. And it's so wonderful to be here to honor Nova. So I just wanted to say, Nova, on behalf of the American Heart Association, we want to say congratulations for being a top student fundraiser in Wyoming for the American Heart Association through Kids Heart Challenge at Freedom Elementary for the 2025-26 school year. The American Heart Association is incredibly grateful for your dedication and generosity. By raising $1,900, you are helping fund life-saving research, advanced medical care, and provide education that helps save lives for those affected by heart disease and stroke. Your efforts are also inspiring others to build healthier habits,
005creating a lasting impact in your community. Kids Heart Challenge is more than fundraising. It's about learning how to take care of your heart while making a difference for others. You embraced that challenge and truly stood out, showing leadership, compassion, and commitment to helping people live longer, healthier lives. Your actions also inspired others around you to join in and be part of the fight against heart disease. Reaching this milestone means you are the second highest fundraising student out of 2,024 students who participated in this effort across Wyoming. A heartfelt thank you to Principal Delbridge and Andrea Escobedo for bringing this program to light for Freedom Elementary and inspiring the next generation of lifesavers. So, Nova, thank you for putting your heart into this mission. We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished.
006If we could join together and recognize Nova. And we have a certificate of appreciation for you. You're also going to get a trophy, which will be here in a couple weeks. Um, but thank you so much. Thank you. >> Should we have her parents stand up as well and be recognized, Lily and Tom? Thank you so much. >> Congratulations, Nova. Next, we are excited to recognize two students of the week. The first for the week of April 27th and the second for this week, the week of May 4th. First, we'll be recognizing for April the week of April 27th. I may not get this right and I'm sorry. Haliona or Kaliona Case from Triumph High School. Um She's a 10th grader. She'll be recognized by Principal Mike Maloney and favorite teacher Learamy Ringelsby. >> Chairwoman
007Smith, trustee, Superintendent Newton, it is my pleasure once again to introduce one of the beautiful students from Triumph High School. Congratulations to our student of the week, Haley Case. Though I refer to her, her nickname for me is Billy. So, Billy stands out for her positive attitude and genuinely kind heart. She shows up every day ready to work hard, stay resilient, and support the people around her. One of the coolest things about her is how she has even helped me discover some great new music along the way. Billy, your effort, kindness, and spirit doesn't go unnoticed. Keep doing exactly what you're doing. We're all better for it. Congratulations. At this time, I would like to recognize her mother, Jenna, if you're here, please stand up. Thank you for being here. I would also like the
008Triumph staff and any students that are here to stand up and be recognized. Thank you for coming out to support Haley tonight. Haley chose as her important adult to speak tonight, Laramie Ringelsby, who's our Dean of Students. >> Hi, um Haley Case is our student of the week and it's really easy to see already why she stands out. She's in her second year at Triumph and she has shown incredible growth, determination, and heart. She may be tiny, but she's mighty. She never backs down from a challenge and always pushes herself to do the best. Haley's hardworking and she continues to overcome really difficult things, more than most of us in our entire life lifetime. What really makes Haley special is her kindness. She treats people with dignity and respect and her positive mental attitude make
009a difference every single day at Triumph. She also has a strong support system, including her amazing friends back here in this corner, Officer Golasby, Principal, her favorite teachers over here, um and her amazing mom and brother. Um Haley's strength and attitude and kind spirit make her truly deserving of the student of the week. Um our world are better because she's in it. Um I love you, kiddo. I'm going to put that down. Okay. >> I am truly honored to be standing here as Student of the Week. As a 10th grader at Triumph High School, I've learned that school is so much more about than just grades. It's about growth, connection, and the people who help you become who you're meant to be. At least for Triumph and me. No offense, but this isn't the case
010at any other school I've been to. The friends I've made here are amazing and the staff is better than I can even put into words. The friends I've The friends here and the staff I'm about to name have changed my life in a way that I can never seem to amaze. Laramie, the Dean of Students, is like a second mom and an advocate to me. She believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. She makes me feel She makes sure I feel safe and heard. My teacher Jayden reminds me that I can do hard things even when I feel like I can't. Um I do them because of her. And Ashley is always here for me when I'm down, ready to listen without any judgment, and she never fails to make me laugh
011or smile. And my principal Mike, he's awesome. He's even become a Billie Eilish fan just because he knows how much I love her. And it's really helped us connect. Um he hasn't called me Haley once this year. He always calls me Billie. Um my advisor Rebecca was also my junior high teacher. She saw me at my worst, but she never gave up on me. She believed I would come around, and now we're both here and she gets to see that growth that I've made. My disco teacher Doug helped me find my voice. Because of him, standing here is tonight even possible. He's like the dad I know I deserve. I also want to thank my mom. Even on the hardest days, she finds ways to support me, sometimes by quickly reaching out to Laramie when
012I'm struggling. Because of that, I stay at school instead of running like I might have done in the past. I see you, Mom, and I appreciate you. You are why I am who I am and as strong as I have become. I've seen you do so much when you could have quit and you had every reason to. You push yourself and me even when we don't know exactly where we're going. We get there together and are strong because of you. This year hasn't been easy. I lost my favorite person. I lost my grandma, my uncle, and my childhood dog within just a few months. The old me might have just given up, but because of my village, I didn't. Because of Because of them, I'm stronger, and because of them, I'm standing here today being
013recognized. Thank you. >> What is >> For the week of May 4th, um we'll be recognizing Curtis Dunlap tonight. Curtis is a seventh grader at McCormick Junior High School. And if he could come forward with Principal Jeff Hatcliff and favorite teacher Luke Papores? No. >> Number two. >> Okay. Number two is here. Not Mr. >> Papores couldn't make it, so we're stuck with Mr. Ford, but that's okay. All right. So, um I'm Jeff Hatcliff, Principal of McCormick, and thank you Trustees and Dr. Newton. Um Curtis is a student who truly enjoys and stands out for both his character and determination at McCormick. McCormick. He enjoys wrestling, flag football, spending time with friends, and has a strong interest in world geography and English. At school, he consistently demonstrates kindness, respect, and a strong work ethic. Curtis
014embraces challenges and often pushes himself even harder when faced with difficulty. His He brings a positive energy to every classroom, uplifting those around him, and his genuine personality and confidence. Not only does he strive to succeed individually, but he also works to support his peers, helping create a strong connection connected school community. Curtis is a valued member of McCormick, and his presence truly makes our school a better place. So, thank you, Curtis. >> Yeah. >> I know Curtis I know Curtis has a uh contingent here, but if his parents, Anna and Curtis, would also please stand up to be recognized. And then I will let Mr. Ford say a few words about him, too. >> More than a few, are you sure? >> [clears throat] >> Hey, everyone. Uh so, this gushing speech starts with
015a grievance as I was chosen underneath the social studies teacher. Uh I'm Dylan Ford. I'm Luke's Curtis's English teacher. Luke Vaporis, who is his actual [clears throat] favorite teacher, couldn't be here tonight. I have some of the words that he wanted read out for you guys. But first I had the mic so I'm going to hog it for a bit. Um so while I'm not his favorite teacher, really is an honor to introduce Curtis. He is seriously one of the funniest kids I've ever taught. Like for instance, anytime he has bad news to share he's like, "Hypothetically." >> [laughter] >> There's been a lot of hypothetically's lately. Uh Just [laughter] saying. Um he's truly kind to everyone. Um there's a term in the military called a force multiplier. Um and what that is is basically
016without increasing resources, there are some things or some people that increase how effective the unit runs as a whole. And Curtis is a force multiplier. Uh he has these subtle ways of bringing people together that really just make the classes more effective, that make our lessons more effective, and we are so grateful for that. Um >> [clears throat] >> also on a completely unrelated note, uh he popularized the term "Aw shucks." Uh which has prevented many of his peers from getting in trouble for using the ruder version of that word. So thanks for the less paperwork. Now here's what Mr. Vaporis, his actual favorite teacher, had to say about him. Uh Curtis is a light in the classroom. He always has a smile on his face when he walks into my class. He's full of
017positivity and kindness that fills up the whole classroom. He's consistently going above and beyond what is expected of him and is such an encouragement in class. Curtis does not just want to succeed individually, but strives to help everyone around him succeed as well. He always asks me how I'm doing and genuinely means it. Curtis truly has confidence in himself and it's honestly refreshing to see a student so assured in who they are. It is truly a blessing to have Curtis in my class. So, everyone, please give a round of applause for Curtis. >> Uh I just want to say like thank you and stuff to like Mr. Ford and Mr. Ford's kids they always like lighten my mood and stuff. Cuz like even if I'm like down or something, they always like make me like
018laugh and stuff, like say like funny jokes, like if you like say something and they remember it, they always like make a joke about it. And like yeah, it just lightens your mood. Like it's not completely different class compared to like strict teachers and stuff. Like they just like lighten the mood. And so yeah, that's all I mostly want to say. Thank you all. >> Well, congratulations to our two students of the week um and to their favorite teachers. Western Vista Federal Credit Union um sponsors the awards program for our student of the week. So, at this time, I would invite Dan Moss, the chief technology officer from the credit union, to say a few words. Thank you. >> So, we're honored to be a part of this and we would like to present you
019with a uh for the student and for the teacher, if you'll give Luke his. >> [laughter] >> And it's okay if you don't. I'm not going to tell him. But uh a certificate and a gift card for the great things that you're doing and we wish you nothing but success. >> Thank you. >> I have one that says the >> Thank you. >> All right. Congratulations. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Noah. Thank you, sir. Second best we're here. Thanks for your hard work. Thank you, sir. Thanks for your hard work. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Second best. Thank you. I can live that one, though. >> [laughter] >> All right. Thank you. Scroll down. So, what We'll let those families leave and maybe some other parents come in that couldn't fit in before, and
020then we'll move on to our next recognition. So, at this time, I'd like to invite Sarah Evans, a Central High School French teacher in the World Language Tosa for the district, um as well as other high school language teachers and a whole bunch of high school students um that I believe most of you are probably here to see recognized, but if you all would come forward and we'll turn it over to Ms. Evans. >> Yeah, good evening. Um let me tell you a little bit about what we're here to recognize students for first. Um so, the Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, a district, or a state in recognition of students who attain proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. It's a nationwide movement now adopted by all
02150 states. Governor Gordon signed our Wyoming State Seal of Biliteracy into law in March of 2022. Uh to qualify for this award, students must demonstrate their proficiency in both English and an additional world language by means of a cut score on one of several possible standardized tests of language proficiency. They must also meet Wyoming state graduation requirements. This are their their achievement is recognized on their school transcripts and by a physical seal added to their diplomas. This honor carries weight in many contexts nationwide and is right rewarded with college language credit by many universities. Um tonight we'll be recognizing them with certificates from the district and from WDE. Uh we'll recognize two levels of award tonight, the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Biliteracy with advanced distinction, which requires testing one additional level higher
022in all language skills. To give you an idea of what an accomplishment that is, the students who are receiving the advanced seal tonight have tested just one level lower than what's required to be a teacher of world language in the state of Wyoming. Um so, they have done tremendous work. We are immensely proud of them. Uh we're also going to recognize a separate group of awardees tonight um who are receiving the Laramie County School District Seal of Biliteracy. These students have met the same language standards as our other awardees have, but they are exchange students and cannot receive the Wyoming Seal because they're not graduating in the state of Wyoming. They are finishing an exciting year of English immersion here in Cheyenne and they have progressed so much, and you will notice that many of
023them also study a third language and you recognize in that also. Uh we're going to announce our awardees by school and by language and one or more teachers from each school will announce their awards. As we announce names, please hold your applause. We know you're excited. We are really excited, too, but we're going to hold our applause until we have each language group up front. Um so students, you can come up to here for now. Um Uh please as you come up, please stand in a line up front with the other recipients from your school and language, then take a few steps back to make space for the next school. Uh parents of seal recipients, just a quick note for you. Once we recognize everyone, we're going to head out front over here to take
024a group photo with students together and then we will head up to that third floor training center over across the lawn in the admin building for our reception. Um you can access that by walking along the south side of the admin building and going in that south facing door and taking the stairs. There will be signs. Um All right, and so again, I'm Sarah Evans and I am here also representing Central High School French. Um these students have earned the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy in French and English. Those are Noah El Azizi, Jesse Jameson, Abdullah Khan, Abilene Odell, and Sarah Stump. And these students have earned the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy with advanced distinction in French and English. Those students are Zuman Collins and Eliza Scranton. Those are our French awardees. >> Hello, I am
025Sasha Patel from Central High School and I teach Spanish. These students have earned the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English. Ella Wilms, Cody Castro, Addison McKenney, McKenzie, I'm so sorry. I don't even know I did that. Sarah Cordova, Armon Garcia, Derek Castro, and Natalie Cohen has earned the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy in in Turkish and English. And at also at Central I'm Stephanie Denning. We had two exchange students who received um seals and the first one is Jan Babacheck. Um he earned the seal of German in German and also in advanced Czech. We also had Anna Capel de Llano Viniegra um who earned the advanced Spanish. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Deborah Sanders. I teach French at East High. I'm here to present uh the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy to Sadie's
026Von Etzer in French and English. And the advanced Seal of Biliteracy to E Hiroha Eden in Japanese um advanced Japanese and English. >> Hi, I'm Jenny Anderson. I teach Spanish at East and I'm here with my colleague Mason Magounia who also teaches Spanish at East. Um the following students uh have earned the Seal of Biliteracy um in Spanish and English. Alexander Espinosa Basilio Kaylee Fisbeck Uriah Graham Josephine Haberkorn Hannah James Isaac King Finnian Knepper Ashley Olsen Vesper Sites Cali Wallace and Ava Walsh. The following students from East High School have earned the advanced seal in Spanish and English. Lisette Corona Perla Hernandez Ruiz Caitlyn Markham Camila Silva Ashley Smith Saul Verduzco Wyatt Wilson. These uh exchange students from East High School have earned the seal the LCSD one seal of biliteracy. Okay. [laughter] Um in
027advanced check, we have Matia Iskandara. Um for advanced German and Italian, we have Federico Andre. In Spanish and advanced Italian, we have Sofia Bassani. For advanced Italian and Spanish, we have Dalia Fabbri. For advanced Polish, we have Maria Dimech. In advanced French, we have Judit Olvera. And in French and advanced Spanish, we have Leire Sainz Elizalde. >> Good evening. My name is Mary Borthwick. I'm the Spanish teacher at South High School. And these following students have earned the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English. Uh these three are not here. Evan Molinero Muela Isaac Rodriguez Chavez Saul Valdivia Gomez and then these students have earned the Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy with advanced distinction in Spanish and English. Gabriela Acosta Rios at City Chavez uh Abby Feliciano Tellez Beatriz Mateo Camila Vasquez and Adriana Zapata.
028>> If you are a parent or family member of a student being recognized with the Seal of Biliteracy, would you please stand? >> We got all their pictures, so we can't mess it up. All right, students you can just take four big steps towards me. Well, all right. And then, uh same order that you came out. We're going to keep them up here for now. >> Nope. >> No, we're right there. No, you're here to do your shot. You guys are going to follow the line. When this line is done >> Congratulations. >> Good work. >> Sorry. >> Congratulations. >> Good work. >> Good job. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Sorry. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Continue your hard work. >> Good job. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Good work. Good work.
029>> Congratulations. >> Good work. Good work. Good Good work. Thank you. Sorry, I was going to screw up the paperwork. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you. We'll give those folks a chance to leave and head across the way to their pizza party um to celebrate and then we'll move on. I need a chair, so Well, tonight we are excited to celebrate the Educational Support Person of the Year Award. So, at this time I would like to invite Kristen Siegel, um the South High School Assistant Principal and Trustee Brooke Humphrey to come forward. >> Good evening. Thank you, Board of Trustees and Dr. Newton. Um the ESP Educational Support Person of the Year Program recognizes district employees that are in non-teaching or non-supervisory positions for displaying professionalism and dedication to the success
030of our students in the district. There are two awards that are presented, one to a student support staff and one to a district support staff. We will recognize our nominees, runners-up, and winners. We will start with the nominees. If you are here in the audience, please come up when we call your name. This year, 40 district employees were nominated for the ESPY Award. They are Susie Artemica, Megan Baker, Laura Berry, Sydney Brennick, Brenda Brown, Daisy Burt, Holly Byrum, Kaylee Cassidy, Jackie Chowning, Suzanne Clark, Bryant Collins, Rihanna Dowdle, Jocelyn Eskam, April Eslick, Erin Fairweather, Christine Fitzgerald, Andrea Garcia, Renee Gardner, Bree Gittens, Julie Grandpre, Amber Hamlin, Caleb Hanson, Kristen Herrera, Michelle Lambert, Elizabeth Lang, Alyssa Luthi, Christine Lyons, David Marks, Britney Marlow, Jennifer Myers, Denise or Dennis Pacheco, Medora Presley, Casey Pugel, Ashley Santora, Jesse Sherman,
031Melissa Summers, Danielle Tabor, Amber Tomlinson, Lindsey Valdez, and Aaron Ziem. Thank you for being here and we would like to give you a round of applause for being nominated. >> Out of the nominees, we had five finalists who are selected to participate in an interview. The following employees participated in interviews and are the runners-up for the award. Tracy Peden, Jill Hammock, and Amanda Wolfe. At this time, we would like to call up our our winner, Dildine paraeducator Bridget Whiteman and principal Carrie Peacock. Bridget was selected as the 2026 Educational Person of the Year Supports for Student Support. Bridget makes an outstanding contribution to students, staff, and the school community through her dedication, professionalism, and compassion, her nomination form states. Her ability her natural ability to build strong rapport with students and staff fosters a welcoming,
032inclusive environment that positively impacts our entire campus culture. >> Bridget Whiteman is amazing. Um she has dedicated herself to supporting students and staff in schools in ways that often go unseen, but are deeply felt. Bridget brings a lot of flexibility, stepping in wherever she's needed, whether that is covering a classroom at a moment's notice, or working with small groups of students, she really does it all. Uh what sets Mrs. Whiteman apart is not just what she does, it's how she does it. She shows up every day with a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and a genuine care for the people around her. Bridget supports our teachers, she lifts our students, and she helps create the kind of environment that everyone can succeed in. In a school, it is people like Mrs. Wightman who truly
033do make a difference. Uh the ones who are quietly, consistently, and compassionately showing up every day and doing whatever it takes to make the school run. That's what Bridget does. Um Mrs. Wightman, we are very grateful for you. We are very, very proud of you, and incredibly lucky to have you as part of our Dildine community. We love you greatly, and I can't think of anyone more deserving than Bridget Wightman. Thank you. >> Um right before we went on spring break, um I was very surprised uh we were starting to shut down, and all of a sudden five chairs come out, and I'm like, "What's going on?" cuz I was really start helping up on the stage. They threw a surprise um at the assembly for me, and awarded me with this huge uh plaque.
034Um I I'm just so honored, humbled. Um I love kids, and I can't believe uh this is like 25 years now that I have been working for an elementary school, 20 years in Colorado at the same elementary school. I became grandma to so many kids. And so now I'm five years at Dildine, and I'm not retiring yet, >> [laughter] >> despite the gray hair. But, um I love my job, and as long as I keep that energy, I'm six inside. I'm six inside. So, I love it, and I'm just very grateful that I have such a great school community to work with. My teachers, um my roomie, >> [laughter] >> Audrey Brunner, she's She has even lifted me more this year than I have ever been lifted. She's taught me things that are going to
035continue on, hopefully for another maybe 5 years. Although, Mrs. Peacock won't let me retire until she does. So. >> [laughter] >> So, thank you. >> At this time, we'd like to call up assistive technology facilitator Lucas Finch and director special services Dr. Stacy Kern. Lucas was selected as the 2026 educational support person of the year for district support. Lucas' unique skill set that's around navigating, problem-solving, and developing technology resources are unsurpassable, the form states. He's an asset to the special education program. At this time, would anyone in the audience that works with um Mr. Finch like to talk about how he helps out? >> We're so proud of Lucas. I Um he provides a crucial role in helping our students become independent, providing unwavering support for myself and my colleague Katie, um bridging academic needs
036for our kids. Um he highlights definitely dedication to the job, patience with us, >> [laughter] >> our our frequent calls from special ed, um an ability to make a positive impact on our students in their lives both in the classroom as well as out in the community. Um he builds a strong and an inclusive um environment for all of us. So, thank you, Lucas. >> I was asked if I'd like to speak. Sometimes it's hard for me to to to not speak, but uh won't say too much. Yeah, honestly, the whole process from the initial email I got to the phone call saying I was a finalist to the uh final five or six people coming to my office with this big certificate telling me I I had won was a huge surprise. Um I'm
037sure there's probably more deserving people in the district, but uh but I'm uh excited to be able to represent assistive technology and the role it plays in empowering our um our our teachers, our special ed teachers, and our uh speech and language pathologists, occupational therapist, and in the whole special services realm and um then providing tools to empower their students. So, uh that's kind of my life passion is empowering the dis- disempowered people. So, I enjoy getting to do that on a daily basis um from admin or running around the schools to fix stuff. >> Thank you all for being here. All right, we will move on now to the public comment from visitor time in our agenda. Um, I have a statement I always read before we start this time and then we just
038had one individual sign up to speak tonight, so I will bring that person up after I'm done. The purpose of the board meeting is to conduct the business of the district publicly. The board sincerely values community input and feedback on school operations and welcomes public comment on both agenda and non-agenda items. Individuals wishing to comment during a board meeting may must sign up by 5:45 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Sign up for public comment can be done electronically by accessing the form available on Oh gosh. What's our What? >> One time. >> assembly assembly Sorry, we just recently changed that, well, fairly recently. Um, under the public comment portion of the meeting agenda. Alternatively, individuals may also contact Arlene Davis to be added to the electronic sign-up sheet. We begin by hearing public
039comment on agenda items followed by public comment on non-agenda items. Please keep in mind this is a time for board members to listen and consider, but not to address or debate. The board asks that all speakers state your first and last name, keep your comments to 3 minutes or less, and note that if you wish to discuss matters pertaining to the employment of a district staff member, such as the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, investigation, discipline, or dismissal of an employee, this will not be done during the public comment portion of the meeting. Such comments should be directed to the executive director of human resources, or you may request to meet with the board during executive session. So, as I mentioned, we only had one individual sign up tonight, um, and that is Brian Young. Is
040Mr. Young here? >> Good evening. Uh, yeah, my name is Brian Young. Um, I appreciate the time um, you guys let me come up here. Um, I put in the when I filled out the form. So, I just had a not maybe a comment, but a question and maybe this isn't the right place to address this if board members can't talk, but um, on item 10 where it talks about the contract awarded for fruits and vegetables for the school district. Um, I work for a Quality State Farms. We're a local Gillette, Wyoming produce distribution company. Um, we applied for submitted a proposal on the bid. Um, and it's broken out into two different categories. It says like regular produce and then there's like a fresh fruit and vegetable part of it. And I just wanted
041to know is it um, cuz it says like in the bid document that is awarded by line item, but then what we got in return only shows a portion like the regular produce. And I was curious if someone could tell me like if the if you won the regular produce, if you also won the fresh fruit and vegetable portion of that contract or if that's a single a separate item on there. >> Uh Madam Chair, um, if if the gentleman would leave his contact information with Darlene, we can have um, the purchasing office reach out to you and I'm sure can answer all of your questions in that uh, venue. >> All right, yeah. Would that be uh, Miss Reddell? >> Um, >> [snorts] >> it would be um, she is one person that could.
042Yes. That could answer. >> Yep. >> Okay. And I just want to say too, if something were to go bad with the current one that we would love to help support Laramie County School District. So, um, I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Our next regular board meeting will be held on May 18th at 6:00 p.m. Then on May 26th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. the executive team will meet with the superintendent. Um and then at the end of the month we have our our big celebration starting with that Thursday, May 28th at 4:00 p.m. is Triumph graduation. That is here at Story Gym. And then on May 29th, um we will kick off a long day with the 9:00 a.m. East High School graduation, 1:00 p.m. Central High School graduation, and 5:00
043p.m. South High School graduation. And those will be at Frontier Park. So, um that's what we've got coming up this month. And now Yeah, sure. And no snow. >> With not 12 inches of snow. >> With 12 inches of snow. All right. Um we'll now move on to individual board communications and reports. And if you all don't mind, I'm going to kick this off tonight and then I will um turn it over um to all of you. But, let me pull out some notes here just super quick. Um first of all, I I think Dr. Newton will probably talk about this, but I just wanted to note that it is teacher appreciation week this week. Um I wanted to thank our nutrition services. Um they baked up a whole lot of cookies and made up
044some really beautiful fruit trays and um to our board, thank you for getting out and delivering those all over the county today. Um but most importantly, thank you to our educators in the district and those that are in the schools and just making the magic happen for our kids every day. And um we as a board, as a parent, I mean I we're just all incredibly grateful. So, just wanted to say that. Thank you. Um but there were also a few celebrations from the district that I wanted to share with the board but also with our public. Um, I don't know that we have a lot of public here tonight, but maybe the newspaper is listening and they can share some of these celebrations too because there's really some incredible things going on in our
045district. Um, one item I wanted to share is that our composite ACT score in the district is up from 18.8 to 19.1. Um, and more than 3% or that's um, 3% more students who um, have reached ACT's college readiness benchmark this year compared to last year. Um, and I would note not all states test 100% of their juniors, but Wyoming does. And of all of the states that test 100% of their juniors using the ACT, our district average falls only behind the states of Utah and Wisconsin and their scores were 19.2 and 19.4. And there's their 19.1, so we're super close to being the second highest state um, of all of the states that test all of their juniors. So I think that is incredible. We we hear a lot of, you know, grumbling about
046test scores and things, but I mean this is just proof our our our districts really done some great things and our kids are they're excelling and they're learning. Um, a second thing I wanted to share um, is that the WyTOPP ELA data is still preliminary um, because the window hasn't closed, but it is showing in our district promising growth um, and proficiency rates for grade 7 through 10 are showing a 6% increase over last year, which is huge. >> [snorts] >> Um, and then finally one other thing I just wanted to give a shout out to and that is our CAP program, the comprehensive academic preparation program, um, is continuing to expand its impact. and this year um we've had a nearly 20% increase in graduation or in graduates compared to the last 2 years.
047So, 20% more kids than in the past 2 years who have been able to complete their high school requirements and graduate this year. So, um those are just a few celebrations I wanted to share and just those are things maybe in the district and in our public that um people don't hear about and so I think I mean what better time to to recognize it and give a shout out than during these meetings. So, anyway, that is all I have tonight. Does anybody else have something to report? Trustee Cook? >> Um yeah, I just wanted to uh piggyback onto yours. We had the privilege of taking the cookies out today, but Darlene Davis did an awesome job. We it couldn't have been organized better. I mean to from the napkins to the cookies. I didn't
048take one cookie from my from my stash and but thank you. And also Holly Colly, did I say that correctly? From nutrition services. She did They It was just amazing today. So, thank you for your hard work. Always. >> And Misty bites the >> Okay. >> And Misty >> Um I had the opportunity this week to um visit Rossman Elementary School. Um and uh Mr. Ian Brown gave me a tour. I got to meet many staff and students. And um he they had um several of their teachers were working on um in their PLCs, their professional learning communities. So, I met the third grade teachers and they brought up their computer and showed me numbers and no names. Um and they do assessments like every single month and um so you could see red red,
049yellow, green but you could see the numbers and the improvement from the beginning of the year and what they have to accomplish to be at grade level at the beginning of the year and at the end of it's much harder at the end of the year and their numbers um go up even though the standards are um a little harder um and then I also spoke to the first grade teachers and then they were showing me bits and pieces of FastBridge and um so it's kind of fun to see the actual stuff that we vote and and approve um and so they were telling me in the first grade that they're at or above grade level at the first grade level from the beginning of the year has gone from 35% to 70% so I
050was that was very impressive um and then the other thing I noticed in the school was there was an incredible amount of teamwork both the secretaries were out that day um and so they had other staff members that had jumped in um to you know, do their job and answer phones and let me in the building. So um every time I go to a school I'm like, "This is the best school in the district." and then I go to another one and think the same thing. Um but we really do an amazing job at all of our schools um and we just have some amazing programs and our staff is just so caring and compassionate and it's just an honor to serve them. >> Christie Ashby >> Okay. >> So I have a couple of
051things. First um from the uh shout out to our teachers we bring cookies but really is meant to be huge thank you to all and as is my custom I uh did our rule schools today and [laughter] uh thank you to those of you that work clear out clear out of town cuz that's always an adventure to get out there and see. Um luckily I did get out before it started snowing. I was very excited. Barely, I think, but I I was out. Uh also I got the opportunity to go out to South last week um and see uh sort of the kickoff of their pickleball of the pickleball program district-wide. Uh it was great fun. Uh the Wyoming Pickleball Association which I didn't know existed, but it does. Um um has raised funds uh
052for nets and something like 500 paddles and various things district-wide. So, I got to watch the Rawlins children uh play pickleball at South. Uh that was great fun. And then um my last thing I we did have a Wyoming School Boards Association board meeting not this last weekend, but the weekend before. And wanted to give a little bit of an update on what's happening with uh WSBA. Uh most of uh the meeting for WSBA had to do with kind of um uh planning for the future of the organization. We did some strategic planning and sort of review of services. Uh and just quick reminders that WSBA, as you mostly know, does the advocacy piece, but also um the and the training which many of us have taken advantage of. Um however, they also provide a
053lot of other services, some policy review pieces, um and then a lot of services that don't necessarily fit in our realm of the world, but do for the rest of the districts across the state including um some insurance, some um uh nutrition services, uh partnerships, those kinds of things. Uh and so we spent a lot of time going through and looking at how those were going and what that looks like moving forward to continue to provide services to the districts and the school boards across the state. Uh we also had some updates from around the state that I thought were interesting. Uh, and makes me feel less alone. >> [laughter] >> School board, um, there is lots of, um, as there is been conversation here, lots of conversation at statewide around how budgets work and
054where there's going to be different challenges, uh, with the uh, >> [snorts] >> legislation that came through this last year. Uh, many people are very concerned. A lot of districts are very concerned um, about insurance programs, how they're insuring, um, uh, health insurance in particular, um, but also just general and liability insurance across the different uh, size districts. Uh, the food program came up many, many times. That lots of um, districts are unsure how they're going to get their kids fed in the next year because of how the funding is structured. Um, they've also had lots of conversation about what's happening with legislature, um, statewide, not necessarily in a lobbying kind of capacity, but, um, district or school boards across the state are very, um, very much paying attention to what's happening with that. Uh,
055and then the last program or the last thing that kind of got talked about, um, and I'm not sure how aware of this program it people are, but the ignite program that WSSBA participates in, where we share stories of what's happening and what the successes are, like you talked about, um, across the state, um, is gaining some additional traction. There's more people watching and and accessing those kinds of things. So, um, we talked a lot about that as well. I think thank you. Anybody else? All right. Well, that will conclude our, um, individual board reports. Um, at this time I'll turn it over to Dr. Newton for his report. >> Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. Certainly appreciate the the shout-out to our our teachers and on the performance data that we're starting to get back
056on our students. And perhaps I'd like to wrap both of those together in in a couple of comments. We are a big system. And small systems, you can see the average move if a student or two does exceptionally well. But when you have a thousand kids in the junior class, it's not possible for one or two students to do so much better to move the average. It [clears throat] requires most many, but maybe most students doing significantly better than we have in the past to move the average in a big system. So when we see the average going up by six percentage points, that is most students doing far better than they did before. And so that is the challenge of of large systems is for us to move off of that average, we have
057to move a whole lot of kids. And I think we're seeing evidence of that very thing. A whole lot of kids doing better than they ever have before. And I think that takes us back to Teacher Appreciation Week. These results that we are seeing in this district do not happen by accident. It's never noise in the signal. When we see these kind of gains, it means students are doing better. And students do better when teachers help them. And we have incredible teachers in this district who are doing profound things to absolutely move the growth and achievement for our kids all across the city of Cheyenne. We couldn't be more grateful and we couldn't be more proud. I had one late-breaking piece uh of celebration I would like to share as well and that is we
058just received from the Wyoming Department of Education what is called our determinations report card. So, we get a report card from the state on how our special services division and programs are doing for our kids and the each year the Department of Ed makes determinations on district outcomes for all students with disabilities and they look at two kind of groups of things. One are compliance indicators, so things like um do we or don't we disproportionately discipline students with disabilities? Are our evaluations timely? Do we do our proper transitions planning and are we supplying valid and reliable data? Um so, that's the compliance side and along with that there's a results side, the results indicators, things like graduation rate, dropout rate, WyTOPP proficiency, um post-secondary outcomes and then and then they take those two together and
059we get an overall rating. And I could not be more pleased to report that on our report card this year we increased 25 percentage points from last year alone. Um our compliance um [clears throat] for over 2,000 IEPs, mind you, our compliance rates or successes for this year is nearly 95%. Um it's unheard of. So, um 25 percentage points, that doesn't happen by accident either and I would like um on behalf of this entire district to commend all of the hardworking folks at every level in special services who contribute to the success of our students who receive special services and um this remarkable increase in performance. Um the last thing I'd like to say, 'tis the season. I guess we're going to get a winter's worth of of snow maybe in the next 36 hours.
060Um It's funny we wait till May to talk about our winter weather procedures, but um I heard somebody make a joke today that it's called May because it may rain, it may snow, it may be 90, it may be 20 below. Um By default, we go to school. And um for those who don't know, there is a 4:00 a.m. call when we think um as a city and county it warrants it, where all emergency services, all groups come together, highway department, Board of Public Utilities, FE Warren, city county, um and everybody puts their heads together with National Weather Service to make the best decision um to keep um kids, families, everybody safe. We need to remember that um likely with working families, the safest place for kids is often with us because um as I
061said in when we talked about the wind event a few meetings ago, um we depend on all those fine folks from Black Hills Power up on the lines making sure we have power and um and if their kids have to be at home, it makes it awful hard for them to serve our community. So, we will be watching close. By default, we do go to school. We have the options of late starts, early releases, um virtual days. At this uh point, I think the the optimists are saying we're just going to get a lot of moisture that's going to melt into the soil, which is much, much needed. But um by default, we do go to school and stay tuned for very, very early morning updates um or updates throughout the day. Tomorrow is maybe
062an event that doesn't hit right away first thing in the morning, but we we always are paying very close attention um to the weather as it unfolds to make sure everybody in the city is safe. And Madam Chair, with that, it is the end of my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Newton. We will now move to the consent agenda portion of our agenda. Um all agenda items listed with the designation of CA are considered to be routine items by the governing body and will be enacted Is it by one motion? There will be no separate discussion on these items. Any item removed from the consent agenda will be considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Does any board member request to remove a motion from the consent agenda? Okay, seeing none. >> Madam Chair,
063I move to approve all motions listed as consent agenda. >> Second. Sorry. >> We have a motion and a second to approve all motions listed as consent agenda. All in favor, say I. Opposed. Okay, those have been approved. We'll now move into new business. We have our first motion. >> Madam Chair, I move to approve a leave of absence for the attached list for the 2026-2027 contract. >> I second. >> We have a motion and a second to approve a leave of absence for the attached list for the 2026-2027 contract. Do we have any discussion on this item? Okay, all in favor, say I. I. Opposed. Okay, that's been approved. Okay. Um Is this that's just a >> Madam Chair, I move to approve Laramie County School District number one budget amendment for fiscal year
0642026. I second. We have a motion and a second to approve the LCCC one budget amendment for fiscal year 2026. Do we have any questions or discussion on this? Any clarification on anything? No. We were laughing up here, I'll just say quickly because there's a long motion or that um resolution, I guess, that we could read, but um we're not. Because it's long. And they get longer as as we go through our new business items, but anyway, so we have a motion and a second, no discussion or questions on that. Um so all in favor of approving the budget amendment for fiscal year 2026, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Okay, that's been approved. >> Madam Chair, move to approve the transition of Laramie County School District number one's employee health insurance program to
065a self-funded plan effective July 1, 2026 with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming serving as third-party administrator, approve use of the district's internal service fund for plan administration and claim funding, and authorize administration to finalize and execute related administrative stop-loss and plan documents necessary to implement the transition. >> I second. >> We have a motion and a second to approve the transition of the Laramie County School District number one employee health insurance program to a self-funded plan effective July 1. Do we have any discussion on this item or questions? Okay. Okay. Trustee Ashworth. >> So I know we went through this last time. Could we get just a little blurb of what it is we're doing? >> Okay. >> Mr. Sicurello, could you please join us? >> Thank you, Madam Chair, Dr. Newton. Members of
066the board, if I might I think I'll maybe address these as kind of a larger board authorization package if that helps a little bit. There are a number of items within this section that really stem back to an overall strategy that I worked with the board on a few meetings ago to address two things in particular. The first is the district's move to the self-funded plan and the second is to reorganize our reserve funds so that they're in compliance with the new statutory directives from the recalibration bill. Maybe to to address Trustee Ashby's point a little bit more directly, F2 was the budget amendment that gave us the necessary authority to move funds to establish the internal service fund that we'll use to administer our self-funded model effective as the motion states July 1st of
0672026 and this will also um allow us to operationalize all those claims fundings, those stop loss insurance, those changes as we establish that plan going forward. And Madam Chair, you might recall that this is due in part to the points that Trustee Ashby mentioned earlier about other school districts and what they're doing to make sure that their health insurance plans are ready to go. This is one way that we felt we can control costs, have more control over our plan and reap some of the investment earnings that come along with a self-funded insurance proposal. I would note that um for our employees, the intent is that this will look very similar to our health insurance plans as they are today. As you noted, Blue Cross Blue Shield will still be our third party administrator, we'll
068still be using their network, they'll still be handling our member services. Really what this does is gives us a different approach to the financing and administration part of the health insurance on the back end. Um additionally within this section I'll just point out in section F5 uh you'll see a uh transition to move our district's 397 reserve funds into that internal service fund. Uh that gives us a kind of a starting point uh for that transition uh with having what are called seed money for us to start um entering into those agreements for stop-loss insurance and uh those first months of claims and those type of things. Um agenda item F4 is a cleanup item. This is a little different from the health insurance one, um but what this does is also aligns our uh
069reserve funds so they're in alignment with the new statutory requirements. Uh this will um uh sunset or end the CTE um capital project reserve, uh which we can't utilize because all that money comes to us through a restricted grant from the state now. Um and lastly, um F6 addresses uh our district's other reserve fund structure. Uh this one is kind of multifaceted, uh addresses a few different things. Um it also um creates our restricted legacy reserve fund, um it creates and uh retitles our insurance loss fund so that's in alignment with that that recalibration of bill again so that we can only use those funds for uh minor insurance claims and losses. And then lastly, um it does establish a community or excuse me, a Cheyenne Community Recreation District Clearing Account. Um as you know,
070we've utilized our school district's reserves to help fund our Rec District projects and then the Rec District um reimburses us. What we've done is we've spun that off so it's a standalone fund. Um so it's only taking resources in from the recreation side of the uh district's operations. So, uh manager, hopefully I I addressed those. If there's some more detailed questions, I'm happy to address them. >> Does anybody have questions for Mr. Seidel? Thank you for the clarifications. I appreciate it. All right. So, if there's no more discussion on that, we have a motion and second to approve the transition of the school district's employee health to a self-funded plan effective effective July 1. All in favor please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Okay, that's been approved. >> Madam Chair, I move to close
071the CTE capital project reserve fund and authorize the transfer of the remaining balance to the district's equipment and technology fund. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second to close the CTE capital project reserve fund and authorize the transfer of the remaining balance to the district's equipment and technology fund. Uh do we have any questions or discussion on that? No. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Okay, that's been approved as well. >> Madam Chair, I move to approve a resolution authorizing the transfer of certain Geez, sorry. Legacy non-foundational general fund balances to the district's internal service fund for employee health insurance stabilization. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second to approve the resolution. Just read it again, authorizing the transfer of certain legacy non-foundation general fund
072balances to the district's internal service fund for employee health insurance stabilization. Do we have any discussion on that? Questions? Okay, all in favor say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that's been approved. >> Madam Chair, I move to approve a resolution reauthorizing reauthorizing and restricting the district's special building fund, establishing a separate insurance loss reserve fund, directing future non-foundation revenues to the special building fund and authorizing a separate Cheyenne Community Recreation District Project Clearing Account. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Um You think what I'm about to reread is long, you should see the actual resolution, but um motion and a second to approve, reauthorize, or resolution reauthorizing and restricting the district special building fund, establishing a sep- separate entrance loss reserve fund, directing future non-foundation revenues to the special building fund,
073and authorizing a separate Cheyenne Community Recreation District project clearing account. Um do we have any questions or discussion on that? May all in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Okay, that's been approved as well. The next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. here in the boardroom. The business of the district is now done. Do we have a motion for executive session? >> Madam Chair, I move to go into executive session at this time prior to adjournment for the purpose of possible long-term suspensions, expulsions, personnel, and legal advice. >> Second. >> Here we have a motion to go into executive session at this time. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. All right, we will break for executive session and uh reconvene right