001Senior class secretary, member of the student council, president of the French club, member of French Honor Society as well as the secretary of the science Honor Society. So, she's an avid musician. These are just some of her extensive activities. I'm just so super impressed. And so, she has been also in numerous musicals as well as a member of the community theater where she is the stage manager. So, if you didn't get to come to Freaky Friday last weekend at Central, she is quite a dancer as well and a great actress. And so, were you grandma? Was grandma was It was a great dad. You did amazing job there. So, if you but most importantly, what I really love about Eliza is that she is so kind to everybody. She's reliable and she's selfless and she
002exemplifies really one tribe in everything she does. So, Eliza, we are so proud of you. Congratulations. You're doing amazing things and I'm so excited about the things that are ahead of you. So, if you would take a moment and just let us know a little bit about what you're going to do and then also introduce Miss Eisenhart, your favorite teacher. Hi. Yeah, my name is Eliza. And after I graduate in May, I just committed to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota where I plan to study linguistics and French, which I am super excited about. And this is Miss Eisenhart who is my calculus teacher, my wonderful wonderful calculus teacher who I love so much just because she takes so much time out of her day to make sure her students have what they need and understand
003all of the difficulty that there is in the class, which is so appreciated. Thank you, Miss Eisenhart. Eliza, Dr. Dalbridge. Thank you guys. I I really can't add much to it. Eliza is a phenomenal human being. The way she handles herself in everything, the most stressful situations I'm pretty sure I've seen her in in the last couple of years. And the grace she has I mean I wish I had an ounce of that grace in stressful situations. She is She's an all-around amazing human being. She is the kind of young lady that you look at and go your daughter will grow up to be this and everything that she is. And I I cherish every moment and I'm trying to figure out a way to keep her from graduating so [laughter] she can stay with
004me a little bit longer. But, she is one of our absolute gems and So, would Eliza's family please stand and be recognized? Thank you so much for the big hugs and kisses. Next, we'd like to recognize the student of the week for the week of February 23rd, 2026. This student is Aaron Walker who is a senior at South High School. So, at this time I'd like to ask Principal Carrie Gentry and Aaron, obviously, and Aaron's favorite teacher Dan Markham to come forward, please. Again, Principal Carrie Gentry at South High School and I'm excited to announce Aaron Walker is our student of the week. Some wonderful things Let me explain a day in the life of just the few days that I've seen Aaron be successful at South. And it started with going to the musical
005and he was singing and dancing and I did not even know that he had this this talent and I'm so excited that I went. Then on Saturday, he did a jazz band ensemble and was helping out a community event for one of our families who went through a fire and it was absolutely phenomenal. Then he comes over here and sets up for all city band cuz, you know, why not? Cuz he's also in band. And many more other things that I just saw Aaron do in the last 3 days. And so, I I can't even imagine what his high school experience was like. But, one of the fantastic things that I was able to get shared with while sitting with our graduation coach and counselor was he was also just awarded the trustee scholarship at
006the University of Wyoming. And so, oh my gosh, that's a full ride, you guys, for a whole year. So, what if these and fantastic And then he also part of that possibility is he got to try out for the honors band at U-Dub. And not only did he get that as well. So, absolutely fantastic job. Just a few of the things that he's done at South. What a great part of the herd. And so, I'll let you talk a little bit about some other experiences. Does that work, Aaron? Thanks. So, good evening. Aaron Walker. Very happy to be standing here today. It's very nice to be able to work hard and finally be recognized. So, I'm thankful for that. After high school, I plan to serve a 2-year church mission and then go to U-Dub
007as you can probably guess for education and be able to hopefully replicate even a fraction of the things I see in some of my favorite teachers, one of which stands before us today, who's funny enough also a calculus teacher, my calculus teacher, Mr. Daniel Markham. It's hard to say so many wonderful things about Aaron because I've had the privilege of working with Aaron since he was a sophomore when he was doing independent study to accelerate mathematically. And then last year, he joined the AP calculus class at South as a junior and just just excelled. You can imagine how he did. And this year, he's actually getting ready to take the next level of the AP calculus exam. And so, he's in my class. But, the amazing thing about Aaron is that he likes to jump
008up in class because he's kind of my assistant and he pushes me out of the way to teach my class. And I think that is just amazing. Aaron is just uh he's gifted in so many ways and uh you know, this is my 40th year in the classroom and being able to work with students like Aaron has just been a joy. And like Miss Eisenhart, I'd love to find ways to keep Aaron at our school because he definitely makes South High better and better every day and it's just been a blessing for all of us to have him around and a blessing for me to have him in my in my classroom. So, thank you for all you're doing for us. And with wonderful kids comes wonderful parents. So, could I have a Stanley and
009Jennifer please stand and we'll just give them a round of applause. So, thank you. And for our last student of the week recognition, we will be honoring Jackson Lucero. Jackson is an eighth grader at Carey Junior High School and he's being honored for the week of March 2nd, 2026. So, if I could get Jackson, Principal Matt Schlegel, and favorite teacher Rayann Mary to come forward, we'd love to hear from you. >> [laughter] >> Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Dr. Newton. My name is Matt Schlegel and I'm proudly the principal of Carey Junior High. It's my privilege to introduce Jackson Lucero, an eighth grade student at Carey, who was selected for this award for just an incredible number of reasons. And I'll highlight just a few before he shares about himself. His incredible
010focus in everything that he does from the classroom to the clubs to the activities outside of school as well. Incredible kindness. The first time I met Jackson and had a real kind of in-depth conversation with him was after our basketball game. And I was absolutely amazed at him during the game just with his positivity, but also his skill, if I'm being honest. And I told him, I said, "Jackson, you have the best left hand of any seventh grader I've ever seen." And he just looked at me with this look like didn't want to say anything. Here's the kindness. I found out about two games later he's left-handed. >> [laughter] >> And then I had to go to him and eat crow and say, "Hey, you're left-handed, aren't you?" I didn't want to embarrass him in
011front of everybody. That positive attitude, the desire to not only excel, but to push those around him to achieve and excel in all things. As educators, we're always taught that in the classroom we should have a five to one positive to negative ratio. And I've been watching Jackson since he he was recommended by his teachers, multiple teachers. And I can tell you he exceeds that in everything that he does. And one of his basketball coaches told me today um that it's his quiet leadership that caused and helped the team win the conference championship this weekend. He never mentioned the 28 points that he had, the defensive steals, the intensity brought. He brought up the fact that he's a leader on the court and without those leadership skills, he said our team probably would not even
012have made it to the championship game. I mean, I think it's all of those things that make Jackson just an incredibly special student. From his 4.0, his incredible attendance, we can go on and on about those, but it's that quiet leadership that's greatly appreciated at Carey, Jackson. And please know that all the things that you do don't go unnoticed. Congratulations for being student of the month. And I'd like to invite you to the microphone to say a few things. Good evening, everyone. My name is Jackson Lucero. First and foremost, I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me this opportunity to be up here. Without him, none of this would be possible. I want to start off by saying that I'm very involved in both athletics and academics at my school.
013I play football, basketball, and I run track. I'm proud to say that I won conference championship in football and basketball so far this year. Um outside of sports, I'm also a member of the FCA, NJHS, and Congressional Club. Academically, I worked hard to maintain a 4.0 and I've made honor roll every quarter. That's something I take a lot of pride in. None of this would be possible without the support of my family, coaches, teachers, and friends. Truly thankful for the people in my life who continue to push me and encourage me, believe in me. I'd like to end my speech by recognizing someone who's made a huge impact on me. Um she's not my calculus teacher, but she's my math teacher, Miss Mary. Miss Mary has helped me become the best mathematician I can be
014and has pushed me to always aim higher. I've known her for most of my middle school years through Congressional Club and because of that we've built this strong bond and that's something I truly value. She challenges me, supports me, and always believes in me. Uh it's an honor to introduce someone who has made such a difference in my life. So, please join me in welcoming Miss Mary. Hi, my name is Ryan Mary and I'm a mathematics instructor at Carey Junior High. We're starting calculus next week, don't worry. Uh I'm genuinely humbled and honored to be here selected by Jackson. But before I share my personal experiences, we know that everybody has wonderful things to say about Jackson. So, I'm going to summarize because Mr. Schlegel also went to the basketball coach. But, the basketball coach
015says that Jackson has a natural ability to strive to improve his own game and holds his teammates accountable. He brings out the best in everyone and a positive energy and leadership. He can be a vocal leader while he's always leading by example. The team chemistry has been off the charts this year and it's all connected to his leadership, positive attitude, and competitive energy. The other teachers share that um they always say something that they admire about students is not necessarily the work they do in the classroom, but really the person that they are. Something that they enjoy about Jackson is he's a kind person. Uh he always goes out of their way to ask them about their life, how they're doing, how their family's doing, and of course he always talks sports. Okay, my turn.
016Jackson and I have been talking for weeks about what we're going to say about each other and he never spilled on the beans, so neither did I. So, get ready. Just kidding. Um I first met Jackson last year when he was seventh grader. He was the first ever Congressional Award Prep Committee President like in the nation. Um he's now about 10 to 20 volunteer hours away from receiving his silver medal, I think. Um addition to volunteering, academics, and athletics, Jackson is truly himself in all that he does. Um as a Catholic, we know we're in the Lenten season and it always begins with Ash Wednesday. Jackson proudly wore his ashes all day at school while students frequently pointed out that he just had a little something on his forehead. As we often share all of
017these wonderful attributes about Jackson, I would like everybody to know that he's still a junior high boy. This past weekend while they led the Carey eighth grade A team to the championship, I was there. I lost my voice. Anyways, uh we were at a point in the game, I don't understand basketball, so bear with me. We're at a point in the game where there was too many fouls. So, every time something happened, they had to shoot. Am I I'm close? The point [laughter] is, I looked over and Jackson was puffing his hair >> [laughter] >> while they were getting set up and I just thought that that was just the most amazing thing cuz he was just making sure he looked good before they did what they were going to do. Jackson is a wonderful
018student. Every time you see Jackson anywhere out in public, he'll tell you hi. I've ran into him at Target, hiking Hidden Falls, and working out at Gold's Gym. Every single time he makes a point to come and say hi to me. Congratulations, Jackson. Well, congratulations to our students and their favorite teachers. Western Vista Federal Credit Union helps sponsor these awards um for students of the week. So, at this time, I would like to invite Christina Krantz, the marketing manager, to come and say a few words. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening Good evening, everyone. So, it's my pleasure to serve as the presenter for this week's student of the week. So, we truly enjoy celebrating the incredible students who are recognized for their hard work, leadership, and commitment each week. So, Eliza, Aaron, and Jackson,
019your impressive GPAs and the positive impact you make in your schools and throughout our community are something to be proud of. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. In honor of your accomplishments, Western Vista is excited to present each of you with a certificate of achievement and a Visa gift card. We'd also like to acknowledge the teachers you've selected to recognize. Um educators play such an important role in shaping futures and we're pleased to present them with a certificate and gift card as a small thank you for the meaningful difference they've made in your lives. Congratulations. We'd love to see from your hands, if you don't mind. It's a friend of Aubrey's. Yeah. Thank you. >> Congratulations. Then all the teachers went mad. I don't know. Yeah, it's really cool. So, Mary's mom does fancy stuff.
020>> Very, very, very. 80s, too. 80s, too. Yeah. Yeah. And Eisenberg's. I delivered this. Yeah. I delivered this. kids. We'll let those families clear out and then we'll move on to our next round of recognitions. >> [laughter] >> I mean, randomly. At this time, I'd like to ask Mr. Jeremy Qualls, the English Language Arts Program Administrator for the district to come forward. And joining Jeremy will be the top four winners of the Laramie County Spelling Bee. Um are they in the room now or coming from the hallway or I'm on it. See one. All right. Here they come. So, we have Cat, Nova, Henry, and Maxwell. If you're in the room, we'd love to have you come up. Hi, we're uh recognizing these two individuals who The other two couldn't make it, but out of
021a group of 80, we started with 80 in the written round, narrowed it down to 10, and then we had craziest spell off I've ever seen. These two ended up in our top four. Uh so, Nova from Pioneer Park was second. And Maxwell Maxwell from Freedom was fourth. Yeah, you Were you guys nervous that you were going to have to speak because those other students had to speak? You don't have to. Want to speak? You want to say something, Nova? Okay. Uh Nova and Cat uh Cat isn't here. They'll be representing us at the state spelling bee in Rock Springs on March 21st. So, it sounds like Nova wants to say something and then once she's done, as we've done, we'll have those parents >> [laughter] >> I am honored to be one of the
022top I'm honored to be one of the top three of the Laramie County District Spelling Bee of 2026. Um I Cat I'd love to speak for Cat. She was super duper nice and respectful during the spelling bee. She'd always congratulate me after I spelled a word and I'm so glad she got first. She deserved it. Uh we could have their parents stand up, give them a round of applause as well. Yeah. Can we get their parents up? Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Excellent job. Excellent job. Amazing work. Congratulations. Congratulations. I love the topic. there. Yeah, exactly. So, just to go through the list of those top four winners, um first place was Cat Esparza from McCormick Junior High. Second was Nova Clark from Pioneer Park. Third was Henry Wright from McCormick Junior High. And fourth was Maxwell
023Williams from Freedom Elementary School. Um congratulations, kids. I think we've got a big group ready to come in. Our next recognition tonight, uh we'll give you guys a second to get out. Yeah. Thank you for being here. For being all of the cheerleaders. Yeah. So, at this time I'd like to ask East High School Principal Mark Kirchner and cheer coaches Alyssa Jones, Santi Mario, and Morgan McCubrey. I hope I'm sorry if I butchered that. To come forward. We are going to be recognizing the East High School cheer and stunt team who are the 4A state champions um at their state competition recently. Good evening. I'm Mark Kirchner and it's an honor to be here tonight to help recognize the East High School cheer program. Cheer is a truly a unique sport because each one of
024these athletes behind me um trains and competes. Um but they also spend countless hours supporting other teams, uh energizing crowds, and building school spirit. They're constantly balancing being a competitor with being an encourager. And they absolutely do it with grace, resilience, and with heart. And we couldn't be more proud of them. So, at this time I'd like to introduce Alyssa Jones, head coach of the East High School cheer program, to talk a little bit about the team and their accomplishments. Uh good evening, trustees and guests. Thank you for allowing me a moment to speak on behalf of our cheer team. As a coach, I have the honor of watching these athletes put in an incredible amount of work that most people never see. Hours spent perfecting stunts, hitting motions with precision, building strength, and practicing
025routines until every count is second nature. Cheerleading is a sport that demands trust, timing, athleticism, and composure under pressure. And this team definitely rose to every occasion. Winning a championship is an amazing accomplishment, but what stands out most is the way these athletes support each other. Whether they are learning a new stunt, resetting after a fall, or pushing through long practices together. They grow not only as performers, but as leaders, teammates, and young adults. I want to thank our assistant coaches, the families, our school staff, and this board for the support that makes achievements like this possible. It truly has been an honor to coach them, and I couldn't be more proud to recognize our championship team tonight. Any parents, please stand and to be recognized as well. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> Again, we're
026waiting just a minute before our next recognition to let everyone head on out. At this time I'd like to ask our director of elementary instruction, Amanda Hall, to come forward along with Altavista Elementary School Principal Brooke Yearsley and any Altavista teachers that may be in the room. Tonight they are being honored for the recognition as a model professional learning community. Uh good evening. Um Dr. Neaton, Madam Chair, members of the board. Um this evening I'm very excited to be back here again with Altavista. So, I told them they may need a permanent spot on our agenda if they continue to receive these awards at the rate they're getting them. Um tonight I'm here with Principal Brooke Yearsley and some of her staff to recognize them as being announced as a model PLC school. This is
027a significant honor and reflects their deep commitment to ensuring high levels of learning for all students. Under Ms. Yearsley's leadership, Altavista has built a collaborative culture where teams use data, shared expertise, and collective responsibility to continually improve teaching and learning. Please join me in congratulating Brooke Yearsley and her staff, and then I'm going to let her say a few words into the mic. Thank you, Amanda. Um a few shout-outs. Amanda, obviously. Uh she's my supervisor, but sometimes more of a a counselor, I guess. Um and Steve Lloyd, the RP Eagles. Um they know what it takes to become a PLC model school. So, um if you know any RP Eagles, give them a shout-out. They've worked hard. And then um really the staff, and I know we've a small size here, but uh the amount
028of work they they actually do is tremendous. Um they know their students like the back of their hand. Um you know, years ago someone said, "Well, Brooke, it's just kind of like basketball." Um you know, you you see what skills people are missing, and then um you basically do an intervention for that. And it's not that simple. Um the time and effort that people put in, sure, kudos. Um and our MTSS process is pretty huge. Um I'm going to let Kirsten Reeves speak um a little bit um because people are probably tired of hearing me, but I did want to also um give a huge shout-out for those that came. So, Krista Drake, she does special ed. Um Alicia Homolka, she is our sixth grade teacher. Casey Canderaci, um she is our administrative assistant. And
029then um Cindy Hodgin, I did this last time. No, I'm sorry. Cindy Hodgin, uh she's our general para, but you'd be amazed. You'd think she is a certified teacher with what she does. She she does all of our um interventions, and she does a fantastic job. So, we're pretty lucky to have her. We'll make this slower. Um we'd like to thank Brooke because without her leadership and her encouragement and her support, we wouldn't be where we are. Um she has made it possible for us to pour countless hours and um pieces of expertise into this whole process, and we're very, very grateful for that. But our staff has really come together um to work to be able to teach our district approved curriculums with fidelity, which was a huge piece with that tier one level.
030And in addition, then come in with our prioritized standards and teach those really intentionally and explicitly to all of the kids in our building so that we're able to do enrichments, uh grow kids right where they're at, and remediations through tier one, two, and three. This This process has brought us together in a lot of meetings, quite honestly. However, those collaborative team meetings have helped us reflect in many, many different ways. Um they've helped us plan. They've helped us totally know our students beyond levels that we could ever imagine. And they've helped us move forward, and we're really, really grateful for that. Um we're excited for the next level of our journey, and we thank you for the recognition. I think they're seated. >> [laughter] >> At this time we'll be moving into the information
031and reports section of our agenda. We typically start this section with public comments from visitors concerning agenda topics and non-agenda topics, but we did not have anybody sign up to speak tonight. So we'll move right down to the next bullet, which is upcoming meetings. This Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m. is the parent advisory meeting here in the boardroom. On Tuesday, March 10th from noon to 1 we will have trustees meeting with the superintendent. We had a little bit of a snafu with the scheduling for the last meeting with the superintendent. So we have Renee, trustee Hinkle and trustee Cook had signed up for the meeting that was last week, but we had our executive team meeting last week and I asked trustee Hinkle and trustee Cook to attend the next one. So that would
032be March 10th next week. Trustee Cook, I see you nodding. Trustee Hinkle, do you No, I remember. I'm in the operating room. I can't You can't do that day. So trustee Burden or trustee Humphrey, are you available to attend? Trustee Burden, okay. So we'll have trustee Cook and trustee Burden at that meeting then on March 10th from noon to 1. Our next regular board meeting is Monday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m. There's a note on the calendar, very exciting note. March 23rd to 27th is spring break for our district. And then the following Tuesday on March 31st from 12:00 to 1:30 we'll have the executive team meeting with the superintendent. So that is it in terms of our meeting schedule for the month of March. At this time do we have any individual board communications
033or reports that you'd like to share? Trustee Ashby. I just wanted to give a quick update. The WSBA board met before the WSBA legislative reception last Saturday. Um and I had didn't do a written update because really the majority of the meeting was digging through how different people were responding to the legislative what was coming up in the legislation. Um and you've all seen how that played out this week. So that was really the gist of the meeting. There wasn't much else to report out. Thank you. Anybody else? All right. Well, if that is it. I actually have a little bit of an update, but I can't share very much on it. As you know, in 2027 we have big plans to open the new 5-6 school in the South Triad. So I have been
034coordinating an effort with our South Triad elementary school principals to gather name and mascot suggestions from their students. I originally had asked each school to submit their top three name ideas and their top three mascot ideas. So we ended up with a big list. We had a small committee then meet to review those and we narrowed down to our top three finalists of school names combined with mascots. Those were sent out again to the elementary principals in the South Triad and we asked those students to once again vote and then I asked the principals to send to me their actual number tallies for each one so that we could get a very fair assessment of what the kids think the new South Triad 5-6 school should be named and the mascot should be. So we're
035still ironing out a few things with those. So I'm not actually going to tell you where we're headed with that, but I am super hopeful that on March 16th we will be able to unveil the school name and colors and mascot name, but also perhaps an image of the mascot. So I'm looking forward to March 16th and should be a great unveiling that evening. So but a thank you to those principals and all those kiddos because we have had they've they've been amazing about responding and and sharing their thoughts on things. So Trustee Burden. Madam Chair, can you share the three options that students are choosing from? Yeah, I can. Let me pull them up so I don't misspeak. We had the Antelope Valley Pronghorns, the Cottonwood I'm sorry, Antelope Valley Elementary School Pronghorns, the
036Cottonwood Elementary School Rattlers, and the Mountain View Elementary School Red Dogs. And Red Dogs was a fun one because that is actually a nickname for baby bison. So that was submitted by one elementary school that thought that might be a neat idea. So students are we're sort of rank choosing those from those three combinations. So Yeah, thank you. And that is my only update on that. I'm sorry I can't give you more information yet. Anybody else? All right, then Dr. Newton, I'll turn it over to you for your updates and reports. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just have a a couple. I'm going to call Mr. Knapp a number of our motions this evening have to do with support operations. As he's doing that, I will bring your attention that we do have an AP
037psychology textbook that is going up for 45-day review. It will follow the same process as the health one that is currently up for review where it will be on the second floor in in the administration building. The psych book will be outside of room 212 and at the public library. And as always, we welcome public comment for any of those texts that we are considering. And it looks like that was just enough time to get Mr. Knapp up here. And so if he will share with us some of the motions before us this evening. Yeah, Madam Chair, members of the board, Dr. Newton. This is one of the projects we have for approval tonight on here are um in in our major maintenance list are some lighting projects that are coming up this summer at
038Central, South and East High School. And that's replacement of the lighting in the gyms. And so that'll convert all LED lighting, which will help with a lot more efficiency and and even maintenance of them. One of the other projects is a transportation envelope. And so what that includes, and not to mistake it with one you the board has approved earlier this year for us, was roof replacement at transportation, which is part of this project, but falls under a different scope of work with our roofing contractors for the summer. So the transportation envelope with what is left outside of the roof repair or replacement is some of the exterior of the building that has just deteriorated over the years. So it'll include some expansion joints around it for drainage, replacement of some of the steel, the
039exterior doors, parts of the garage doors, as well as some windows in that building out there. And then one of the larger projects we have coming up that's on here tonight also are the East High tennis court replacements. And so I was going to talk a little bit about this, the history of that. So as as as this has gone gone on over the years, quite a few [clears throat] years actually, East has requested that we do either some landscaping or some additional seating around those tennis courts. And as you know, they they're not in the real conducive place to have tennis courts. They're on the edge of a parking lot and the exit street out of East High School. So we looked at including these in the Carey Junior High project quite a few
040years ago and that never materialized for lots of reasons. And then we tried to include them in the new pool that went over there and that didn't materialize. So now we've developed or had developed about a year ago just a separate project to address those tennis courts. And what that includes is taking them out of the parking lot at East and putting them down on the east side of Okie Field where the parking lots are down below. It'll back up sort of to the golf course on the north side of that parking lot. It'll go between East High School and Carey Junior High. So that's where the new location would go. And this this approval tonight is contingent on the Cheyenne Community Rec District Board approving the construction of of those or the sorry, the
041budget for the construction of those projects. And for that, I would ask if there's any questions. Yeah, Trustee Cook. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Knapp. What will they do in the space where the tennis courts were? Will there be more additional parking for East High? So, um Yes, that's the plan. Um that will have to fall in with another project. So, we're hoping that because the removal of those is pretty significant. Those are post-tension slabs. Um and so, we'll have a project providing we get the funding at the end of this week for the East High School design and addition and renovation coming up. We'd hope to include that in that project and expand that parking lot. May I do a follow-up, and so when will these tennis courts be available to use? Will it this
042coming fall will they be able to Yeah, I didn't I apologize, uh Madam Chair, Trustee Cook. I I don't know the exact schedule on that, but it's it would go out for bid shortly after this April and then it would take construction over the summer, so it'd be in the fall. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else have questions for Mr. Knapp? Thank you very much. Thanks. Madam Chair, um this evening you'll also be approving our administrator contracts. It's that time of year. Um during this legislative session in particular, I think we've been hearing um a strong and maybe overdue voice in support of many of our staff, but in particular our teachers. And and we don't say thank you enough and appreciate all of our staff and teachers nearly enough. But we may not have
043heard quite so much about our administrators. Um the folks [snorts] that we will be approving tonight it's easy to kind of pigeonhole what does an administrator do? Sometimes we think they're the ones that just hand out the discipline in the school. They are also our professional development developers, um our counselors, our social workers when we often find ourselves shorthanded with others that do those jobs. They're mentors, colleagues. Any problem or any danger that comes to our doorstep while others appropriately run away from it, our administrators run towards it. And uh those problems can take many forms. We have over 13,000 students on any day that may need help, 26,000 parents who may need our help, or 2,500 employees who may need our help. And while we value everyone in our system, in particular tonight as
044we approve those contracts, I wanted to offer a very special thank you. We literally could not do this incredible task without them. With that, Madam Chair, that's the end of my reports. Thank you, Dr. Newton. Section D of our agenda is consent agenda and routine matters. All agenda items listed with the designation of CA are considered to be routine items by the governing body and will be enacted 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, do we have a motion? Madam Chair, I move to approve all motions listed as consent agenda. And I second. We have a motion and a
045second to approve all motions listed as consent agenda. All in favor, say I. I. Opposed? Okay, those have been approved. We will now move into our new business. Do we have a motion for the first item? Madam Chair, I move to approve a fee proposal with Recco DBA 5R in the amount of $510,000 including a 10% contingency for associated governmental fees and requirements for the purchase and installation of the envelope and insulation at transportation. And I second. We have a motion and a second to approve the fee proposal um with Recco DBA 5R. Do we have any questions or discussion on this item? Okay. All in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that's been approved. Madam Chair, I move to approve a fee proposal with Simpson Electric in the amount of $126,000 and Pole
046Pole Mountain Electric in the amount of $292,500 including a 10% contingency for associated governmental fees and requirements for the purchase and installation of lighting replacements at various sites. I second. Do we have a motion and a second to approve the fee proposal with Simpson Electric in the amount of 126,000 and Pole Mountain Electric in the amount of 292,500 including the 10% contingency um for the purchase and installation of lighting replacements at various sites. Do we have any questions or discussion on this? Trustee Burden? Uh Madam Chair, I need to recuse myself on this for conflict of interest. Okay, thank you. Anybody else? Okay. All in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that passes. Madam Chair, I move to approve the following financial institu- institutions as depositors of public funds in accordance with Wyoming statutes
047with Wyoming statute 4- Wow, 9-4- 818. Oh my gosh, let me start over. Wyoming statute 9-4-818A, US Bankcorp, First Interstate Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Hilltop National Bank, First National Bank of Omaha, Jonah Bank, Platte Valley Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Western Vista Federal Credit Union, First Education Federal Credit Union, and the Wyoming Government Investment Fund. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve those financial institutions as depositors of public funds. Do we have any questions or discussion on this item? All in favor, say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that's been approved. Madam Chair, I move to approve a fee proposal with SNS Builders in the amount of $1,223,676 including a 10% contingency for associated governmental fees and requirements for the purpose and installation of purchase and installation of East tennis courts relocation to be paid from
048the Cheyenne Community Recreation District. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve a fee proposal with SNS Builders um for the purchase and installation of the East High tennis court relocation. Do we have any questions or discussion on that? All in favor, say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that's been approved as well. Sorry, something in my eye. Okay. Uh Madam Chair, I move to approve the administrator professional contract on the attached list for the 2026-2027 school year and to place them on the appropriate step of the administrator professional salary schedule. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve the administrator and professional contracts on the attached list for the 2026-2027 school year. Um all in Or do we have any questions or discussion on this? Okay, all in favor, please say I.
049I. Opposed? Okay, that's been approved as well. Madam Chair, I move to approve the notification for of the superintendent's cabinet and senior leadership on the attached list that the Board of Trustees intends to offer said administrators a contract of employment for the ensuing contract year. Second. Did you want number seven? Did I skip one? I did, sorry. I have something in my eye. I'm going to blame it on that. It's okay. We're on six. Madam Chair, I move to approve super I move to affirm superintendent's determination that the process was followed to determine that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie does not contain sexually explicit content. Second. So, we have a motion and a second to affirm Dr. Newton's determination that the process was followed uh to determine that The
050Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian does not contain sexually explicit content. I'm going to open it up for questions or discussion, but I'd first like to ask Ms. Polly to explain a little bit about what we're voting on and why and maybe a little bit about the appeals process. Thank you. Thank you. Absolutely, thank you, Madam Chair. Um so, Trustees, it's been a while since you've had one of these to consider. Um I would note a couple of things at the at the outset. So, we usually style the motions on an affirmative. So, this is an a motion to affirm the superintendent's determination that process was followed and that the book does not contain sexually explicit material. So, it's not um an appeal based on the content, it's an appeal based on the process.
051So, that's an important, I think, clarification. If you go into policy and administrative regulation, those um are the two bases that an individual can challenge the determination of the school the superintendent. Um so, it's one, if the process was followed, and two, if there was sufficient information to make the the um determination. So, before you in in your meeting packet, you have um the nomination, um the process, the um Department of Instruction's determination, and then the followed by the superintendent's determination, and then the appeal. When we look at the process, uh the steps are outlined in administrative regulation. So, um I didn't think to have ask uh Mr. McKinney to pull it up, but um when you go in there, there's um kind of a step-by-step process that we go through. So, the first determination
052is made by the actual curriculum coordinator to determine, is this a book that's already been approved for curriculum? If it is, um then the process stops there. If it's not been approved for curriculum, then we move down into the next step. The Department of Instruction has um gathers a com- uh committee to review the materials that have been um ident- or nominated as as potentially meeting the the board's definition of sexually explicit. That committee has two parents and one um educator on that committee. If the um committee um determines, then the next step is to determine whether or not the material is historical. If the mis- material is historical, then again, the process stops, and they wouldn't move forward. If that kind of hurdle isn't met, then they go on to the the um specific
053passages that were nominated, and review those against the definition that's in board policy to determine whether or not it meets the um board's criteria for containing sexually explicit material. Um it's um a majority rules type process. So, if you have two out of three that agree that it does, then that that book would be um considered as containing sexually explicit material. If you have a if it goes the other way, then that book would not meet that um definition. Um Once that process is completed by the committee, it's reviewed by um the folks in the Department of Instruction to make sure, one, that the process was followed, and that there weren't any irregularities. Once they've made their determination, that gets forwarded on to the superintendent, who reviews again the entire packet, and will go through
054the whole process to make sure that the process was followed, um and that there's sufficient evidence. So, this appeal again, just based on your process. So, if there's a pro- a piece of the process that was missed, um it would be appropriate to um vote in the negative on this motion. If the process was appropriately followed in your estimation, then that would be an affirmative vote. Um Madam Chair, if there are any questions, I'm happy to try to answer them. Okay. Anybody have questions? Okay, Trustee Clawson. >> Madam Chair, I do have a question, but not about what Ms. Polly just said. Um there were two complaints that were raised, one on the process, and I believe one on more, if this is the way to pre- to present it on the content, if it
055it I disagreement on whether it not it met uh the definition of sexually explicit content. Am am I correct in remembering that that is that objection is still going to be presented to the board? Um Madam Chair, Trustee Clawson. So, in um that nomination, again, you're correct. It was based on what the sufficiency of the evidence was there sufficient evidence to support um when the individual who had made the appeal, um when she presented her the material, um it was really based on the audio book version of um the book, and not on the physical version of the book. Um and that audio book version was uh apparently used in a classroom setting. So, we have a sort of a different process if it was an audio book version used in a classroom setting. Um
056it does not appear that it the Department of Instruction has started reviewing to see if there are um is there is there a difference between the audio book version that we have in the in the school libraries versus what was reported um in that appeal. Um and it doesn't appear that that audio book version that was appealed is the one that we currently have in any of the libraries. Um so, that individual chose to withdraw her appeal to gather more information um to fig- to provide to the Department of Instruction to, you know, was this an approved um audio book version? Is it something that was actually in the library, or is this, you know, maybe something just off the internet? But, she was gathering more information to appeal that, um and that may or
057may not come based on what information she can gather. Okay. Does that kind of help? So, that would be something that we may see on our agenda for the next meeting if um if she Madam Chair, so if it's an if it's the audio book version, um it would essentially be a new nomination of the audio book, because the the review committee did not review the audio book. They only reviewed the text uh version. The um so, we would need we would need a new determination based on whatever it if there's a difference between the audio book, which it sounds like that you know, the allegation or or the um information that was reported was that there were um kind of sound effects, if you will, with that audio book version that wouldn't have been
058come across in the um text version of the book. So, it would be a new um a new nomination of the audio book version that then um would work its way through the process, and could potentially end up before this board again. Okay. Thank you. Madam Chair. Uh would you clarify for me, Madam Chair, Ms. Polly, that isn't the timeline for raising further objections on the on the decision of this past Um Madam Chair, uh Trustee Clawson. So, again, for the um text version of the book. Again, this appears that the audio book version is is you know, includes elements that would go beyond what the text version of the book has, and so that would be a separate nomination, um just based on on on the reports that that we've received about the audio
059book version. So, the uh uh period to appeal the determination on the textbook has has run its course. Um then it could though be nominated as the audio book version to be um if there's different material in that audio book version versus the text version of the book. So, Ms. Polly, I have a question along those lines. I just looked back through that um appeal that we received that was looking at insufficient evidence to make a determination of the one that we're talking about, and in that, this individual did mention um the audio book in that appeal, and that it um said it shouldn't be allowed to be heard in the classroom because of um the sound effects. Um so, it it would still have to be a new appeal, even though that's mentioned in
060here? Um Madam Chair, so the audio book version um that we have available to us in the library, the Department of Instruction immediately pulled it and and listened through it, as well as a a version that is not in our libraries, but they're essentially like two um authorized versions of the audio book. Um those versions do not include the um kind of sound effects that were mentioned in the review, and so the the individual who had um you know, brought up for the appeal said that she was going to find out more information to figure out where I I again, because it wasn't that um a student had used the library and checked out the audio book version and heard this. It was that a a version of the audio book version of the audio
061book was played in the classroom setting. Um so, we're not sure what version that is. So, she was going to try to do some more digging and figure that piece out. Okay. Thank you. Trustee Burden. Of Yes, um what age level is this book written for? I mean, it sounds like maybe a teenage level. Is this a junior high, high school um >> classroom? Madam Chair, Trustee Burden, I don't have that information directly in front of me, but it's my understanding that it is at only at the high school libraries. Um and um so, only accessible at the high school level. It's not at one of the junior highs or elementaries. Trustee Clawson. Madam Chair, I don't know if this is the appropriate time to say it, but I want to say thank you to
062the teachers and the parents that are willing to do the reading of these books. I think that's time out of their day. They So, I just think it's a it's a I just want to say thank you for the efforts that they go through. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Trustee Clawson, did do question on on this motion? Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. I did want to make a comment. Um when I saw that this was not put on the list, I was surprised because in my point of view from my point of view, I felt like it did um include language that met our district's policies uh definition of sexually explicit content including um language sexual content our our language that referred to sexual stimulation or gratification. And that's clearly outlined in the in the
063definition. So, I was disappointed that the review committee of three um did not agree that this was um this included sexually explicit content because the point of this policy is really not to take the book away from the library or hide it away in a back room. It's really meant to provide for our parents uh the opportunity to choose the kinds of content that and reflecting of reflective of their values that they want their their students to exposed to. And I feel very strongly um as a board member that it's our role not to choose sides on those values but to allow our families to determine how they raise up and think about these types of very sensitive issues. So, I was disappointed that the that the committee there was dissension. Two voted to not
064put it on the list, one voted to put it on the list. Um I obviously agree with the one that saw that it did line up with our definition of including sexually explicit content. Um and I really don't see the harm if if there is sexually explicit content and some view that there is um in letting those parents that want to opt out of that content for their student. I don't see the harm in letting them do that. We're giving them freedom. And I'm always for freedom. So, thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Trustee Humphrey and then Trustee Hinkle. Uh just a clarifying question that we are voting on whether or not the process was followed, not whether or not this book contains sexually explicit content, correct? Um correct, Madam Chair, Trustee Humphrey. That's correct.
065It's whether or not the process was followed. Um and Madam Chair, if I might just really quickly, I did pull up uh the nomination list um to so to answer uh Trustee Burden's question, um it the book is located uh Carey Johnson McCormick Central East, South, and an ebook version. So, that So, it's junior high high school level. Thank you. And then Trustee Hinkle. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Um it it is a junior high book. It's written I mean the the chara- main characters are 14 years old. Um I I I no one is surprised that I disagree with um Trustee Clawson in this. Um and that in my reading of this, it it doesn't there's no description of masturbation. It truly is just talking about it as something that occurs. They're not talking about
066how it happens or anything like that. So, it it really is more like a clinical definition of it rather than um any kind of sexual gratification type of a thing. Um it really is boy potty humor is basically what the book is. And so, I guess I don't find that to be sexually explicit. I find that may sometimes be offensive but not sexually explicit. And I'll just throw this out there if you don't mind that I make a comment. Um we are voting on just whether or not the process was followed, not on the content of the book with this particular motion. Um one of the things as we were coming up with a book policy, one of the accusations we always heard is that we wouldn't read the book. We just would make a
067determination. I did read the book. Um I read every word of the book. It's actually it's a it's a nice it's a good story. It's I mean it's an award-winning book. I will say knowing that it's in junior high and you know, all of our secondary libraries, I would not want my 13-year-old to read this book. And I might be a little bit of a you know, well actually I maybe I shelter him too much, but I the the one or two references, not descriptions, but just references to masturbation in the book were I don't I I'm not sure that that's appropriate for a 13-year-old boy to be getting from the school library and reading. Um for high schoolers, my own high schooler, I you know, I there's really not much I mean, I I
068she'd be mature enough to handle that. And that, you know, read that word and to not, you know, come unglued, but um I wish that we had voted back when all this passed too. And maybe there had been more support for doing some distinction between junior high and high school libraries because I think some of these books might push the envelope for a seventh grader, maybe a 12-year-old or a 13-year-old like mine. Um where they're probably perfectly appropriate for a mature high schooler that could pick it up and not think twice about um you know, a reference um like the one or two times that that that's even referenced in this book. But um tonight we're voting on um the superintendent's determination and whether or not he followed the process. Um so anyway, other questions?
069I see a Trustee Katz's hand up. No, I have no other questions other than since the door has been opened, I will offer my own comments. Um I too read the book cover to cover. And I and I'm not sure that that was the process that every reader did cover to cover. Sometimes uh if you pull something out of context, it seems like it's out of context and you and it's not um you don't have the surrounding story to put it into how the author wanted it to be read. Plus, that was a great book. I mean, it talked about um life on on Indian reservation. It talked about um friendship. It talked about disappointment. So, there's so many different themes that were covered in that book. And a little bit had to do with
070masturbation. And so, um and I have spoken to a high school English teacher that was able to use that book. And she said, "You didn't even have to talk about that. You could teach the whole book and not talk anything about masturbation." And finally, I'm a big believer that parents can say no to a book. And all a parent needs to do is go to a library and talk to the librarian and they will honor those parents' wishes. So, um I I believe that um I don't have the right to say no for other parents or other children. I don't even have the right to say it for my own grandkids. But I just think the process was followed, but um I also think it was a great book. Thank you. Trustee Hinkle. I have
071one more thing to say. I'm sorry. Um thank you, Chairman. Um I will say that if um House Bill 10 passes, that these books will be removed um for anyone under the age of 18. So, that is something to consider as well when these uh determinations are made. Anybody else? So again, we are um well, I actually had a question. Dr. Newton, is this used in um I mean, it sounds like a movie was shown with the book or an audio version or something I asked. Is this used in instruction in our high schools or junior highs? Madam Chair, um this is not part of our adopted curriculum. But uh some teachers do use it as a choice book as uh part of the literary circle under um choice text. Um and so, but it
072is not a part of our adopted curriculum. As far as whether it was an audio book uh was played or whether passages were simply read out loud, um I don't believe we have enough um evidence to know exactly um where that complaint was coming from, which classroom, which school even. And so, if there are some of those suggestions, I would just need more information before I could speak to that. All right. Well, we have a motion and a second to move to affirm the superintendent's determination that the process was followed to determine that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie does not contain sexually explicit content. So, all in favor of affirming the superintendent's determination that the process was followed, please say I. I. Opposed? Okay. So, we have affirmed your
073determination that process was followed. Um and then perhaps if the other appeal gets more information, then we will have another opportunity to discuss this book, but um looking at it from a different perspective. All right. Do we have another motion? Yes, Madam Chair. Make sure I'm on the right button. I move to approve the notification of the superintendent's cabinet and senior leadership on the attached list that the board of trustees intends to offer said administrators a contract of employment for the ensuring contract year. I second. We have a motion and a second to approve the notification of the superintendent's cabinet and senior leadership um that the board and board of trustees intends to offer them a contract of employment for the coming school year, coming contract year. Um do we have any questions or discussion
074on this? Okay. All in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Those have been approved. Madam Chair, I move to approve the notification of the school administrators on the attached list that the board of trustees intends to offer said administrators a contract of employment for the ensuring contract year. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve notifying the school administrators on the attached list that the board of trustees intends to offer them a contract of employment for the coming contract year. Um do we have any questions or discussion on this item? Madam Chair, Trustee Cook. I'd like to recuse myself for this vote. Okay. Conflict of interest. Okay. Anybody else? All right. All in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that passes as well. We have one more. Madam Chair, I move to
075approve the notification of the program administrators and high school athletic directors on the attached list that that the board of trustees intends to offer said administrators a contract of employment for the ensuing contract year. I second. We have a motion and a second to approve notification of program administrators and high school athletic directors um that we intend to offer them a contract of employment for the uh coming contract year. Do we have any discussion on this item? Okay, all in favor, please say I. I. Opposed? Okay, that's been approved as well. The next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The business of the district is now done. Madam Chair, I moved Wow, hold on. Move to go into executive session prior at this time prior to adjournment
076for the purpose of possible student long-term suspensions, expulsions, uh personnel, legal advice, and litigation. I second. We have a motion to go into executive session at this time. All in favor, say I. I. Opposed? All right. We will go into executive session and reconvene um