BHCSD 1 approves new hires, salary increases

Rod Winland hired as new RMHS head girls basketball coach

Big Horn County School District No. 1 approved several new hires, recognized retiring employees and adopted updated salary schedules during its regular monthly meeting May 14.

The board approved the proposed salary schedules and health insurance rates for the 2026-27 school year, along with the district’s preliminary budget. District leaders noted that additional information continues to come from the state regarding school funding and other budget items.

Superintendent Matt Davidson made the following statement about the salary increases:

“The Board of Trustees made a salary increase for all certified and classified staff a priority as our new budget was being developed. The base salary increase is around 10 percent for all staff. Employees also received their salary step increase based on another year of service. We tried to minimize the rising insurance costs by adjusting our health plan offerings. Overall, everyone will see a nice, well-deserved salary increase for next year.”

With some budget uncertainty still unresolved from the state, Davidson added, “We are continuing to work through other budget components as more information is made available from the Wyoming Department of Education regarding the recalibration funding changes.”

In an effort to strengthen the district’s long-term financial position, Business Manager Richard Parker recommended several budget adjustments that were approved by the board. Those included increasing the general fund budget to pay off current bus leases and cover the cost of new buses, as well as increasing the food service budget to address rising costs connected to the summer food service program.

The board also approved transferring $1,734,438.60 into the district’s depreciation reserve fund, which can be used for future large equipment, vehicle and facility expenses.

New staff hires approved by the board included Beverly Wacaser, elementary teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary School; Madison Bryson, first grade teacher at RMES; Taylor Winland, kindergarten teacher at RMES; Maria Haire, life skills special education teacher at Rocky Mountain Middle/High School; and Carin Johnson, district-wide career coordinator.

Coaching hires approved by the board included Rod Winland as head girls basketball coach at Rocky Mountain High School, along with Danielle Malson and Pat Minchow as assistant girls basketball coaches. Other coaching hires included Aric Hanusa as middle school head wrestling coach and Will Loyning as assistant middle school football coach. 

The district also announced five retirements totaling more than 100 combined years of service. Retiring employees include Tim Jones, counselor at Rocky Mountain Middle/High School, after 26 years; Christy Banks, RMES teacher, after 31 years; Alicia Troutman, RMES teacher, after 35 years; Jerry Anderson, RMES special education paraprofessional, after eight years; and Lynne Anne Sanders, RMES Title I teacher, after 19 years.

Rocky Mountain Elementary School Principal Eric Honeyman recognized cafeteria employee Laura Mills as employee of the month, praising her work with the school’s fruit and vegetable program and the positive relationships she builds with students and staff. 

Rocky Mountain Middle/High School Principal Betsy Sammons recognized second-year art teacher Erica Griffin for her leadership in expanding student art opportunities, organizing art shows and helping students participate in State Art.

The board also continued the ongoing possibility of moving to a modified or four-day school week beginning in the 2027-28 school year. Trustees reviewed results from a recent community survey that received 203 responses. Options discussed included a hybrid calendar with slightly longer school days and additional school days during the year, as well as a model featuring one full Friday school day each month with the remaining Fridays off.

Board members said the next step in the process will be an operational study before any decisions are made.