Fake threat to school was handled by staff

The Big Horn County School District Board met on Feb. 11. Riverside Middle/High School principal Matt Jensen gave his report. His report included a threatening phishing email. Fortunately, there was no real threat, and the emergency procedures went well. 

The winter WY-TOPP testing is complete. Jensen said it gave the district a good idea what they need to focus on. The sophomore class went on a field trip to Heart Mountain. Upcoming, the Red and Black Rebels will go to Cody to watch a movie. He gave a shout out to the school’s custodians for their hard work including snow removal, setting up for games and wrestling matches. 

LIE Principal/Special Education Director Katie Seeley said students were celebrating Kindness Week. Teachers were giving stickers to kids who were showing kindness. The stickers could be turned in for prizes. There is a poster on the wall that shows 307 ways to show kindness. If the poster gets filled by the end of February there will be a schoolwide treat. Members of the staff may be nominated for acts of kindness. 

Seeley said she is working on evaluations of staff. Teachers have been working together on curriculum maps. 

The business manager report was given by Trevor Whitaker. A bid for a CTE shop behind the school came in at $110,950. The concession/restroom bid was $487,000. The track shed came in at $61,200. His recommendation to the board is to go ahead with the shop and shed but to decline the concession. He also gave an update on the scoreboard. A contractor will be out next week to do decorative metal and lights. He feels the concession/restroom bid was high. 

Superintendent Jory Thompson gave his report. He discussed a couple of policies. One was the professional staff resignation/termination of employment. He said the updated policy will reflect the directions the board gave him at the January meeting. Also discussed was EL policy and school lunch changes/procedures 

OTHER BUSINESS

• Students of the month were recognized. 

• Committee Reports were given: BOCES – Board member Greg Gloy, Recreation Board – Board president Heath Hopkin/Matt Jensen and Booster Club – Board member -Kristen Schlattmann

• Pricie Butcher was appointed to the school board to fill the open Manderson/Hyattville seat. 

• Alice Davidson was hired as a bus driver. 

• A nonresident student application was reviewed and approved. 

• Contracts were renewed for Whitaker, Seeley and Jensen.