Christopher Dresang

This document outlines Natrona County School District's commitment to preparing students for post-graduation success through its Pathways Innovation Center (P.I.C.). It details a range of academic, career, and technical programs across various fields, emphasizing individualized planning, industry certifications, and strong community partnerships. The initiative aims to develop productive citizens who are college, career, and military-ready by providing authentic, rigorous learning environments and extensive collaboration with local businesses and educational institutions.

The board meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included the review of the December 2025 financial reports, totaling $18,552.46 in bills to be paid, and a comparison of the current cash balance to the previous year, noting improvement. The board unanimously voted to reschedule the January and February 2026 meetings due to holiday conflicts. Updates were provided on the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) hearing regarding dual enrollment programs, the status of setting up the Wyoming Government Investment Fund Account, and a review of the newly created SLEDS website for dual enrollment data. Progress on the BOCES Bylaws review was discussed, with plans to reconvene in the spring. The board also discussed updating the ACE Tuition Policy, particularly regarding summer courses for recent graduates, and requested a report on student failure/withdrawal rates. Updates were given regarding planning for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) review visit. The manager and advisor reports were submitted. The board will need to confirm representation and hold elections in the January meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review and approval of the October 2025 financial reports, totaling $32,259.75 in bills to be paid. The board reviewed the first quarter revenue report, noting a 19% increase in motor vehicle revenue and a 20% decrease in property tax revenue, resulting in an overall revenue increase of 7.8%. The board addressed an issue with WyoStar transfers, requested research on comparable investment accounts, and confirmed a meeting between co-facilitators, the NCSD #1 superintendent, and the Casper College president to discuss legal issues and bylaw revisions. A policy revision was passed requiring all grants and programs to submit a final report within 60 days of project completion, with subsequent funding contingent upon receipt. A detailed final report for the 2025 Kinser Jazz Festival was presented, and the board requested further information regarding its endowment. Reports from NCSD #1 and Casper College highlighted the BOCES Manager receiving a service award and ongoing work to improve student orientation and registration processes for BOCES students.

The meeting included the presentation and acceptance of the November 2025 financial reports, totaling $418,067.26 in bills to be paid. Discussions on budget items addressed a three-year enrollment comparison for dual and concurrent courses, noting a tuition savings for FY26 due to a negotiated flat concurrent tuition rate. Key administrative actions involved approving the creation of an account with the Wyoming Government Investment Fund (WGIF) and moving all WyoStar funds there, and approving changes to the Grant/Program Policy requiring final project reports within 60 days of completion, with funding suspension as a penalty for non-submission. The board also received reports on the Kinser Jazz Festival Endowment Fund, updates on concurrent credit programs from NCSD #1 and Casper College, and administrative updates from the BOCES Manager.

The meeting included an audit report presentation, which received an unmodified opinion, and a review of internal control risks. The financial reports for June 30, 2025, were presented and approved, along with the payment of bills. The FY26 budget was approved, with projected expenses, revenue, and the application of carryover funds. Policy updates were distributed for review, and a decision was made not to hold a meeting in August. There were reports on BOCES policies, the annual review of the BOCES Manager, and the T-Bird Take-Off Online Orientation. The manager reported on the finalization of the FY26 budget, completion of the annual audit, and issues with fund transfers. The academic advisor reported on student advising, issues with DualEnroll.com, and the development of an online orientation for DLI students. There was also a discussion about a required online orientation for all BOCES students. A review of the BOCES grant policy was requested, and an announcement was made regarding a change in leadership at UW-Casper.