Douglas Hamel

The key discussion items for this meeting include public comments, recognitions for the Blood Drive, Love Local initiative, and achievements in Boys and Girls Wrestling and Boys Swimming. The agenda covers approval of various consent items such as bills, financial documents, investments, and lease agreements. Significant discussion items involve Interest Based Negotiation (IBN) and GREA negotiations, a Legislative Forum Update, and a discussion regarding a Granger Meet and Greet. Personnel actions include consideration of certified retirement, resignation, and new staff approvals. Under Bid Request Items, there are approvals sought for boiler burner replacement, solicitation for auxiliary gym lights, selection of architects for a CTE Project, and requests for proposals for design work related to transportation buildings and the Lincoln Middle School Air Handler/A/C. Other business encompasses presentations on BOCES Mill Funds and Financial Forecast, requests for discretionary funds, and multiple readings of new and revised Support Staff Policies pertaining to security, access, passwords, and transportation.

The meeting agenda included opening items such as a call to order and roll call. The primary business involved architect interviews with QC10 Architects and Plan One Architects. An executive session was scheduled specifically for discussion pertaining to these architect interviews, citing relevant Wyoming statute sections.

The meeting featured multiple recognitions for student achievements, including the undefeated Boys Middle School Wrestling team, multiple All-State Choir and All-Northwest Choir selections, an All-State Student Council Award recipient, numerous All-State Thespian Festival winners (including a third-place finish for the devised one-act play and recognition for the Theater Director of the Year), and several Girls Swimming All-State and All-Conference honorees, including state champions. Key operational discussions included an enrollment update indicating a slight decrease, which impacts next year's finances. The Board approved the extension of the RFP for Processed Commodities and authorized going out for a new RFP for Custodial Equipment and Supplies. Financial matters involved approving a General Fund Amendment for FY 2026 related to changes in mineral ad valorem revenue and recapture payments, and accepting the Audited Financial Statements for 2024-2025, which received an unmodified opinion despite noting complexity in converting to full accrual accounting. Several technology and security-related policies were advanced through second and first readings, including policies on Acceptable Use, Risk Management, and Data Breach Management. The Board also conducted an executive session to discuss personnel matters, concluding with the approval to extend Superintendent Cooper's contract by two years.

The meeting began with the annual nomination and election of officers, which resulted in all incumbents retaining their positions. The agenda was approved with a minor correction regarding the wording of the schedule for regular meetings in specific months. Key discussions included the financial feasibility of using Rec Board funds for the Green River High School Career Technical Education Facility Renovation, which the Superintendent concluded was likely not possible due to bylaws and decreasing property tax revenues projected to lead to negative balances. Additionally, updates were provided on the 2024-2025 Budget, noting decreased revenue from property tax relief, and correspondence letters of completion for the Summer Day Camp and Swim Lessons were acknowledged as successful uses of Rec Board funds.

The meeting included the annual election and designation of officers and committees for the year, including keeping the previous assignments and setting regular meetings for the second Tuesday of each month. The Board designated the official newspaper, financial institutions, and school board attorney. Discussions covered public comments, including gratitude for donations to Washington Elementary and presentations on the B.E.S.T. Program Christmas Dinner. Recognition was given for the Rocky Mountain Power Grant awarded for Sphero Robotics at Truman Elementary. The Head Volleyball Coach recognized four All-State players, and the Head Football Coach recognized All-Conference and All-State players. Superintendent Dr. Cooper drew the December "Gimme A Break" award recipient. Business items included approving the FY 2024-2025 Audit Update, approving the Budget Calendar for 2026-2027, approving the Medical Flexible Spending Account Amendment, and receiving reports from the WSBA Annual Conference, including securing the keynote speaker for an August event. Personnel matters involved approving an Early Notification Stipend and a Certified Sick Leave Bank Request. A comprehensive WDE District Peer Review/Accreditation report highlighted strong collaboration between the Board and Superintendent, strategic staffing amidst declining enrollment, exemplary support for student mental health, strong stakeholder partnerships, and a high 91% four-year graduation rate. The Board deferred decisions on architects for the GRHS CTE Renovation until March interviews. Approvals were granted for early graduates from Expedition Academy and Green River High School, a $100 holiday gift for employees, and designating December 24, 2025, as a holiday. First readings were taken on several new or revised E-policies related to Firearms, District Cell Phones, Telephone Services, Support Services Goals, Acceptable Use, Malicious Software Protection, Remote Access, Security Awareness and Training, Technology End of Employment Procedure, Workstation Security, and the Use of Artificial Intelligence. Superintendent Dr. Cooper announced the reopening of Thoman Ranch School in January. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session for personnel, student discipline, and potential litigation.