Lee Zimmer

The board meeting primarily focused on the adoption of the fiscal year 2027 budget. The board and administrative staff discussed the challenges of presenting a deficit spending budget, highlighting discrepancies in funding for student activities, school safety and security, and student/classroom technology. The discussion emphasized the need for transparency in how funds are allocated across instructional and operational silos and the impact of state-level funding models on district resources.

The board meeting included a presentation from Big Horn Middle School staff regarding their mission statement, collective commitments, and instructional strategy handbook, specifically focusing on teaching students to use evidence to support reasoning. Academic data from the previous school year was reviewed, highlighting performance above state averages in ELA, math, and science. Additionally, the meeting featured student activities such as the sources of strength healthy activities campaign, the One Book, One School reading initiative, and a presentation by the robotics team regarding their award-winning innovation project for archaeology.

The board meeting featured a presentation on the educational activities at Slack Elementary, including place-based learning, hands-on science projects, and music curriculum integration. Additionally, student representatives provided a detailed report on their attendance and experiences at the Wyoming Association of Student Councils convention, covering leadership workshops, community service projects, and motivational sessions.

The board meeting included a review of school enrollment data, academic performance metrics such as ACT and YTOP scores, and a discussion regarding student initiatives by the National Honor Society. Significant recognitions were given to students for their participation and achievements in performing arts, FBLA, and FFA. Additionally, the board discussed career preparation programs, including mock interviews, job shadows, and work-based learning opportunities. Student reports highlighted recent achievements in state wrestling, basketball, and choir.

The board meeting featured a presentation by the Big Horn High School drama team, highlighting their recent state championship success and upcoming national competition qualifiers. Additionally, the district provided an overview of its mock interview program, detailing the process for preparing students for post-high school careers through community engagement. Finally, an independent audit report for the 2025 fiscal year was presented, noting that the district's financial statements were fairly presented and met professional standards.