Schools look at renovations for security

By Karla Pomeroy

Cloud Peak Middle School is looking into modifications to the front of the school for security and energy efficiencies.
Principal Kyle Gunderson reported to the Big Horn County School District No. 4 Board of Trustees at their regular meeting last Tuesday that Plan One Architects personnel have visited the school and are developing options for a possible double-entry at the main entrance of the building for energy efficiency, electronic doors for security and office renovations.
He said he is looking at office renovations in order to provide better visibility for the office staff of the lobby so they can see who is coming in and going out.
Superintendent Mary Fisher said any renovations will be brought before the board for approval. She said that while the district strives for secure schools, she also wants to make sure the schools are warm and friendly for visitors.
Security changes are being made at Laura Irwin Elementary School, Principal Jerrod Moretti told the board. He said they are extending the current fence so the entire playground will be fenced. He said there will be gates but the gates will not be locked. The playground will still be open to the public during non-school hours. “We don’t want to deny access to the community.
Funding for the fencing will come from major maintenance funding provided by the School Facilities Commission.

Other business
In other business at last week’s meeting, the board:
• Approved introductory pages for the board policy book. They also approved a new page describing the district’s legal status per Wyoming statute. Another new page approved is titled, “The people and their school district” and includes the statement that the board declares its intent to “maintain two-way communications with residents of the district. The public shall be kept informed of the progress and problems of the school districts, and residents shall be urged to bring their aspirations and feelings about their public schools to the attention of the board.”
The board approved moving the nondiscrimination policy to the front of the book instead of the back. The book also will not contain a statement approved by the board that the “policy manual is intended as a guide for the efficient and professional performance of the school district and the employees employed by this school district.”
• Approved a change to the grading system for advanced placement and concurrent enrollment college courses. Riverside High School will have a weighted grading system where students enrolled will receive an additional .5 credit on their grade, not to exceed 4.0. In order to receive credit for the course the student must complete the course and take the advanced placement exam.
• Agreed to send a letter and place posters promoting the Children’s Resource Center “1 Before 2” program that encourages parents to have their child screened at least once before the age of 2.
Moretti said the Children’s Resource Center is a valuable asset in helping students with special education needs. The screenings and the work at the center helps the school identify students early so when the students enter kindergarten they know what the needs are for that student.
• Approved a use agreement with the Basin City Arts Center. Fisher said the district and center board always had just a letter outlining use by the school district. This is a formal use agreement outlining fees the district pays to use the center. Fisher said the renovations will not affect use by the district this year.