board faces deadline for change of gun-free school zone

Eight out of 18 staff members say they will carry

The Big Horn County School District #4 Board of Trustees will soon determine how to implement the Wyoming legislature’s repeal of gun-free school zones in Basin schools. 

House Bill 172, which will become law on July 1, allows for concealed carry on public school grounds and in public meetings. Local schools now must determine how they will update their rules to allow for this. 

“Timeline-wise, we have to have something in place by August, before the school year,” Superintendent Jory Thompson said at the board’s May 13 meeting. 

Thompson suggested that any changes must go through as a rule change to avoid potential lawsuits that may arise from implementing them as policy. While the school board has the capacity to change their policies more leniently, a rule change will require a 45-day notice, collection of public comment and a public forum. The community will not be allowed to vote on the matter but may express their opinions to the board. 

Eight out of 18 school staff surveyed said they would carry on school grounds when allowed, Thompson reported. 

“It really is important, especially when you’re around kids, to go through training,” trustee Terri Hobmeier said. Thompson said that a rule change may require staff to be trained in gun handling, but there is still a question of whether the school or the individual staff member would fund that training. 

The board has the option of adopting a rule change as presented to them or developing their own. Thompson suggested the board review their policy in June, then host a public meeting in late July or early August before implementation at their Aug. 12 meeting. 

REC AGREEMENT VOTED DOWN

The board opposed their Basin Recreation District and Town of Basin Use Agreement as presented, citing concerns about a required $10,000 donation from the school for preferential use of the Rec facilities. 

Since the Rec District took over the old school building five years ago, the school has allocated $10,000 to the rec and used the old gym for sports practices. While the school could run practices in its own facilities, the current model allows for practice to be done by 6 p.m. and avoids early and late practices. 

Trustee Kristen Schlattman shared that, while she was not overtly opposed to the donation, she did not understand why a special use agreement was mandatory. 

“We wanted to support the rec (at the time the initial donation was made) because it’s good for kids in our community. We had the money at the time, we have ever since, and I think we have always been on the same page about wanting to support that,” Schlattman said. 

“I guess I’m just wondering now why we have to enter into a different kind of agreement, unless everybody that uses that space and rents it for various purposes has something like this?”

Riverside Middle High School Principal Matt Jensen explained that requiring the donation within a certain timeline would allow the Rec district to complete their budget. 

“The property tax bill that went into place has greatly reduced the amount of money that the Rec District is getting, so within the initial budget, they talked about having to possibly reduce the number of hours,” Jensen said. “So, then it’s reduce hours but increase revenue, I mean, it just doesn’t work.”

The board voted in opposition of the agreement as presented. Business Manager Trevor Whitaker estimated the school would know if they had the money for the donation by July. 

PRELIMINARY BUDGET APPROVED

The board approved their preliminary budget with a total revenue of $8,927,572 and total expenditures at $9,112,572. The major difference seemed to be in the capital construction fund, where expenses totaled $400,000 and revenue sat at $5,000. Whitaker explained that preexisting cash funds will cover that cost. 

AD DEALS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES?

Athletic director Cindi Smith shared potential changes to Wyoming High School Athletic Association policies that may allow for high school athletes to sell their name, image and likeness to advertisers. The policy change passed all four WHSAA districts on first reading. Currently the practice is not allowed.

“It kind of gives us a little protection if we go this direction… It also gives us a guideline we need to follow to make sure things are taken care of,” Smith said. 

Thompson shared the Superintendents Association would likely vote against the change at their September meeting. 

OTHER NEWS:

Sarah Bell was hired as third grade teacher and Mark Hamilton as girls basketball head coach. 

The board accepted the resignations of Merrita Powell, Head Middle School Girls Basketball Coach and Jereme Carne, Math/Industrial Arts Teacher.

Thompson suggested buying back teacher’s six days of leave if they are not used by the end of the school year. Whitaker was assigned to run the numbers. 

Whitaker announced he would be applying for ESA Education Service Provider funds for four-year-olds entered into the preschool program. By enrolling them through this program, the school would receive $7,000 per student. Whitaker estimated 10 students would have qualified this school year. 

Construction on the concession stands is set to begin following graduation.