SD#1 board chairman Bassett remembered for service, leadership

The Big Horn County School District #1 community is mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of its Board of Trustees chairman, Joseph Scott “Josh” Bassett, who passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, while hiking with his family near Hyattville. He was 46.

Bassett had served on the District #1 Board of Trustees since 2018 and most recently as board chair. In a statement released by Superintendent Matt Davidson, Bassett was remembered for his steady leadership and the commitment he brought to a role that often requires long hours, careful study, and difficult decision-making, frequently with little public recognition.

“Serving on a school board requires a significant investment of time and energy,” Davidson wrote. “Mr. Bassett willingly made that commitment even though he was a very busy father and business owner. He attended meetings, trainings, committee work, and willingly took calls that interrupted his day. He cared about his role in the work and took that responsibility seriously.”

As board chair, Bassett was known for engaging thoughtfully in discussions around the most pressing issues facing the district. He shared his views openly while also listening respectfully to differing perspectives, valuing collaboration and understanding that strong governance comes from dialogue and mutual respect.

“He engaged thoughtfully in discussions around the most pressing matters facing our district,” Davidson said. “His leadership and steady commitment to our students and schools will be missed.”

Bassett was especially passionate about Career and Technical Education. He believed strongly in providing every student with opportunities to prepare for life beyond high school, whether through college, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.

“He wanted students to graduate with skills, confidence, and options for their future,” Davidson wrote. “That belief consistently guided his decisions.”

Raised farming and ranching east of Lovell, Bassett served a mission in New England. He and his wife raised five children, all connected to Burlington schools. Their oldest graduated from Burlington High School, with the remaining children enrolled there at the time of his passing. The family also owned and operated Roadrunner Sanitation, a small business providing rural garbage service in Big Horn and Washakie counties.

During his school board tenure, served on the district finance committee, participated in the “Profile of the Graduate” initiative, and served on interview committees for principals and superintendents. He often described his leadership approach as one rooted in asking questions, seeking solutions, and resisting the idea that long-standing practices should remain unchanged simply because they were familiar.

“I have never been the guy to take ‘because that’s the way it has always been done’ as a good enough reason,” he once wrote.

Memorial services for Bassett will be held Saturday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Burlington LDS Church. Arrangements are being handled by Haskell Funeral Home.

In addition to honoring Bassett’s life and service, the Board of Trustees will also begin the process of addressing the vacancy created by his passing. Under Wyoming statute, the board has 30 days to appoint a replacement trustee. District officials said the board will discuss and establish a plan for that appointment during its regularly scheduled meeting this week.

While that process moves forward, district leaders emphasized that the focus remains on supporting Bassett’s family and honoring the example he set through his service.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, myself, and the entire Big Horn County School District #1,” Davidson wrote, “we express gratitude for the service, leadership, and commitment Mr. Bassett gave to our students and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.”

Bassett’s legacy will be reflected not only in policies and programs, but in the countless hours he quietly invested in ensuring that students across the district were given opportunities to succeed, grow, and find their path forward.

Fellow board member Wendy Fuller said Bassett set “a professional and open tone for the board,” making sure “everyone could be heard, seen and understood.” She added that Bassett “served selflessly and always had the students’ and staff’s best interests in mind.”