News – Sheridan Media
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This is the first part of a two-part story on the Tuesday, January 28, SCSD#2 Board of Trustees Legislative round-table. There was standing room only at the board room in the SCSD#2 Central Office for the SCSD#2 public forum.
Chairman Shane Rader called the meeting to order and explained the format for the round-table discussions. He urged everyone to be respectful of each other’s opinions.
One statement that drew a chuckle from the crowd was when Rader said that the groups at each table would be “fairly large,” due to the size of the gathering. “But that’s a good thing.” he added.
He described the different areas that were being addressed at the round-table. Curriculum and Instruction; and School Safety; School Funding; as well as Mental Health and School Choice. Each table had SCSD#2 staff to moderate the discussions.
Participants rotated between four stations, each addressing different bills that will be presented at the upcoming legislative session in February.
Ten minutes was allowed at each table, and then the group could rotate to another topic. Due to the number of participants, those who did not get a chance to speak could write their concerns on sticky notes and attach them to the board under the appropriate heading.
These would be gathered up and included in the summary to be presented to the legislators. The summary will be emailed to those who provided emails to the board, and will also be presented at the February board meeting.
Rader added that this weekend he, Trustee Arin Waddell and Superintendent Scott Stults will go to Cheyenne to meet with the legislators.
He then turned the meeting over to the round-table discussions.
One station addressed Curriculum and Instruction. One bill addressed was HB 100, which is an act allowing school districts and charter schools to adopt policies to employ persons without holding a certificate or permit issued by the Wyoming professional teaching standards board.
Krystal Ahrens, Coffeen School teacher, talked about the bill.
Amara Caywood, high school student, added this comment
Rich Urbatchka, who has a background in math and science had this comment on the subject.
He added that a teacher has to do lesson planning and assessments as well as just knowing the subject they are teaching.
At one table the topic was school safety, where the participants discussed upcoming bills HB0172 and HB017 about repealing gun free zones as well as concealed carry in schools.
One teacher felt that she would be uncomfortable if she knew that people could carry guns in school, because many crimes are crimes of passion, and having a gun would be very dangerous.
Melissa Suchor, SHS English Teacher, had these comments.
She added,
She also mentioned there might be legal issues and the school’s insurance liability as well.
There was good participation and many comments on all the issues, and many of those who did not get a chance to present their views, added sticky notes to the boards.
The next story will cover the next two topics, School Funding and Mental Health and School Choice. It will be posted later today.
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Last modified: January 29, 2025