[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6301454,"mediaKeyId","2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475","parentId",2488249,"title","Students urge board to consider classroom disruption after teacher’s removal; board warns employment matters are restricted in public comment","audioSeconds",268,"startMs",4827000,"endMs",5095000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475&start=4827&end=5095","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475/thumbnail_4827000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6301454/Wyoming/Students-urge-board-to-consider-classroom-disruption-after-teachers-removal-board-warns-employment-matters-are-restricted-in-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301454-fd63311a308c7f02ad264007699faaa8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750032&Signature=UWnu17UEIlfWOtK10m8QYoEsyZHe3P6cHc9uhLOi0hAvbVJa0ZRRh45nwd4Q0wH-XW0Tu-QJqMavtUs0xKrfIy0kgqpIEdf~K3t0LCcKKO90AFQ28c1qwatIv8QDod-GDtIZu6us3CIAZ0~gDdb3czsdjNdwnYlVzcXAt52XwrcuGf5VucAhlHYnScYU44gs7EO3CoRjnuS0pFDRAPHrP-pIGpc-Jysz9ec26939tvTlYjkIcaztgofCXZ13opQ~rQ-csk5~5~n5oAMG-Zo0762wIXSSM5gMDaMQoNxg8uVbcDaNAMwlb1uPJyBCGcSru6831JHqlMCCTSkrkLNuzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Laramie County School District 1","date","2025-03-04T14:21:51Z","article","Two East High students spoke during the public comment portion of the March 3 board meeting to express concern about the temporary removal of an East High teacher and its impact on student learning.

What speakers said: A senior identified as Malay Gisso told trustees the teacher’s “dedication and innovation” produced high student engagement and real‑world learning opportunities and urged the board to “thoughtfully consider supporting this teacher for the betterment of students.” A junior, Derek Wood, likewise said the teacher fostered critical thinking and community engagement and said students feel their curriculum and classroom experience have been disrupted while the educator remains out of the classroom.

Board response and limits on comment: Board leadership reminded speakers they could present opinions but cautioned that personnel matters and confidential employment issues cannot be discussed in a public board meeting under Wyoming law and recent court guidance. The chair and district legal counsel said the district also offers alternate channels — human resources or a closed executive session — for matters involving individual employees. The transcript records the students handing written statements to district staff for the board’s consideration.

Why it matters: The speakers framed their comments as student concerns about instructional continuity; board members emphasized the district’s obligation to protect employee privacy and to follow investigative and procedural steps for personnel matters.

Next steps: The board indicated the matter remained under investigation and later moved into executive session at the end of the meeting for confidential discussions that included personnel and possible student discipline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LCSD1 School Board of Trustees Work Session & Meeting - March 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two East High students addressed the board during public comment to support a removed educator and urged the board to consider reinstatement or timely resolution; the board cautioned that specifics about personnel matters cannot be discussed publicly and said the matter is under investigation.","taxTitle","Laramie County School District #1, School Districts, Wyoming","taxId",13150,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301459,"Board approves $17.6 million McCormick renovation and $14 million major‑maintenance amendment",137,7357000,7494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475&start=7357&end=7494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475/thumbnail_7357000.jpg","/articles/6301459/Wyoming/Board-approves-176-million-McCormick-renovation-and-14-million-majormaintenance-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301459-3b9d50b90207311da9f2a6d1434c024c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750032&Signature=ayc5vIjpDYl1-hgj6HP80dAgBZ3ylNDWo9ArVRuytEdxFU4T6xaSRGgfBxgDiTZK0446wb728fzOnLLOGp1jajx31vuUyqwci09lz4plZ8jns-WQe6vv2kdKibb45g2x9AwgOhjX--q1SxHUe1gtYLgfB-3uL4hLGfbP6hyr1vRqzrp0gwiO22Ker64sdzI~Ewcc5P7vKLZ6V4x8ocnkQyxnL0eJFqN4LhrvSfj9frGFxkJoRrMCRonaUodhdSEgZb6t6JxQNxc2-Zd8Zfrei3BlqUb0qRUSVJLcDTHyTTwRGH-TOZ6Z39zv7966NXBnW0pAoolTVfcR0dnz7DKPtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March 3 meeting the Laramie County School District #1 Board of Trustees approved several routine personnel and fiscal items and voted to amend the major‑maintenance budget and award a construction contract for McCormick Junior High School renovation.

Key votes and motions

- The board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the consent agenda by voice vote. (No roll‑call tallies appear in the public transcript.)

- Depositories of public funds: Trustees approved a slate of financial institutions as authorized depositories under Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. 9‑4‑802 through 9‑4‑808), including First Interstate Bank, US Bank, Wells Fargo, Pinnacle Bank, First National Bank of Omaha, First National Bank of Gillette, Wyoming Bank and Trust, Platte Valley Bank, the Wyoming Government Investment Fund and WyoStar.

- Personnel notifications: The board approved notification of intent to offer contracts to the superintendent’s cabinet and senior leadership and to school administrators for the 2025–26 contract year. Trustee Cook recused from one vote that she stated was related to an individual conflict; the transcript records a recusal but does not identify the individual affected.

Major maintenance budget amendment and McCormick contract

Trustees approved an amendment increasing the major‑maintenance general support appropriation by $14,000,000 to allow district staff to proceed with a comprehensive renovation at McCormick Junior High School. Chief Financial Officer Ciccarelli said the additional appropriation was requested after facility planning for the McCormick project advanced beyond preliminary stages.

The board then approved a construction contract with Richardson Construction Inc. for the McCormick renovation in an amount not to exceed $17,632,292 plus a 5% contingency. District staff told the board the project will be phased, start in the coming summer and include work on the front vestibule, administration offices and classrooms; some phases are expected to be completed around the winter holiday period.

Why it matters: The appropriation and contract provide budget authority and a contractor for a multiyear, multi‑phase renovation that district staff described as comprehensive and beyond the scope of routine maintenance.

Other business

The board approved an administrator contract for a reconfigured Executive Director of Student Services (formerly assistant superintendent of instruction). Trustees voted to adjourn into an executive session to consider several confidential matters, including potential long‑term student suspension and personnel, legal advice and potential litigation.

Records and attribution: The transcript records voice votes of “aye” on many motions but does not include a named roll‑call tally for each motion in the public record; motions were seconded but the transcript rarely records the names of the mover and seconder on the public floor for each item.","The Laramie County School District #1 Board of Trustees amended the major‑maintenance budget and approved a construction contract for the McCormick Junior High renovation, and approved routine personnel notifications and financial institution depositories during the March 3 meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301463,"District reports early gains in free‑meal program under USDA community eligibility provision",1054,1036000,2090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475&start=1036&end=2090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475/thumbnail_1036000.jpg","/articles/6301463/Wyoming/District-reports-early-gains-in-freemeal-program-under-USDA-community-eligibility-provision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301463-c5c6a72363f4e3112e6c27eda6f60c8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750032&Signature=FG8a2r9mxW7zA510b~4zMkGro6LHm80bFNvzycla3speJFEO9mvul-JVbQQ8OhGeTFxy1-zfvadezQ2P~-LpvmogssXQtX9790hGeyFqeVCWIKK5R6ichrRvKbuPTrMyAzAt1NwtzAm-hmG9lXjAH3e3950szJYiKb7Oq4inDAq981MS0qz4WXaxlFgqkEnZKQBHYV2traNa1kI8z3e7mRE58d2LzV-wCpx8GxKlQcJYIgawI6Gzc2z3IqJ6rI-Tut29f11pSBiIkV0wQryR~a-J1v4x1iwpG~xB6dlVJrQ~yqTuuugdMTbeVRvzHG2kyqMaIqHVNN7jsKG6qmnRAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laramie County School District #1 administrators updated the board March 3 on the first year of offering universal free breakfast and lunch at 13 participating schools under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

What the district said: Director of Nutrition Services Ashley Roth told trustees the program removed the need for families to submit meal applications and extended free breakfast and lunch to 4,449 students at 13 South Triad schools. Roth said district meal debt has “decreased significantly” since the program began and reported district totals of 285,649 lunches and 133,930 breakfasts served at the 13 schools through the latest reporting week.

Participation and financial mechanics: Roth reported average daily participation (ADP) of 57% for lunch and 27% for breakfast across the participating schools. That represented a 21% ADP increase at lunch and a 35% ADP increase at breakfast compared with the prior school year, numbers the district said are on the trajectory needed to keep the program financially viable.

Chief Financial Officer Ciccarelli and nutrition staff explained the CEP reimbursement calculation to trustees: the district multiplies its directly certified (DC) student percentage by 1.6 to create an identified student percentage (ISP), which determines the share of meals claimed at the full federal free rate. Using the district’s ISP, trustees were told the district is claiming 71.66% of meals at the full free lunch reimbursement rate; the remainder is reimbursed at a lower rate.

Why the timing mattered: Nutrition staff said the district made use of a unique 2024 base year snapshot produced by a COVID‑era Medicaid waiver that temporarily increased direct certification counts. That base year enabled the district to qualify for a four‑year CEP cycle beginning this school year. Roth and Ciccarelli said the district must re‑notify the state by next month to continue participation for 2025–26 and will monitor participation and federal reimbursement rules to assess financial feasibility year to year.

Next steps to increase participation: To raise breakfast ADP further, the district will pilot second‑chance breakfast at Johnson and South schools (a brief mid‑morning grab‑and‑go period) and expand “speed scratch” scratch‑made menu items to improve meal appeal. Roth said the district is already introducing new scratch‑made items and that principals are working with nutrition staff on scheduling second‑chance breakfast so it does not unduly disrupt class time.

Meal debt and assistance: Roth described the district’s “Feed It Forward” community funded account that helps households with negative meal balances. The nutrition office sends automated negative‑balance notices daily, conducts early outreach when an account reaches negative $15 and, in individual cases, can complete a school admin application to clear debt. The district’s alternate meal policy provides a standard deli sandwich when accounts reach a negative charge limit; the department tracks and flags students who receive excessive alternate meals for additional outreach.

Trustees asked staff to continue regular updates so the board can evaluate CEP participation and financial performance before the April eligibility snapshot and decisions about opting in for 2025–26.","Laramie County School District #1 presented a first‑year report on its implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), saying 13 South Triad schools now offer universal free breakfast and lunch to about 4,449 students, with large increases in participation and reduced meal debt.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301468,"District leaders, principals report winter gains and ongoing challenges in school improvement work",0,3364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475&start=3364&end=3364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488249-ab3c82a7005c5dd239242cd69c54e475/thumbnail_3364000.jpg","/articles/6301468/Wyoming/District-leaders-principals-report-winter-gains-and-ongoing-challenges-in-school-improvement-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301468-34cc9f50770d3197a6a6abd8f3acba45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770750032&Signature=desCHn-q6SH-HEioqykypjlR4helSUKq6YeBiH4tb5jqPsyjF-XJEM7u5UO-tnr7gJLqRJ9qv8ImE25Yb6GuWY7TsdMFqBakTpO5r-2~frYShN6Nf4VOy9vQN94~VGcci3j64Ai9NHz6LqfjcdSETy5Xy~MwdDAL0dDzVxBV2N77KBBUKGk-~gsU52cevXTsPvCBtrC7QfsiaF-HXDEvz23uITAf03RmXX1QN6dAr0LBGj91e9dtvhDDpmsFuTDU7QK-POFNqHAQV6mAOnSvQ3Y2BgX7y9XrRek0qz5-ieTx25LHBGIEK90iBqT8awAVr02Q~fjWnh29FNGwyA0xUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laramie County School District #1 trustees met March 3 for a work session that brought principals and central staff together to review winter interim assessment results and 90‑day updates on school improvement plans.

The presentation by district staff and principals emphasized measured gains on interim assessments and progress toward removing schools from the state’s “in need of support” list. Jed (district staff) told trustees the district is now fully accredited based on the most recent report and that the number of schools identified as “in need of support” has declined from six two years ago to four for the coming year; he said Alpha Vista dropped off the list this year.

Why it matters: trustees said the updates show the effects of sustained work on tier‑1 instruction and multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS), while principals described operational challenges that limit how quickly gains can appear at scale.

Principals described how their school improvement plans focus goals tightly. Ian Brown, principal of Rossman Elementary, said the school prioritized strengthening PLCs and MTSS and has partnered with Solution Tree on a “15 Day Challenge” to sharpen unit planning and prioritize standards. Brown said the school has seen “major growth specifically in the area of math” between fall and winter interims and credited teacher implementation and data‑driven PLC work.

At a larger school, administrators described efforts to increase the use of proven instructional strategies through frequent classroom walkthroughs. A high‑school principal said leadership teams set a goal of 100 walkthroughs early in the year to benchmark current practice and have seen the number of observed research‑based strategies grow during the year.

Several principals identified staffing instability and a shortage of substitutes as recurring constraints. Rossman’s Brown said a lack of substitutes has sometimes required pulling paraprofessionals to cover classrooms, which reduces time available for targeted MTSS interventions. Leaders at small schools cautioned that with smaller enrollment counts, even a single new or transient student can change percent‑based performance metrics substantially.

District staff said screening and progress‑monitoring systems are guiding interventions. Director of Instruction Amanda Hall described FastBridge screening reductions in the number of students qualifying for individualized reading plans (IRPs) from fall to winter — districtwide she reported 164 fewer students in grades K–3 meeting the IRP threshold compared with fall — and said winter YTOP interim averages were higher this year than winter last year in several elementary grades. Hall and Assistant Director Chuck Kern showed principals “stoplight” and roster reports that break interim results down by strand so PLCs can target instruction to specific standards.

Principals described routine collaboration across building triads, district coordinators’ visits and targeted professional development as key supports. Several principals said they routinely share practices that worked in one building with nearby schools and that curriculum coordinators have been providing regular, hands‑on support.

Principals and central staff stressed that data points in interims and screeners are not used in isolation: they are combined with district assessments, universal screeners and progress monitoring to guide instruction and interventions.

Trustees thanked staff and principals for the work and said the board will continue monitoring progress through the spring interims and summative assessments.

Closing note: principals asked for continued board visits to buildings and offered to provide additional, school‑level detail on request.","Laramie County School District #1 trustees heard a work‑session update from central office and principals on winter interim results, school improvement plans and supports for schools identified as needing assistance; officials credited focused PLC and MTSS work for gains while noting staffing and substitute shortages as ongoing obstacles.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Students urge board to consider classroom disruption after teacher’s removal; board warns employment matters are restricted in public comment

Board approves $17.6 million McCormick renovation and $14 million major‑maintenance amendment

District reports early gains in free‑meal program under USDA community eligibility provision

District leaders, principals report winter gains and ongoing challenges in school improvement work