Purchases and protests

Amidst the routine business of budget approvals and curriculum updates, the July 16 Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board Meeting also featured poignant testimonials and heartfelt support from community members in protest of recent district actions.

The meeting's emotional highlight came as members of the Green River High School Softball team passionately supported their former coach, Blaire McEndaffer, who was recently removed from her position. Their testimonials underscored McEndaffer's profound impact on their lives, teaching them resilience, teamwork, and self-belief. The outpouring of support showed the coach's role in the team's cohesion and personal growth, and the protests against her removal.

The school board previously released a statement after McEndaffer's contract was not renwed, explaining that it is the role of the Board of Trustees to consider and approve employment contracts upon recommendation by the District Superintendent.

The statement emphasized that the board "affirms and continues its support for the administration," which "includes support of recent staffing decisions of the administration related to the softball coaching position."

More routine items considered during the regular board meeting and the Recreation Board meeting proceeding it focused on budget discussions and purchases for the district.

Katie Harder's presentation of the 2024-2025 Recreation budget highlighted a revenue increase to $1,502,511, driven by a 3.9% rise in the district's assessed valuation. Noteworthy projects funded include upgrades to the high school gym floor, enhancements to the Aquatic Center timing system and video board, and improvements to Green River Park.

A unanimous decision amended the school board's 2023-2024 special revenue budget, reallocating funds to cover instructional expenditures. Katie Harder presented the 2024-2025 district budget amid challenges such as declining student enrollment and county assessed valuation. Despite these obstacles, appropriations in the budget totaled $60,474,162. The board works to maintain a commitment to financial stability while prioritizing essential projects and student support.

The school board approved $84,315.76 for music equipment from West Music and discussed bus replacements. Rachel Todd also detailed plans to purchase two buses, including a route bus for $110,000 and an activity bus for $160,000, funded by state grants.

Discussion also touched on voluntary mill levies for Sweetwater BOCES and regional initiatives, emphasizing community involvement and transparency in educational planning.

The upcoming agenda includes addressing curriculum storage issues, legislative updates, and exploring additional funding opportunities to support ongoing district needs.

Development and growth within the district was also brought up at the meeting, with Special Services Director Alan Demaret and Curriculum Director Anne Marie Covey giving a presentation on summer curriculum and instruction.

Demaret recognized the Teacher of the Year nominees and Pepper Rynio-Brandt for being selected. Demaret also introduced new team member Mary Vaughn who will serve as the Curriculum and Instruction Administrative Assistant.

Demaret and Covey went over new processes and updates, including the district's revamped website, which aims to improve transparency regarding curriculum tools and resources. Future professional development will prioritize literacy, science, AI integration, and collaboration with the US Soccer Foundation, aiming to enrich educational experiences across disciplines.

For more information and updates, visit the district's website.