5 takeaways from UCSD #1 school board meeting

Superintendent Ryan Thomas announces retirement

Trustee Dan Wheeler named to All-Wyoming School Board

Music educator Amanda Linford nominated for state honor

District official warns of legislative funding changes

Board approves property insurance renewal amid rising costs

Superintendent Ryan Thomas announces retirement

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The Uinta County School District No. 1 board of trustees voted Tuesday to accept the resignation and retirement of Superintendent Ryan Thomas, effective at the end of the current school year. Trustees offered emotional tributes to Thomas, praising his "student-first" philosophy and his long tenure with the district as a teacher, principal and administrator. One trustee noted Thomas's consistent efforts to improve teacher salaries and benefits, while board Chairman David Peterson described Thomas as a "class act" whose decisions were always driven by a passion for the district. The board announced it will post the position internally for 30 days, with applications due Jan. 9, 2026.

Trustee Dan Wheeler named to All-Wyoming School Board

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Superintendent Ryan Thomas presented Trustee Dan Wheeler with the Wyoming School Boards Association "All-Wyoming School Board Member" award. The recognition honors Wheeler's service on the Uinta County School District No. 1 board since 2020, as well as his involvement with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services board, the Evanston Parks and Recreation District board and the WSBA Board of Directors. Thomas cited Wheeler's leadership on difficult issues, including employee concealed carry policies and the construction of new facilities, as key reasons for the nomination.

Music educator Amanda Linford nominated for state honor

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The board recognized North Elementary School music teacher Amanda Linford, who has been nominated for the Wyoming Music Educators Association Teacher of the Year award. Principal Jami Bennett read a letter of recommendation highlighting Linford's 38-year career, during which she has directed over 222 grade-level performances and taught four generations of Evanston students. Linford, who began her career in the district in 1988, was praised for her mentorship of new teachers and her organization of the community's annual Veterans Day musical.

District official warns of legislative funding changes

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Business Manager John Williams briefed the board on the state legislature's "recalibration" efforts, warning that potential funding increases may be negated by new mandates. Williams explained that while the state may offer approximately $4 million in new funding, it is coupled with requirements to reduce class sizes—from 16 to 15 students for grades K-3 and from 21 to 20 students for grades 4-12—which he described as a "wash" or financially detrimental. Williams and Superintendent Ryan Thomas plan to meet with legislators in January to discuss the impacts of these proposals.

Board approves property insurance renewal amid rising costs

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Trustees approved a property insurance renewal with Liberty Mutual at a cost of $413,000, a significant increase from the previous year's rate of $367,000. Business Manager John Williams noted that the district had budgeted for an increase but faced limited options during the bidding process. He reported that another major insurance carrier declined to bid on the district's policy due to liability concerns regarding the structural integrity of the high school domes.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: