6 takeaways from UCSD #1 school board meeting

District Receives Full State Accreditation

The Uinta County School District #1 Board of Trustees announced that the district has received “full accreditation status” from the Wyoming State Board of Education for the 2024–2025 school year. The status, approved at the State Board’s June 12–13, 2025 meeting, followed a comprehensive review of district systems, staff certifications, and other evidence of performance. This designation serves as a key indicator of the district’s overall quality and adherence to state educational standards.  

Board Advances New Concealed Carry Rules to Align with State Law

The school board has initiated a significant update to its school safety policy regarding firearms on campus. The board approved a Notice of Intent to Amend Rule CKA, aligning district policy with the new state law (HB 172) permitting concealed carry in public schools, effective July 1, 2025. The proposed rule removes the district’s previous application/approval attachments (CKA R-1 through R-4). Under the draft, employees and volunteers who intend to carry must provide written notice to the district and meet state-mandated training and storage requirements; open carry remains prohibited under a separate policy. The process now enters a public comment period through October 7, 2025, before the board takes final action.  

Uinta B.O.C.E.S. #1 Faces Future Funding Challenges, Mill Levy Vote Looms in 2026

Sheila McGuire, Executive Director of Uinta B.O.C.E.S. #1 (Board of Cooperative Educational Services),delivered her annual report, highlighting both the organization’s successes and significant future funding concerns. B.O.C.E.S., which provides after-school programs, higher-education partnerships, and workforce training to the community, is primarily funded through a 2.5-mill levy that must be reapproved by voters every four years. McGuire informed the board that this critical levy will be on the ballot again in November 2026, and its failure would jeopardize the organization’s ability to operate. Compounding the issue, federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding is threatened in the White House’s FY2026 proposal, creating further uncertainty.  

District Adopts Strict New Student Cell Phone Policy

In a move to curb classroom distractions, the board approved the first reading of a new, more restrictive district-wide policy on student cell phone use. The policy mandates that personal electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, must be turned off and stored away in backpacks, lockers, or vehicles during the entire school day. This rule also extends to transportation, prohibiting phone use on school buses to and from school. Previously, cell phone rules were determined by individual school principals; the new policy creates a consistent standard across all UCSD #1 schools, placing the authority with the district.

District Updates Concussion Protocols for Student-Athletes

The board approved an update to its Sports Medicine Concussion Protocol to incorporate the latest standards in athlete safety. The revised policy shifts from the previously used SCAT5 assessment to the newer SCAT6 and introduces Sway Medical testing for managing head injuries. A key component of the policy remains unchanged: parents cannot override the concussion protocol. Once a student is identified with a potential concussion, they must complete the multi-phase return-to-play process unless a medical doctor formally waives the diagnosis.  

Student Participation in Activities Soars, Straining Resources

While approving its annual membership with the Wyoming High School Activities Association, the board reviewed student participation numbers, which have reached impressive levels. Currently, 575 high school students and 289 middle school students are involved in extracurricular activities. The high numbers have created challenges, particularly in sports like volleyball, leading to a discussion about the possibility of re-hiring sophomore-level coaches that were cut years ago due to budget constraints. While the high involvement is celebrated, administrators noted it is difficult to schedule enough games and provide adequate coaching for the number of students who wish to play.  

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