5 takeaways from UCSD #1 school board meeting

Crystal Peterson Named District Teacher of the Year

District Test Scores Outpace State Averages

School Accountability Ratings Show Success, Areas for Growth

Board Gives Final Approval to Stricter Student Cell Phone Policy

District Reports Completing Nearly $2 Million in Summer Maintenance Projects

Crystal Peterson Named District Teacher of the Year

UINTA COUNTY - The Board of Trustees recognized Crystal Peterson, a math teacher at Evanston Middle School (EMS), as the District Teacher of the Year. EMS Principal Pat Fackrell praised Peterson for her dedication, high expectations, and the strong relationships she builds with students. He highlighted exceptional test scores from her students, with 69% achieving advanced or proficient on the WY‑TOPP assessment—14% above the state average. Superintendent Ryan Thomas encouraged Peterson to apply for the Wyoming Teacher of the Year award, noting she has an “outstanding chance.”

District Test Scores Outpace State Averages

UINTA COUNTY - Assistant Superintendents Doug Rigby and Joseph Ingalls presented the district’s annual assessment results, revealing that students in Uinta County School District #1 are consistently performing above state averages on the Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY‑TOPP). The board learned that Wyoming ranks highly on NAEP and performs well among states that require all students to take the ACT, according to the presentation. The presentation emphasized that despite the WY‑TOPP test being designed so that roughly about half of students statewide score “proficient,” the district’s strong performance relative to the state highlights the high quality of education being provided.

School Accountability Ratings Show Success, Areas for Growth

UINTA COUNTY - The annual school accountability ratings were released, with all four elementary schools and both middle schools rated as “Meeting Expectations.” Evanston Middle School earned the highest possible rating of “Exceeding Expectations.” Evanston High School was rated as “Partially Meeting Expectations,” with achievement meeting the target, but growth and equity falling below. Officials pointed out a paradox, noting that despite the state’s rating, U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Evanston High School as the seventh‑best high school in Wyoming, based on factors like Advanced Placement course participation and exam success.

Board Gives Final Approval to Stricter Student Cell Phone Policy

UINTA COUNTY - The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the second and final reading of a new, more restrictive student cell phone policy. The policy effectively bans student cell phone use during the academic day, at lunch, and on regular bus routes. While building principals and activity sponsors can authorize use in special circumstances, such as emergencies or extended travel, the goal is to reduce distractions and disruptions. In a surprising turn during the discussion, Evanston High School Student Body President Dominic Stewart voiced his support for the ban, stating that school has been “a lot easier” socially and mentally without phones and that his relationships with friends have grown stronger.

District Reports Completing Nearly $2 Million in Summer Maintenance Projects

UINTA COUNTY - The district completed 26 major maintenance and repair projects over the summer, totaling nearly $2 million in spending. Major work included a complete fire alarm system upgrade at Aspen Elementary, significant stucco replacement at Evanston High School’s gym entrance, and tying the high school’s sprinkler system to the secondary raw water system to reduce water costs. Other projects included asphalt repairs across the district, adding a handicap‑accessible entrance at Uinta Meadows Elementary, and upgrading the lighting system in the EHS auditorium. Officials noted that the district’s major maintenance funding from the state has increased by nearly $1 million for the coming year, to $2.9 million.

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