6 takeaways from UCSD #1 school board meeting

Board approves $80,000 for Red Devil Ranch pivot power in split vote

Engineer to be hired for Red Devil Ranch barn project

Concealed carry policy updated, board removes discouraging language

Evanston High School improvement plan approved

Fifth graders praise Uinta County Youth Camp experience

Board backs statewide legislative proposals

Board approves $80,000 for Red Devil Ranch pivot power in split vote

EVANSTON, Wyo. -- The Uinta County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees approved $80,345 in funding for a new electrical system to power a center pivot irrigator at the student-run Red Devil Ranch. The motion passed in a split vote, with one trustee voting in opposition. The funds, which will be drawn from the district’s carryover budget, will cover a $46,500 project by Rocky Mountain Power to install new poles and overhead lines, as well as a $33,800 contract with CD’s Electric to install a transformer and connect power to the pivot and its water pumps. The project is designed to make irrigation more efficient on the 50-acre ranch, which serves as a hands-on learning facility for the high school’s agriculture program. During the discussion, a trustee raised questions about the district’s water rights and the reliability of continuous water flow in the ditch serving the property.

Engineer to be hired for Red Devil Ranch barn project

EVANSTON, Wyo. -- As part of the discussion on the Red Devil Ranch, Facilities Director Jaraun Dennis confirmed the district is moving forward with plans for a new barn on the property. Dennis stated he has negotiated a $5,000 fee with an engineer to provide the necessary drawings and stamp of approval for the structure, which is being built with donated materials. The engineering cost will be covered by the general maintenance budget, allowing the student-led construction project to proceed.

Concealed carry policy updated, board removes discouraging language

EVANSTON, Wyo. -- The school board approved revisions to its concealed carry policy, Rule CKA, after a public comment period. The most significant change involves removing language that encouraged individuals with permits not to carry firearms on school property. Superintendent Ryan Thomas explained the updates align the district’s rules with Wyoming statute. The district will install updated signage to reflect that while legal concealed carry is permitted consistent with state law and district rules, open carry of firearms remains prohibited. The motion to approve the revised rule passed with one trustee voting against it.

Evanston High School improvement plan approved

EVANSTON, Wyo. -- The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2023–2024 School Improvement Plan for Evanston High School, which is currently rated as “partially meeting” state accountability standards. Principal Scott Kohler presented the plan, which focuses on improving student outcomes in ninth- and 10th-grade English and math. Kohler said the school missed state targets for growth and equity by a single point. The plan outlines strategies including data-informed planning to place students in appropriate support classes, refining unit plans to better define learning progressions and continuing professional development with an instructional consultant to enhance co-teaching strategies for students needing additional support.

Fifth graders praise Uinta County Youth Camp experience

EVANSTON, Wyo. -- Two Clark Elementary fifth-graders gave a presentation to the board detailing their positive experiences at the Uinta County Youth Camp. One student described the camp as an “adventure that made science come to life,” where students learned from forest rangers and firefighters about conservation and forest management. Another student shared favorite moments, including learning to identify a healthy river by its fish population and studying tree rings. Both thanked the board for supporting the program, which they said creates lasting memories and makes learning exciting and meaningful.

Board backs statewide legislative proposals

EVANSTON, Wyo. – Trustees gave their support to three resolutions set to be considered at the Wyoming School Boards Association’s upcoming delegate assembly. The board signaled its approval for a proposal to allow districts to receive reimbursement for high-cost special education placements in quarterly installments rather than annually, which would aid smaller districts with cash flow. The board also supported proposals to tighten the timelines for employee termination hearings, which can currently last over a year while the district continues to pay the employee’s salary. A related proposal would allow a superintendent to suspend an employee without pay if they are charged with a felony or crime of moral turpitude, pending the outcome of the case.

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