9 takeaways from Sweetwater County District 1 school board meeting

Board publicly censures former trustee for misconduct

School board to fill vacancy left by trustee resignation

External review gives district high marks, praises teachers

Trustee reports district finances are in a 'good spot'

Freshman Academy data shows drastic drop in failures, discipline

Work progresses at site of new Rock Springs High School

Students lead fundraising for Jae Foundation boot program

District responds to bullying petition, pledges increased awareness

Farson-Eden students showcase passion projects in 'Reach' program

Board publicly censures former trustee for misconduct

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees took the step Monday of publicly censuring a former member, Cole Seppie, following his recent resignation. The board’s resolution, read aloud by Chair Cole Wright, stated that an independent investigations found Seppie engaged in inappropriate conduct toward district employees, raised “significant concerns regarding micromanagement,” and exposed the district to legal risk. The action was taken, according to the resolution, to ensure transparency and reaffirm the board’s expectations for professionalism and ethical conduct, making clear that such behavior is not tolerated.

School board to fill vacancy left by trustee resignation

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The school board will hold a special meeting on Nov. 17 to interview candidates and appoint a new member to fill its vacant at-large seat. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Trustee Cole Seppie, which was effective Oct. 28. The board formally acknowledged the resignation and posted a public notice seeking interested individuals to serve the remainder of the term.

External review gives district high marks, praises teachers

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — An external accreditation team gave Sweetwater County School District No. 1 a commendation for its “comprehensive and systematic approach to improving student learning.” Brenton Young, who led the Wyoming Department of Education peer review team, presented the findings Monday, reporting strong alignment between board governance, district leadership and classroom instruction. Young highlighted instructional methods as a particular strength, noting that in his eight years leading reviews, the district’s classroom performance ranked among the very best he has seen. The final report will be delivered to the district in the coming weeks.

Trustee reports district finances are in a 'good spot'

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The school district is in a strong financial position, Trustee Josh Sorensen reported after meeting with Chief Financial Officer Gina Harvey. Sorensen said the finance department has improved efficiency and is working directly with school principals to help them better understand and utilize their building budgets, ensuring funds intended for students are not left unused. In a separate operations update, Sorensen noted that the transportation department is now 97 percent staffed.

Freshman Academy data shows drastic drop in failures, discipline

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The new Freshman Academy at Rock Springs High School is showing significant early success, according to first-quarter data presented to the board. Principal Ben Straka reported that course failure rates and behavior incidents have dropped dramatically compared to the same period last year. For example, behavior incidents fell from 49 in October 2024 to 20 in October 2025. Straka credited the academy’s small-team structure, increased adult supervision and the consistent enforcement of the district’s new cell phone policy for the positive trends.

Work progresses at site of new Rock Springs High School

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Progress is underway at the site for the new Rock Springs High School, Superintendent Joseph Libby announced in his report Monday. Geo-technical and percolation testing was recently completed on the property to prepare for the new construction. Libby confirmed that the district is holding weekly or bi-weekly meetings with architects and other agents to keep the major capital project moving forward quickly.

Students lead fundraising for Jae Foundation boot program

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — A student-led team at Rock Springs High School has raised over $15,200 for the Jae Foundation’s “Jae Boots” program, the board learned Monday. The program aims to provide every graduating senior with a pair of boots to raise awareness for mental health. The students’ goal is $75,000. Upcoming fundraising events include a swing and line dancing lesson at the satellite high school and a fundraiser for a signed Josh Allen jersey.

District responds to bullying petition, pledges increased awareness

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — In response to a citizen petition on bullying, the school board affirmed its current policy aligns with state law but committed to enhancing prevention and communication efforts. While the legal definitions of bullying within the policy will not change, Assistant Superintendent Nicole Bolton outlined several new steps. These include better promotion of anonymous reporting tools and a district hotline, forming a committee to improve student education on the issue and ensuring parents are clearly informed of investigation outcomes and appeal processes. Trustee Danielle Schumacher advocated for programs that help students recognize bullying behavior in themselves and others.

Farson-Eden students showcase passion projects in 'Reach' program

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Students from Farson-Eden School demonstrated skills ranging from laser engraving to drumming during a presentation of their “Reach” program projects. The period allows students who have mastered their standards to pursue self-directed “passion projects.” A senior displayed custom-engraved items made to fundraise for the National FFA Organization, sophomore Aubrey Boodleman detailed the preschool she started for local children, and sophomore Stryker Thoren performed a complex drum solo for the board. Principal Barbara Rezzonico said she was “humbled” by the students’ creativity and initiative.

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