Takeaways from Uinta CSD 1 School Board Meeting
Week of July 16, 2026
School board approves $55 million balanced budget with surplus
Board moves $1.3 million to preserve local funds under new state rules
Teachers receive 19 percent salary increase to meet state averages
District overhauls employee health insurance plan
New special education leader introduced
Summer facilities projects nearing completion before school starts
Local student selected for Special Olympics USA Games
Students share cultural insights from Germany exchange trip
School board approves $55 million balanced budget with surplus
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The Uinta County School District No. 1 board of trustees unanimously approved a balanced $55 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Chief financial officer John A. Williams noted the budget features a $1.2 million surplus, largely stemming from one-time state reimbursements for school buses. Because the surplus consists of one-time funds, it will not be used for ongoing expenditures, but it will help bolster the district's anticipated fund balance to approximately $5 million following impending audits.
Board moves $1.3 million to preserve local funds under new state rules
EVANSTON, Wyo. — To preserve local taxpayer dollars under new state rules, the board voted to rename its early retirement fund to a depreciation reserve account, transferring $1.3 million into the designated fund. Chief financial officer John A. Williams explained that new state laws restrict the use of state funding model money for capital improvements and claim 50 percent of the district's general fund interest. By isolating these locally generated, pre-1997 funds into a designated reserve, the district shields the money and its accrued interest for future major capital replacements, such as the high school dome, artificial turf and pool.
Teachers receive 19 percent salary increase to meet state averages
EVANSTON, Wyo. — District teachers will see significant pay bumps this year, as the newly approved budget includes a 19 percent salary increase for certified teachers and a 14.3 percent average increase for all district staff. The raises bring the district's average certified teacher salary to $74,563, placing it slightly above the state-mandated target of $74,422. Chief financial officer John A. Williams explained the salary hikes are essential for Evanston to remain competitive with neighboring Utah school districts and to comply with recent legislative recalibration mandates.
District overhauls employee health insurance plan
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The district is transitioning its employee health insurance from its current carrier to a partially self-funded EVHC/Sigma plan, effective Sept. 1. District administration noted the shift will not disrupt access to current local or Utah-based providers. Employees will now have a choice between a traditional copay plan and a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). To assist with the HDHP, the district will provide seed money for a health savings account, contributing $1,000 for individual employees and $2,000 for families.
New special education leader introduced
EVANSTON, Wyo. — The district's new Director of Special Education and Student Services, Dustan Blair, was formally introduced to the board. Blair, who brings 12 years of experience as a school psychologist in Colorado and Utah, has spent the summer cross-training with district administration to prepare for the upcoming academic year. Blair emphasized a lifelong passion for special education and readiness to navigate the district's reimbursable funding models.
Summer facilities projects nearing completion before school starts
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Summer construction and facility upgrades are on track for completion before students return, including a 95 percent completed electrical overhaul at Evanston Middle School and a new roof at Davis Middle School. Evanston High School is also seeing major upgrades, with the finalization of a two-phase heating, ventilation and air conditioning project and a redesigned south parking lot. The high school's parking lot project transitions Red Devil Drive to angled parking, adding 30 new spaces to alleviate traffic congestion.
Local student selected for Special Olympics USA Games
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Evanston student-athlete Cooper Curry was honored by the board for being selected to represent Team Wyoming at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. Curry recently delivered an outstanding performance at the Wyoming state unified track and field championships in Casper, where he placed third in the shot put and competed in the 100-meter dash. The athlete is accompanied by Evanston coach Ryan Berger, who was selected to serve as a coach for the national USA Games.
Students share cultural insights from Germany exchange trip
EVANSTON, Wyo. — Several high school students shared their experiences from a 15-day foreign exchange trip to Germany, highlighting their immersion into the local school system and tours of historical sites. The students discussed visiting Coburg Castle, a border museum on the former East-West Germany border and the town of Lauscha, known historically for inventing the glass Christmas ornament. The students strongly recommended the district continue supporting the foreign exchange program to foster independence and global perspectives.
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