LCSD 2 successes on track

Laramie County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees Chairwoman Esther Davison started the board meeting by doing something she enjoys; appreciating a teacher and awarding their success.

Pine Bluffs elementary teacher Lisa Gilbert was named the 2014 LCSD 2 teacher of the year.

"Lisa has helped students get ready for junior high and does an amazing job," Davison smiled. "She is great with the kids and has a teaching style that prepares them well for future learning. I am very delighted she received this recognition."

Pine Bluffs elementary Principal Sue Stevens said she was "very proud" of Gilbert and commended her for the worthwhile process of finding a great teaching style.

In another form of success, Business Manager Rob Bryant updated the board on the recent developments concerning the Burns track.

"It was quite a victory for us to get the enhancements for our track," Bryant said of the recent approval of enhancements from the Select Committee for School Facilities.

"Basically we will receive the same type track as a 4A school except for the additional two lanes," he said.

Bryant told the board they could put out a separate bid for the additional two lanes and see what "creative funding" opens up.

"We can have Okie Blanchard bleachers for free, we just need to move them out here," Bryant said. "That will add three times more seating for us."

Bryant added Holly Frontier volunteered to help with the move at no cost. He said different expenses would come up with the new track such as a new score board, six foot security fence, and other items not thought of yet. Bryant said they should keep those "creative funding ideas" open.

Board member Jeff Kirkbride didn't underestimate the work hours and dedication Bryant and others put into making sure Burns gets a "quality track," and he thanked him for that. Davison and the other board members echoed Kirkbride's accommodations.

Kirkbride asked about bidding for turf and grass to see the difference in cost. Bryant said the cost for turf would be $250,000 to $400,000 more than grass but they could definitely put it out for bid to keep their options open. Bryant reiterated how pleased he was with the enhancements the district received for the Burns track and reminded the board it cost $220,000 to resurface the Pine Bluffs track, so the savings will be significant.

The board asked Bryant if he had any news on the Pine Bluffs Elementary School bid for a new school. Bryant said the board might start talking to the Town of Pine Bluffs about the land for the school. He added the timeline might be in excess of two years.

Bryant reported enrollment was 955, up 24 from last year, but still down two from the beginning of the year.

The board approved on second and final reading JLCD, a policy concerning who can administer medications to the students. The board also approved an agreement with ARK Regional Services in Laramie for the care and education of a student. LCSD 2 is responsible for the education of their students even when they are placed in different facilities. LCSD 2 will pay ARK $73 per day from Oct. 7 through May 23, 2014.

The board also approved on first reading JG, a policy regarding the assignment of students to classes. The district recognized a need for a "logical and successful placement" for students regardless of their past placement in other districts or learning institutions.

In order to help with the PAWS scores at Burns elementary, the board approved a contract with a consultant to work with students at that school to help bring up the test scores.

Board member Jack Bomhoff asked if the consultant had any proven record for higher test scores. Superintendent Jack Cozort said the consultant submitted an in depth resume and had all the credentials they were looking for and would only be working with Burns elementary students under the contract.

The next meeting will be in Burns Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.