Hot Springs County School District No. 1 held its Regular Meeting on July 9, 2026, with major attention focused on preparation for the 2026-2027 school year. The board reviewed staffing matters, school handbooks, policy updates, transportation plans, operational designations, and the proposed district budget.
The most significant community item was the presentation, public hearing, and adoption process for the 2026-2027 budget. Business Manager Jessica Benefiel was scheduled to present the budget, followed by an opportunity for public questions and comments before the board considered adoption. The proposed levy included a total of 33.5 mills supporting district operations and related educational organizations.
The board also considered several policy revisions affecting communication procedures, student residency documentation, student records, public participation, parental rights, donations, student fees, and other governance areas. Some policies were scheduled for final approval, while others entered the first-reading review process.
Preparation for the upcoming academic year was another major focus. The board considered approval of student and staff handbooks, attendance officers, bus stops, part-time student requests, staffing recommendations, physical therapy services, and revisions to the extra-duty salary schedule.
Major Discussion and Action Items
2026-2027 Budget Presentation, Public Hearing, and Adoption
The board considered adoption of the district’s 2026-2027 budget after a presentation from Business Manager Jessica Benefiel. The agenda included a public hearing where community members could provide comments or ask questions before the board voted.
The proposed tax levy totaled 33.5 mills. The listed components included:
- 25 Mill Special District Tax
- 6 Mill County School Tax
- 0.5 Mill Northwest BOCES
- 0.5 Mill Hot Springs Early Childhood BOCES
- 0.5 Mill Central Wyoming College BOCHES
- 1 Mill Hot Springs County Recreation District
The budget decision affects district operations, educational programming, and related services supported through these funding sources. Community members interested in district finances had an opportunity to provide input during the hearing.
School Year Handbooks and Student Expectations
The board reviewed and considered approval of multiple handbooks for the 2026-2027 school year. Documents included:
- Hot Springs County School District No. 1 Staff Handbook
- Hot Springs County High School Student Learning Handbook
- High School Activities Handbook
- Thermopolis Middle School Student Handbook
- Thermopolis Middle School Activities Handbook
- Ralph Witters Elementary School Handbook
- Paraprofessional Handbook
These documents establish expectations, procedures, and operational guidance for students, families, teachers, and staff during the upcoming school year.
Policy Revisions and Governance Updates
The board reviewed multiple policy changes affecting district procedures and community interactions.
Policies receiving second and final reading consideration included:
- BHC-E1-CCB-E1 — Chain of Communication
- JFABD/JLG-E — Student Residency Form
- JLIB — Student Dismissal Precautions
- JP — Student Gifts
- JQ — Student Fees, Fines, and Charges
The district also reviewed first readings of policies involving:
- Student educational record disclosure requests
- Public gifts and donations to schools
- School-parent-community relations
- Community participation at board meetings
- Public participation procedures
The revisions are intended to update district guidance and clarify procedures for students, families, employees, and community members.
Staffing Recommendations and Employee Assignments
The board considered staffing recommendations for the upcoming school year. The listed employment recommendation was approval of Dallon Basse as Summer Grounds Help, contingent upon completion of an approved background report.
The board also recognized teacher mentor assignments for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Kristin Ryan
- Mandy Luebbe
- Jacob Strenger
- Jaci Garrison
- Kinley Taylor
- Wade Holmes
Teacher mentors support professional development and guidance for educators.
Physical Therapy Services Bid Award
The board considered awarding the 2026-2027 Physical Therapy Services bid to Ryte Rehabilitation.
The decision concerns services provided to support students who require physical therapy assistance as part of their educational needs. The agenda identified the provider recommendation but did not include the contract amount in the available materials.
Transportation Plans and Bus Stops
The board reviewed and considered approval of bus stops within designated “no transportation zones” for the 2026-2027 school year.
The decision establishes transportation arrangements for students who live within areas where regular transportation service may not otherwise be required. The approved locations affect families planning transportation for the coming school year.
Financial Depositories and Fiscal Oversight
The board considered approval of designated financial institutions for fiscal year 2027.
The proposed depositories included:
- Central Bank and Trust
- Pinnacle Bank
- Bank of Thermopolis
- Big Horn Federal Savings Bank
- Wyo-Star Investments
- Wyoming Governmental Investment Fund (WGIF)
The board also reviewed disclosure requirements under Wyoming Statute 6-5-118. Board members, the Superintendent, and Business Manager were required to disclose affiliations involving listed district depositories, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and loans.
Financial Matters
The largest financial matter on the agenda was the 2026-2027 district budget and associated 33.5 mill levy proposal. The board received a budget presentation, held a public hearing, considered community feedback, and planned formal adoption action.
The board also reviewed regular financial materials, including:
- Bills for approval
- Prepaid bills
- Payroll detail report
- June financial report
The board considered approval of fiscal year 2027 depositories to manage district funds.
Additional financial decisions included approval of $50,000 bonds each for the Superintendent and Business Manager for FY27, approval of the extra-duty salary schedule revisions, and designation of the Superintendent as the official representative for federal funds.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The meeting included extensive policy review and revision work. The board considered updates related to communication procedures, student residency documentation, student records, public participation, donations, parental rights, and school-community relations.
The district also reviewed policies without recommending immediate changes, including policies related to student records, parental rights, public communication, media relations, and video recording of school activities.
The board reviewed these policies as part of ongoing alignment with district goals and Professional Learning Community principles.
Superintendent Jason D. Fuss, Ed.D., provided a report covering several district initiatives:
- PLC Conference recap
- Guiding Coalition restructure
- Board workshop dates
Board members also provided committee and organization updates involving:
- Recreation Board
- Northwest BOCES
- Hot Springs County Early Childhood BOCES
- Central Wyoming College BOCHES
- District Governance Committee
- Finance/Building Committee
- Legislative updates
The board also discussed a summer book study using “Upstream” by Dan Heath. The reading schedule included completion of Section 1 for the July meeting, dividing Section 2 across August and September, and completing the book in October.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The board considered attendance officer appointments for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Ralph Witters Elementary School (K-4): Nichole Ciz
- Thermopolis Middle School (5-8): Darren Luebbe
- Hot Springs County High School (9-12): Maryn Hillman
The board also considered approval of part-time student enrollment requests for the upcoming school year.
The Superintendent was recommended as the official representative for federal funds for FY27.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Operational planning for the 2026-2027 school year included transportation planning, physical therapy services, staffing support, and administrative procedures.
The Finance/Building Committee was listed among the board reporting groups, though no specific facility project decision was included in the available agenda material.
The district also reviewed summer grounds staffing and operational handbooks that guide school activities and services.
A public hearing was scheduled regarding the 2026-2027 budget. Community members could provide comments and questions before board consideration of budget adoption.
The board’s public comment procedures allow speakers to address agenda-related topics. Speakers are limited to 2-5 minutes and are asked to identify their name and agenda topic.
Residents wishing to place an item on a future board agenda were instructed to contact the Superintendent or Board Chair at least seven days before the scheduled meeting.
Residents and taxpayers are most directly affected by the annual budget adoption process, including the proposed 33.5 mill levy supporting district operations and related educational organizations.
Students and families may be affected by updated handbooks, transportation arrangements, student residency procedures, student records policies, and available support services such as physical therapy.
Employees may be affected by updated staff guidance, mentor assignments, extra-duty salary schedule revisions, and staffing decisions.
Community members will also be affected by updates to public participation procedures, communication policies, and opportunities to provide feedback during board meetings.
- What major changes are included in the 2026-2027 budget compared with the prior year?
- How will the proposed 33.5 mill levy affect local taxpayers?
- What student or family impacts are expected from the revised handbooks?
- What changes are being made through the updated communication and public participation policies?
- How will the district evaluate the effectiveness of the physical therapy services contract?
- What factors determine bus stops within no transportation zones?
- What priorities guided the revisions to student records and residency policies?
- How will teacher mentor assignments support staff development during the 2026-2027 school year?
- What future decisions may result from the Guiding Coalition restructure?
- When will additional budget information or financial reports be available to the public?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- July 9, 2026: Regular board meeting, including budget presentation, public hearing, and scheduled board actions.
- 2026-2027 School Year: New handbooks, staffing assignments, transportation plans, and operational policies take effect.
- FY27: Approved financial designations, federal funding representation, depositories, and employee-related financial actions apply.
- August-October 2026: Board summer book study schedule continues, with completion of “Upstream” planned for October.
Key Takeaways
- Hot Springs County School District No. 1 reviewed major preparations for the 2026-2027 school year.
- The board considered adoption of the FY27 budget with a proposed total levy of 33.5 mills.
- Community members were provided a public hearing opportunity regarding the district budget.
- Multiple student, staff, and activity handbooks were reviewed for approval.
- The board considered policy updates involving communication, records, residency, fees, donations, and public participation.
- Ryte Rehabilitation was recommended for 2026-2027 physical therapy services.
- Dallon Basse was recommended for summer grounds help.
- Teacher mentor assignments were identified for the upcoming school year.
- Attendance officers were designated for elementary, middle, and high school levels.
- The district reviewed transportation plans, financial institutions, and operational requirements for FY27.
- The Superintendent was recommended as the official representative for federal funds.
- The board continued planning around district goals, Professional Learning Community principles, and future improvement efforts.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Hot Springs County School District No. 1
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Thermopolis, wyoming
- County: Hot Springs County
- Provider: simbli
Keywords
Hot Springs County School District No. 1, Thermopolis, Wyoming, school board, regular meeting, July 2026, FY27 budget, 2026-2027 school year, mill levy, public hearing, superintendent report, Jessica Benefiel, Jason Fuss, school policies, student handbooks, staff handbook, teacher mentors, physical therapy services, Ryte Rehabilitation, transportation, bus stops, student records, parental rights, public participation, federal funds, attendance officers, financial oversight, BOCES
