SD#3 loses ag teacher, makes year-end budget adjustments

By: 
Nathan Oster

Big Horn County School District No. 3 is looking for a new ag teacher and FFA advisor.

The resignation of Jennifer Schultz, who spent six years serving in those capacities, was one of three personnel items on the agenda of a special board meeting Thursday night at the central office.

In her letter to the board, Schultz stated that he had accepted a teaching position in another district.

Supt. Mark Fritz said Chris Dalin, the district’s food service coordinator, and Ashley Coenen, manager of the South Big Horn Conservation District, are filling in this summer at the Buff Ranch in the absence of Schultz.

Michelle Arnett has done the same, stepping up to assist with the FFA program, Fritz said.  A native of the Manderson-Hyattville area, Arnett joined the district last fall to teach middle school science but has a degree in ag education from the University of Wyoming.

Fritz said in addition to the hiring of Schultz’s replacement, the district also has openings for an elementary computer science teacher to replace Wende Jenness, who is taking over the school’s music program, and for a couple of assistant coaches.

The other personnel moves approved by the board on Thursday were additions.  

Emily Bottom was hired as a high school special education paraprofessional, replacing Laura Conner in the classroom of Julie Oster. 

Paige Lillard was hired as a paraprofessional to work in the Life Skills room, filling the role of Karla Corral.  Acknowledging that Lillard is the daughter of current GHS Principal Ty Flock, Fritz said the recommendation to hire came from GMS Principal and Special Services Director Cadance Wipplinger, who led the interview team.

Budget modification

The other action item on the agenda was a budget transfer request, timed to coincide with the end of one fiscal year and the start of another.

The district moved $145,000 out of its Total Instruction line item, directing $26,000 to Instructional Support and $63,000 to cover the usual year-end deficit in school lunch program.

The remaining $56,000 was directed to the Capital Reserve Account.  With the transfer, its balance grew to $2.163 million. 

Fritz said that total would be reduced when the district pays for its bleacher improvements.

 

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