Test scores improve, board members bid farewell

While Green River schools continue to strive to improve state and national test results, the district as a whole will be moving forward with new leadership.

Test results

During the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 meeting last Tuesday, November 5, Superintendent Craig Barringer gave an update on the district's WYTOPP and ACT test results from the 2022/2023 school year.

Barringer reported that three schools were "exceeding expectations," two were "meeting expectations," one was "partially meeting expectations," and one school, Truman Elementary, was not meeting expectations for the second consecutive year. Barringer mentioned that Greg Figenser, principal of Truman Elementary, has implemented some changes this year to improve scores. On a positive note, Barringer said that Monroe Elementary went from "not meeting expectations" to "exceeding expectations" in just a year's time.

Sweetwater No. 2 was above average in English Language Arts (ELA), with several buildings having scores higher than the state average. In Math, the third through 10th grade scores were 2% higher than the state average. In science, only fourth, eighth and 10th grades tested, and all three were above the state average.

About the ACT, Barringer revealed that Wyoming is one of only a few states that require every student to take the test.

"Wyoming is one of six states that requires every student to take the ACT," he explained. "Wyoming had the highest scores out of the six states."

Additionally, Expedition Academy and Green River High School were both above the state average for the ACT for the second year in a row.

Going forward, Barringer said that the district will continue to communicate with the stakeholders about the successes and challenges with the testing, also noting that some significant improvements have been made. The district will also continue to work at the elementary level with phonics and writing. Over the next few years, the district will be implementing new math and ELA curriculums. The ELA rollout will be kindergarten through fifth grade, and math will be sixth through eighth grade next year, with the reverse of that the following year.

Board departures

During the public comments portion of the school board meeting, Superintendent Barringer presented pictures of gifts to the outgoing members of the school board. Outgoing board members include Brenda Roosa, Mark Sanders, David Young and Chairman Steve Core.

Barringer reported that there were 49 total years of service between the exiting members, with Steve Core having served 24 total years in the time frame between 1990 and 2024. Barringer listed the total regular meetings that each member had attended.

"Steve has reported to 300 regular board meetings, Brenda 144, Mark 96, and Dave 48," Barringer reported. "These members have served during the most interesting times most of us have ever been a part of."

In their closing remarks, the members reflected on their experiences as a part of the board.

Brenda Roosa said, "Twelve years is a long time, and I am going to miss everyone. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve on the school board. Retirement looks good."

Mark Sanders complimented the district and his fellow board members.

"It's been a pleasure to be a member of the school board," he said. "This district has super employees, and an exceptional board."

"I owe a lot to this school district," David Young said, reflecting on his time fondly. "I was raised in this district and my children were raised in this district. I am proud to be a part of the school district and this board. I learned a lot about people and education, and I will forever be grateful."

Steve Core ended his long career with some impactful parting words.

"I have been through four decades and five superintendents," he said. "I have seen the morale get better over the last few years than it has ever been. I have always had a soft spot for rural communities and was proud to be on the board that kept the Granger school open. I hope that the district employees will remember that I always fought for you. The worst part of my career on the board was when we could not give you a raise. It only happened once, but it was the worst part. To future board members, fight for control, fight to make decisions here and not in Cheyenne, and remember you are in this for the kids."

 

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