School board expels student

by Durward D. Jones

The Hot Springs County School District Board held a special meeting Friday, Oct. 30 at noon. All board members were present except Dan Pebble who was absent.

The meeting was called to order and then a motion was made to move into executive session by Dr. Travis Bomengen for discussion of a student matter and personnel changes. The Board adjourned from executive session 30 minutes later.

A motion was made by Bomengen and seconded by Clay Van Antwerp to expel a student from Hot Springs County School District #1 for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year.

Chairman Tobi Johansen mentioned that the board would consider allowing the student to re-enroll for the next semester, only if the student seeks counseling. The councilor would then have to issue a letter on the student’s behalf explaining the student is making progress and is fit to return to school.

The parent and student would then have to meet with Thermopolis Middle School Principal Daniels to review the letter and discuss re-enrollment before bringing it before the board. It was noted that it is the board’s prerogative to expel a student for one calendar year if need be.

All present board members voted for the expulsion of the student.

The board then moved on to staff recommendations. Dr. Bomengen made the motion and Melissa Johnson seconded it. The following personnel changes were approved unanimously.

The board accepted the resignation of Nicole Herra and Deborah Brown. Herra is a math teacher and Brown is the Principal of Ralph Witter’s Elementary School. Both will resign at the end of their teaching contract for 2015-2016. Both Brown and Herra qualify for the early notification bonus.

Janet Chimenti and Sonja Holm will be retiring from their positions at the school district at the end of their 2015-2016 contracts. Chimenti is the school nurse and Holm is a first grade teacher. Both qualify for the early notification bonus.

Shyla Buckner resigned as a paraprofessional with her resignation effective Nov. 6, 2015.