WASA
News & Notes
Newsletter of the
Wyoming Association of School Administrators
2323 Pioneer Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
End-of-Year Wrap Up 2009-2010
The WASA Annual Spring Conference held in Casper, April 21-23, hosted by the Northeast Superintendents was very successful! Richard Strahorn, the Northeast President, did an outstanding job of presiding over the event. Thank you to our 2009-2010 officers: President, Sue Belish, President-Elect, Rod Kessler, and Past-President, Craig Beck for their leadership during this past year.
Congratulations to the new officers for the coming year. They are: President-Rod Kessler (Buffalo). Rod will bring a great deal of expertise, experience, and leadership to the WASA presidency for 2010-2011. Congratulations to: President-Elect, Paul Grube (Rock Springs); Past-President, Sue Belish (Ranchester).
The WASA Executive Committee Members for 2010-2011…Dave Barker, Southeast Representative; Sue Belish, WASA Past President/Professional Teaching Standards Board Member; Rod Kessler, WASA President; Dan Coe, WASA Webmaster; Dan Espeland, Northeast Representative; Paul Grube, WASA President-Elect; Mike Hejtmanek, State Board of Education Member; Kevin Mitchell, AASA Governing Board Member; Bryan Monteith, Northwest Representative; Ray Schulte, Southeast President; Dan Stephan, WASA Executive Director; Richard Strahorn, Northeast President; Jon Abrams, Southwest Representative; Shon Hocker, Northwest President/AASA Governing Board Member; Teresa Chaulk, Southwest President.
Good Luck and Thank You for the many years of leadership to the retiring superintendents: Ted Adams, Laramie County School District #1 (Cheyenne); Dick Barton, Fremont County School District #2 (Dubois); Mike Hejtmanek, Washakie County School District #1 (Worland); and Craig Sorensen, Sweetwater County School District #2 (Green River).
WASA honored the following individuals in 2009-2010…
The All Wyoming School Board…Dan Anderson, Big Horn #2; Richard Bridger, Sheridan #2; Lee Dunham, Platte #2; Keith Materi, Weston #7; and Johann Nield, Sheridan #1.
The Von Dahl Champion of Education Award was presented to Senator Mike Massie. Senator Massie is a Democrat from Albany County serving Senate District
#9. He served four years in the House of Representatives, and eleven years in the Senate. He has served as the Executive Director for the Child Development Services of Wyoming for the past seven years.
Senator Massie has a superb understanding of K-12 education in our state and his experience is invaluable in dealing with Wyoming’s uniqueness. He has been a highly effective legislator and true champion for Wyoming school districts. His recent work has greatly assisted K-12 education in the areas of special education, transportation, and school facilities.
We thank Senator Massie for his excellent service on the Education Committee and are very grateful that he will serve on the Select Committee on School Recalibration. We congratulate Senator Mike Massie, WASA’s Von Dahl Champion of Education Award for 2009-2010.
2010 Superintendent of the Year Finalists were: Diana Clapp, Fremont County School District #6, Pavillion; Joel Dvorak, Natrona County School District #1, Casper; Paul Grube, Sweetwater County School District #1, Rock Springs; and Stuart Nelson, Platte County School District #1, Wheatland.
Congratulations to Diana Clapp, 2011 Superintendent of the Year. Diana is currently in her seventh year as Superintendent in Fremont County School District #6. Prior to her superintendency, Diana served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment and as elementary principal. Diana is a member of WASA, AASA, ASCD, American Education Finance Association, Fremont County Administrators’ Association, and Northwest Superintendents’ Association.
During her tenure as superintendent, Diana has conducted community planning and secured approval from the Wyoming School Facilities Commission to construct a new elementary school in Pavillion; was instrumental in a successful bond election to provide additional square footage to the design of a new Wind River Elementary School, served as Chairman of the Preschool Community Planning and Accreditation Committee whose efforts resulted in the opening of Wind River All Ready Preschool; and has worked with legislative representatives on funding equity issues related to her district.
Congratulations to Mike Hejtmanek, retiring Superintendent, Washakie County School District #1 (Worland), for receiving the Myron Basom Leadership Award. Mike is a focused hands-on leader who is very visible in his District and community. He is driven by creating strong lasting personal relationships with staff, parents, students, and community members. His relationships are based on extended mutual support grounded in a strong mission to make an affirmative impact on the lives of others.
Mike holds high expectations for his students and staff and maintains a student-focused school involvement and community engagement. His communication is an open two-way approach based on trust and positive relationships. His staff development programs reach and meet the individual needs driven to establish the “human connection” for all students. His district is a learning community established on the rigor of academics, the relevance of achievement, and the establishment of relationships. Mike has served his District, community, and our state exceptionally well as a veteran superintendent.
Welcome to the new superintendents… and reassigned colleagues in their new assignments………Dick Barton, Park #16; Meeteetse; Gerry Noland, Fremont #2, Dubois; Mark Stock, Laramie #1, Cheyenne; Jay Harnack, Sublette #1, Pinedale; Donna Little Kaumo, Sweetwater #2, Green River; David Nicholas, Washakie #1, Worland.
WASA Calendar-July 2010 through April 2011…
July 16-17, 2010 – WASA/WSBA Executive Committee Meeting-Casper
September 9-10, 2010 – WDE Superintendents’ Day - Casper
September 23-24, 2010 – New Superintendents’ Workshop – Riverton
November 17-19, 2010 – WSBA Annual Conference – Casper Ramkota Inn
January 11, 2011 – Legislative Session Begins
January 30, 2011 – WASA/WSBA Legislative Forum – Little America
February 17-19, 2011 – AASA National Conference – Denver, Colorado
March 8, 2011 – Legislature Concludes
April 20-22, 2011 – WASA Spring Conference – Casper – Holiday Inn
Spring Conference Regional Host Rotation Schedule…
2011 – Northwest – Casper
2012 – Southeast – Casper
2013 – Southwest – Casper
2014 – Northeast - Casper
AASA National Conference Sites…
2011 – February 17-19 – Denver
2012 – February 16-18 – Houston
2013 – TBA – Los Angeles
2014 – TBA – Nashville
Recipients of the Myron Basom Leadership Award…
Mark Higdon
Campbell County School District #1
Casper – 2001-2002
Rick Luchsinger
Niobrara County School District #1
Lusk – 2002-2003
Bryan Monteith
Park County School District #6
Cody – 2003-2004
Randy Hillstead
Uinta County School District #6
Lyman – 2004-2005
Dan Stephan
Laramie County School District #1
Cheyenne – 2005-2006
Kevin Mitchell
Big Horn County School District #1
Cowley – 2006-2007
Craig Beck
Fremont County School District #25
Riverton – 2007-2008
Michelle Hoffman
Fremont County School District #14
Ethete – 2008-2009
Mike Hejtmanek
Washakie County School District #1
Worland – 2009-2010
Recipients of the Von Dahl Champion of Education Award…
Rep. Jeff Wasserburger
2004-2005
Rep. Steve Harshman & Sen. Tex Boggs
2005-2006
Lawrence Anderson & Al Atkins
2006-2007
Rep. Del McOmie & Sen. Jim Andersen
2007-2008
Mary Ellbogen Garland & Rae Lynn Job
2008-2009
Senator Mike Massie
2009-2010
Superintendents of the Year….
Jacob E. Dailey
Natrona County School District #1
Casper – 1989
William Conklin
Albany County School District #1
Laramie – 1990
Ottlin A. Wegner
Crook County School District #1
Sundance – 1991
J. Allen Lowe
Lincoln County School District #2
Afton – 1992
Don R. Baumberger
Sweetwater County School District #1
Rock Springs – 1993
Mark A. Higdon
Campbell County School District #1
Gillette – 1994
Von P. Dahl
Johnson County School District #1
Buffalo – 1995
Richard A. Claycomb
Niobrara County School District #1
Lusk – 1996
Gene V. Carmody
Sweetwater County School District #1
Rock Springs – 1997
Bernard C. Head
Albany County School District #1
Laramie – 1998
Craig Beck
Fremont County School District #25
Riverton – 1999
Stanley J. Olsen
Natrona County School District #1
Casper – 2000
Richard M. Strahorn
Sweetwater County School District #1
Rock Springs – 2001
Bryan C. Monteith
Park County School District #6
Cody – 2002
Dan D. Stephan
Laramie County School District #1
Cheyenne – 2003
Karl A. Berlin
Fremont County School District #21
Ft. Washakie – 2004
Michael J. Hejtmanek
Washakie County School District #1
Worland – 2005
Rod R. Kessler
Johnson County School District #1
Buffalo – 2006
Dan Espeland
Converse County School District #1
Douglas – 2007
James R. Lowham
Natrona County School District #1
Casper – 2008
Kevin Mitchell
Park County School District #1
Powell – 2009
Sue Belish
Sheridan County School District #1
Ranchester – 2010
Diana Clapp
Fremont County School District #6
Pavillion - 2011
All Wyoming School Board
1999
Duane Edmonds-Park #1
Burke Jackson-Campbell #1
Mervin Larsen-Park #16
Don McCall-Natrona #1
Mary Alice Stapleton-Platte #1
2000
Grant Christensen-Sweetwater #1
Fred Hansen-Carbon #1
Larry Manchester-Fremont #24
Jack Tarter-Johnson #1
Harold Thomas-Goshen #1
2001
Al Atkins-Laramie #1
Richard D. Ferris-Fremont #21
Kay Fleek-Big Horn #3
Linda Kessler-Goshen #1
Susan Palmerlee-Johnson #1
2002
Rodney Crosby-Big Horn #1
Carla Mann-Fremont #21
Tom Ryan-Hot Springs #1
Bruce Gallinger-Laramie #1
Norma Stensaas-Sweetwater #1
2003
Marilyn Lund-Fremont #6
Bob Farwell-Laramie #1
Robert McKim-Lincoln #2
Kay Marschalk-Sweetwater #1
Marsha Tynsky-Sweetwater #2
2004
Nancy Britton-Sweetwater #2
Tonia Burnette-Fremont #25
Kristi Groshart-Carbon #1
Robert Ramsey-Sweetwater #1
Jan Stalcup-Laramie #2
2005
Zane Fross-Fremont #24
Jan Hansen-Park #1
Dick Lisco-Converse #2
Lorri Lutterman-Johnson #1
2006
Bryan Lee-Big Horn #1
Monty Wardell-Big Horn #1
Debbie Hepp-Johnson #1
John Riesland-Weston #1
2007
Judy Richards-Big Horn #2
David Fall-Campbell #1
David Northrup-Park #1
Dave Seyfang-Platte #2
Dan Covolo-Uinta #6
2008
Tom Strock-Converse #1
David Blevins-Park #1
Jim Malkowski-Sublette #1
Janine Teske-Teton #1
Don Bryant-Washakie #1
2009
Dan Anderson-Big Horn #2
Richard Bridger-Sheridan #2
Lee Dunham-Platte #2
Keith Materi-Weston #7
Johann Nield-Sheridan #1
A HUGE WASA THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS:
Diamond Level Partnership
Wyoming School Boards Association
Mike Eathorne, President
Contact: Mark Higdon, Executive Director
2323 Pioneer Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Website Address: www.wsba-wy.org
Gold Level Sponsors
Energy Education, Inc.
Contact: Ed Graff
5950 Sherry Lane, Suite 900
Dallas, Texas 75225
Phone: 940-867-1759
Website Address: www.energyeducation.com
Groathouse Construction, Inc.
Contact: Fred Bronnenberg
3304 Big Horn Avenue
Cody, Wyoming 82414
Phone: 307-587-6610
Website Address: www.groathouse.com
K12 Inc.
Wyoming Virtual Academy
Contact: Ed Weber
P.O. Box 574
Lusk, Wyoming 82225
Phone: 307-334-1001
Website Address: www.K12.com/wy.va
Long
Contact: Dave Kenik
372 US HWY 16 East
Buffalo, Wyoming 82834
Phone: 307-684-5654
Website Address: www.long.com
Plan One Architects
Contact: Dan Odasz
1001 12th Street
Cody, Wyoming 82414
Phone: 307-587-8646
Website Address: www.planone.com
Silver Level Sponsors
Arch Coal Foundation
Contact: Greg Schaefer
TBCC P.O. Box 406
Wright, Wyoming 82732
Phone: 307-939-1300
Website Address: www.archcoal.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
Contact: Rick Schum
4000 House Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 307-634-1393
Website Address: www.bsbswy.com
Connections Academy, LLC
Contact: Dr. Craig Butz
605 Endsley Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32701
Phone: 407-857-6588
Website Address: www.connectionsacademy.com
DLR Group
Contact: Bob Binder, AIA
525 N. Cascade, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Phone: 719-634-0205
Website Address: www.dlrgroup.com
Wyoming Educators’ Benefit Trust
Contact: Bruce Hunt
115 E. 22nd Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 307-634-5566
Website Address: www.webtinsurance.com
Bronze Level Sponsors
Curriculum Leadership Institute
Contact: Ilah Gilreath
P.O. Box 356
Emporia, Kansas 66801-0356
Phone: 620-794-1431
Website Address: www.cliweb.org
Dakota Fence
Contact: Mike Dunn
1110 25th Avenue, North
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
Phone: 701-237-6181
Website Address: www.dakotafence.com
First Interstate Bank
Contact: Theresa Jurgens
401 W. 19th Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 307-633-8400
Website Address: www.firstinterstatebank.com
George K. Baum & Company
Contact: Mary Keating Scott/Bret Jones
1720 Carey Avenue-Suite 530
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 307-778-8492
Website Address: www.gkbaum.com
HumaneX Ventures, LLC
Contact: Julie Thielen
2900 S. 70th Street-Park One-Suite 100
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
Phone: 402-486-1102
Website Address: www.humanexventures.com
JGA Architects, Engineers, Planners
Contact: Katie Walsh
3395 Gabel Road
Billings, Montana 59102
Phone: 406-245-6363
Website Address: www.jgaarchitects.com
Pine Cove Consulting
Contact: Brandon Vancleeve
4458 Loma Vista Drive
Billings, Montana 59106
Phone: 406-655-0688
Website Address: www.pinecc.com
Pinnacle Bank of Wyoming
Contact: Lyndsay Lewis
P.O. Box 218
Cody, Wyoming 82414
Phone: 307-527-7186
Website Address: www.wypinnbank.com
Technology & Innovation in Education
Contact: Julie Mathiesen/Pam Lange
1925 Plaza Boulevard
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
Phone: 605-394-1876
Website Address: www.tie.net
Tobin & Associates, P.C.
Contact: Kenneth Tobin
P.O. Box 2420
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003
Phone: 307-632-3144
Website Address: www.tobin-assoc.com
Sustaining Level Sponsors
Attitudes Plus
Contact: Jan Felton
710 West Dale Boulevard
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
Phone: 307-635-2507
Myron Basom
Contact: Myron Basom
1053 Crimson Drive
San Marcos, California 92069-1196
Best Western Ramkota Inn
Contact: LeAnn Miller
800 N. Poplar
Casper, Wyoming 82601
Phone: 307-266-6000
Blackboard Connect, Inc.
Contact: Mark McBrearty
15301 Ventura Boulevard-Building B-Suite 300
Sherman Oaks, California 91403
Phone: 877-684-4411
Blair Hotels-Holiday Inn Convention Center
Contact: Michaela Anderson
900 East Sunset
Riverton, Wyoming 82501
Phone: 307-856-8100
Electronic Classroom Furniture Systems, L.C.
Contact: Greg Madison
P.O. Box 645
Story, Wyoming 82842
Phone: 307-683-2425
Hickey & Evans, LLP
Contact: Tim Bush
1800 Carey Avenue-Suite 700
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 307-634-1525
Pappas & Pappas Architects
Contact: Stephan A. Pappas
2617 E. Lincolnway-Suite A
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 307-637-5227
Ramada Plaza Riverside
Contact: Heidi Merritt Sedar
300 West “F” Street
Casper, Wyoming 82601
Phone: 877-576-8636
T Joes Steakhouse
Contact: Mike Tuttle
12700 East I-80 Service Road
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
Phone: 307-634-8750