BIG PINEY – John Fear presided over his final meeting as chairman of the Sublette County School District No. 9 (SCSD9) Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Fear was first elected to the board in 2010.

“We want to recognize that service,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Jenks.

Jenks presented Fear with a commemoration plaque containing a clock and the following inscription: “Chairman John Fear, thank you for your twelve years of service to Sublette No. 9.”

Fear received an enthusiastic and extended round of applause from administrators, teachers, parents and students assembled at the meeting.

During the principals’ reports, LaBarge Elementary and Big Piney Elementary Principal Amy Bell commended Fear for his support over the years. Big Piney Middle School Principal Tyler Walker also thanked Fear.

Big Piney High School Principal Jeff Makelky was out of town to attend the 2023-2024 high school sports scheduling conference.

Each trustee – Bill Tanner, Alan Vickrey, Cody Raza and Darby Hoffman – shook Fear’s hand and expressed their gratitude.

“Thank you, I’ve learned a lot,” said Fear.

Fear congratulated Vickrey on his reelection to the board and trustee-elect John Chekan for winning the open seat. Chekan is scheduled to be sworn in before the December board meeting.

Getting back down to business, Fear promptly moved on to the next agenda item.

Additional SCSD9 news

• The heated sidewalk project at the high school was nearing completion, Jenks reported. Contractors performed successful pressure tests on the pipes below the concrete. A final walkthrough was scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17, and Jenks hoped to have the sidewalks operational by the start of the winter sports season.

• Trustees passed a unanimous motion to add girls’ wrestling to the list of Wyoming High School Activities Association-sanctioned sports approved by the district.

Big Piney High School Head Wrestling Coach Cole Clifford told trustees between four and six girls were interested in joining the program.

• Board members passed a motion authorizing Dr. Jenks and Amy Anschutz, chief financial officer, to pursue plans for student teachers to stay in district housing during their tenure.

• Following an executive session, the trustees approved the following coaches for the 2023 high school fall season: Jeromy Moffat, football, Kinsy Voss, volleyball and Kursty Day, girls’ swim.