Dear Superintendents,

It was an honor to help dedicate the new Thunder Basin High School in my hometown, Gillette. This was one stop of several I made across the state–I really appreciated seeing so many many students, educators, and citizens in my travels this week.

Campbell County School District Superintendent #1, Dr. Boyd Brown, stands at the podium in Thunder Basin High School gym full of students, staff, and community members while a staff member reads the Governor's proclamation.

Dr. Brown is presented with a Governor’s Proclamation during the dedication of Thunder Basin High School

Students sit in the bleachers at Thunder Basin High School's gym during the dedication ceremony for the school. The words "BASIN NATION" are written in blue on the wall above where they are sitting with thunderbolts painted on each side representing the new schools' mascot.

Thunder Basin Bolts

Federal Funding

The U.S. House of Representatives passed FY18 appropriations for education this week. This is not a final budget, but, rather, the order of business that advances the budget process. Both the House and the Senate budget bills maintain Title I funding. However, the House Bill eliminates Title II funding, while the Senate bill keeps it. This discrepancy is a significant concern and I will be involved in national efforts to restore important Title II funding for schools.

Visit from Secretary DeVos

Wyoming welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as she kicked off the ReThink School tour. She visited two schools, Woods Learning Center-Casper and St. Stephens High School-Fremont County. At both sights, the secretary emphasized the importance of tailoring education to the unique needs of students, communities, and our state.

Dr. Hales talks to the runners before they begin their race at the Hereford Ranch.

Dr. Hales shares history of the Hereford Ranch with runners before the Wyoming Ag in the Classroom 5K run

There are a number of pertinent memos this week for teachers, counselors, and federal funds managers. Thank you for your consistent review of memos before they are released and for helping to ensure they are passed onto appropriate staff.

Memos to be released on Monday, September 18:

Jillian

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