Green River High School splits position as enrollment drops in annual report

The Sweetwater County School District 2 (SWCSD2) Board convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning the district's operations and future plans. The meeting began with a clarification regarding staffing changes, specifically that Andrew Dewey will take on 0.4 percent of Josh Lewis's responsibilities. The district plans to split Lewis's role into two parts, with Dewey fulfilling the teaching component at Green River High School. The board approved this staffing adjustment unanimously.

Following this, the board received an end-of-year summary and enrollment report from Greg Bearing, the chair. He highlighted significant events from the school year, including a successful freshman orientation that contributed to a notable decrease in disciplinary issues among new students. However, Bearing reported concerning trends in enrollment, noting that the district's numbers are at their lowest in 35 years, with a loss of 61 students over the past year. This decline has implications for staffing, as the district anticipates being down 15 positions compared to three years ago.

Despite the enrollment challenges, the district celebrated a milestone in student participation in activities. For the first time in five years, middle school participation exceeded 100%, largely due to the introduction of girls wrestling. High school participation also reached 145%, indicating strong engagement among students in various extracurricular programs.

The board also reviewed the condition of district facilities, noting that the average age of buildings is 40 years. Despite their age, the maintenance crew has kept the facilities in good condition. Additionally, the impact of the J Foundation was discussed, with seniors expressing its significance.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's ongoing efforts to adapt to changing enrollment patterns while maintaining student engagement and facility standards. The board will continue to monitor these developments as they plan for the upcoming school year.