Board approves 2025–26 negotiated agreement and salary schedules; SEA ratifies contract

The Sweetwater County School District #1 board approved the 2025–26 negotiated agreement and related salary schedule actions at its May 20 meeting after an executive session and public confirmation that the Sweetwater Education Association had ratified the contract.

SEA President Cheryl Notman spoke during public comment to confirm the association had ratified the negotiations vote and praised the collaborative process. "Our membership has ratified the negotiations vote," Notman told the board.

After the board returned from executive session, Trustee Garner moved to approve the 2025–26 negotiated agreement "pending the recommendation of the Sweetwater Education Association," and Dr. Franks seconded the motion; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The board then approved classified employee and administrator step increases and salary payments, followed by approval of salary schedules for the 2025–26 school year effective July 1, 2025. The motions were moved and seconded on the record (classified steps moved by Trustee Sorensen, second by Dr. Franks; salary schedules moved by Trustee Garner, second by Mrs. Wood) and passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public transcript.

Separately during public comment, a community member, Laura McKee, referenced Wyoming HB 316 (a recalibration of the school finance model passed in the 2025 legislative session) and urged the board to ensure the legislation’s intended 8.5% raises for professional and nonprofessional labor categories are implemented. "HB316 provides the funds for these raises, but it's your decision to direct that money where it is intended," McKee said. The board’s approved salary schedule motion covered broad schedule adoption; the district did not provide an immediate itemized mapping of HB 316 increases during the meeting.