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Students urge board to consider classroom disruption after teacher’s removal; board warns employment matters are restricted in public comment
Summary
Two East High students addressed the board during public comment to support a removed educator and urged the board to consider reinstatement or timely resolution; the board cautioned that specifics about personnel matters cannot be discussed publicly and said the matter is under investigation.
Two East High students spoke during the public comment portion of the March 3 board meeting to express concern about the temporary removal of an East High teacher and its impact on student learning.
What speakers said: A senior identified as Malay Gisso told trustees the teacher’s “dedication and innovation” produced high student engagement and real‑world learning opportunities and urged the board to “thoughtfully consider supporting this teacher for the betterment of students.” A junior, Derek Wood, likewise said the teacher fostered critical thinking and community engagement and said students feel their curriculum and classroom experience have been disrupted while the educator remains out of the classroom.
Board response and limits on comment: Board leadership reminded speakers they could present opinions but cautioned that personnel matters and confidential employment issues cannot be discussed in a public board meeting under Wyoming law and recent court guidance. The chair and district legal counsel said the district also offers alternate channels — human resources or a closed executive session — for matters involving individual employees. The transcript records the students handing written statements to district staff for the board’s consideration.
Why it matters: The speakers framed their comments as student concerns about instructional continuity; board members emphasized the district’s obligation to protect employee privacy and to follow investigative and procedural steps for personnel matters.
Next steps: The board indicated the matter remained under investigation and later moved into executive session at the end of the meeting for confidential discussions that included personnel and possible student discipline.
