Public commenter urges higher test scores, teacher retention and gym repairs at Bandy High School

During the public comment period, Larry Barger spoke for the allotted time and urged the newly seated board to focus on security, academic performance, teacher retention and school facilities.

Barger told the board that voters replaced outgoing members and pressed for change in district direction, saying the community wants improved security and resources for the sheriff’s department to support schools. He said test scores "need to come up" and urged the board to recruit and retain teachers to raise academic outcomes.

Barger also raised a facilities concern about Bandy High School, saying the gym leaks and urging the board to "contact the state" and county commissioners to seek funds to fix it.

Why it matters: Public comments crystallize community priorities that board members may consider when setting agenda items and funding requests. The issues raised—security, academic performance, staffing and facilities—are recurring district concerns that typically require coordination with central office staff and the county.

What’s next: Board members and staff may follow up through committee work or in the capital outlay and budget process; the transcript shows no immediate formal action on the public comment items.