The Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees reviewed a petition filed at the October meeting about alleged gaps in the district’s handling of bullying and harassment and concluded its policy aligns with Wyoming law, while promising operational improvements.

"Sweetwater School District number 1 remains in full compliance with these requirements and continues to review its practices," Ms. Bolton told trustees as she summarized the policy-committee review of state statute and district policy JFCL. She said the legal definitions in district policy follow the Wyoming Safe School Choice Act and noted cyberbullying is included in the policy definitions.

Bolton described implementation practices required by statute and by district policy, and emphasized staff reporting obligations: "Staff members are required to report any suspected incidents of bullying... it was suggested that we put may, but right now our policy says that they shall report — it's not optional." She also listed prevention and support programs the district uses, citing Sources of Strength, Quaver, Second Step, telehope guest presentations and licensed small-group counseling.

Public speakers pushed the board to strengthen transparency and accountability. Kelsey Hibbs asked trustees to publicly reaffirm that teachers, staff, parents and students have the right to voice concerns without fear of retaliation. "Will you publicly reaffirm that every teacher, staff member, parent, and student has the right to voice concerns without fear of retaliation or intimidation?" she asked.

Parents and trustees discussed whether student reporting should be mandatory and how to make reporting more accessible. Trustees and staff agreed on several operational steps: promote existing anonymous reporting tools and a district bullying hotline more visibly, explore a text-option or QR codes for reporting, produce an infographic explaining investigation outcomes and appeal steps, and create a stakeholder committee (including students and counselors) to improve awareness and consistency across grade levels.

Ms. Bolton said the petition did not require a policy rewrite because the current policy meets statutory language, but she and trustees said the petition prompted useful discussion and concrete next steps on communication and program consistency. Board members committed to return with reports from the new awareness committee and clearer public information about how investigations are handled and what families can expect after a finding.