By Trina Dennis Brittain
Rocket Miner
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

ROCK SPRINGS — A former Sweetwater County School District No. 1 board member is calling for administrative accountability as the district combats a number of vacant teaching positions.

During the SCSD No. 1 Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, Cole Seppie spoke as a parent to voice concerns over what he described as a “climate issue” within the district.

 

The vacancy gap

Seppie revealed a difference between SCSD No. 1 and other large Wyoming districts. Highlighting the figures at the meeting, Seppie said SCSD No. 1 currently has 39 available certified teacher positions — more than the 10 other largest districts in the state combined, which totaled only 23 openings.

“At what point do we start to question leadership and hold administrative individuals accountable?” Seppie asked. “Thirty-nine positions are now either unfilled or being filled by people who do not hold the qualifications to be a certified teacher. That directly affects our students and our outcomes.”

Certified teacher openings by district include the following:

Laramie County — 8 positions

Natrona County — 7 positions

Campbell County — 2 positions

Sweetwater County School District No. 1 — 39 positions

Albany County — 1 position

Sheridan County — 2 positions

Lincoln County — 0 positions

Teton County — 0 positions

Uinta County- 0 positions

Fremont County — 3 positions

Sweetwater County School District No. 2 — 0 positions 

Seppie noted the district lost over 40 individuals last year to retirement or resignation, yet there has been no public discussion regarding why staff are leaving. He cited standards from the Wyoming School Boards Association, which state district leaders are required to maintain a “trusting, safe environment” and a culture of “exemplary ethical behavior.”

 

Comments from August

District officials acknowledged the trend during an Aug. 11, 2025, board meeting, noting they have attempted to address retention by raising the base salary.

“I believe historically in the past, like most people who don’t have a tie in this area, you go where you make more money, and I think that’s a percentage of them as well,” Board Chair Cole Wright said.

Even after raising teacher’s salaries, feedback from staff suggests high insurance premiums often offset those gains.

Other factors cited by departed staff include local amenities, according to Human Resources Director Tiffany Guenther.

“Some of them say things like, ‘You guys don’t have a Target around here or shopping,’” Guenther said, adding while the area offers significant outdoor recreation, some candidates prioritize the retail options found in Utah or other parts of Wyoming.

During the August board meeting, Guenther said four individuals were willing to participate in face-to-face exit interviews, while 24 departing employees completed the “Upbeat” survey after resigning.

The board will respond to January’s public comments questions at the next board meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m., in the Central Administration Building, 3550 Foothill Boulevard.