Board members thanked

Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD#2) board of trustees lost 24 years of experience at their Nov. 17 meeting .

Bob Patton, of Hanna, Janice Peterson, of Encampment, and Laurie Johnston, of Saratoga, were graciously thanked by board members and community members for their service on the CCSD#2 board. Patton served as an Area 1 board representative for 16 years, and Peterson and Johnston both served as Area 4 representatives for four years.

The exiting board members were handed plaques of appreciation by CCSD#2 Superintendent Jim Copeland. Patton, Peterson and Johnston will serve as board members until noon on Nov. 30.

"I always appreciate board members because it's not like there is great pay when you are serving as a board member," Copeland said humorously. "But I really do appreciate working with great board members because they are needed in order to have great schools."

Many board members said they often turned to Patton's experience when making tough decisions throughout the years. Patton served eight years on the board as Treasurer and eight years as Vice Chairman.

Patton said when he joined the board in 1998, he wanted "to straighten everyone out". However, he said he quickly learned he was one of nine people on the board, as he started to work with all of the other members.

"It was really a great experience," Patton said about being on the board. "I have enjoyed working with people throughout the district," Patton said. "Everyone who works in the district is just fantastic. I am going to miss it."

Janice Peterson said her time on the board was a learning experience for her. When she traveled to other parts of state as a board member and visited other districts, she firmly believes CCSD#2 is one of the best districts in the entire state.

"I feel very fortunate to have my kids educated here," Peterson said.

Johnston said she particularly enjoyed her time serving on the school board. She thanked all of the board members and wished the incoming board members good luck

During public comment, retired Encampment kindergarten teacher, Linda Kraft, thanked all of the exiting board members for their service to their communities. She especially thanked Peterson for representing the residents of Encampment.

"You all did a really good job of listening to everyone's side, and I want to thank you all for being fiscally responsible - you kept us ahead of the curve," Kraft said.

Sitting board members Diana Berger, Jim Hinkle and Tonya Bartholomew, along with incoming board members James Sewell and Linda Crain, were sworn in as board of trustees. KayCee Alameda, who was not present at the meeting, will be sworn in at a later date.

The next CCSD#2 board of trustees meeting is at 4 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the CCSD#2 Central Office in Saratoga.

 

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