JACKSON, Wyo. — It’s almost back to school for Teton County School District (TCSD) #1 faculty and students. The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 3, and with the new school year come some updates from TCSD.
TCSD Superintendent Dr. Gillian Chapman reached out to parents in her back to school newsletter on Tuesday, Aug. 27, and shared her excitement for the year ahead.
“I am so excited that the first day of school is almost here!” Giullian said via school district newsletter. “Our dedicated staff have been working hard to prepare each classroom and building to welcome you to your community schools.”
TSCD continues to grow and it shows no signs of stopping. While enrollment numbers will not be known until the official “count day” on Oct. 1, TCSD does anticipate an increase in students at the Jackson Hole High School (JHHS).
TCSD Executive Director of Communications and District Services/Title IX Coordinator Charlotte Reynolds told Buckrail that based on the size of the 2024 class, which was 212 students, and an estimated 226 incoming freshmen class joining the student ranks, JHHS enrollment will be slightly higher this year. Note, the freshmen numbers are unofficial until October 1.
In preparation for all of the incoming students, schools have been cleaned top to bottom over the summer, according to Reynolds.
“We have done a variety of building improvements including painting and new flooring at some of our schools,” Reynolds told Buckrail. “We also created a new art space at the JHHS in an underutilized space.”
Reynolds said that the District is designing the new Bronc Achievement Center to address capacity issues at JHHS. Chapman also said that several staff positions are still open, including four vacancies for bus drivers.
“TCSD continues to work with the School Facilities Commission and State Construction Department to address overcrowding at JHHS while also working to fill staff vacancies for teachers, support staff and bus drivers,” Chapman said via newsletter.
TCSD is currently in the design phase of a new transportation facility. According to Chapman, the District has partnered with the State to construct a facility that will provide a safe area to repair and maintain school buses and district vehicles. The facility will also offer needed office space for staff.
This past summer, construction began on the District’s employee housing project next to the Jackson Hole Middle School.
“We are underway on the SPET (Specific Purpose Excise Tax) funded 24-unit employee housing project adjacent to Jackson Hole Middle School that will provide attainable and stable housing for district employees which is essential in having employees to staff our schools,” Chapman said in a statement.
Returning teachers have started to get settled into their classrooms. New teachers were welcomed into the fold with a breakfast held on August 21.
Information about the bus schedule and needed school supplies will be provided by each school. For families needing assistance in acquiring school supplies, the Fund for Public Education can help those in need.
Buckrail wishes the best of luck to all students and staff as they return to school!
