CHUGWATER – Prairie View Community School (PVCS), a public charter school in Chugwater with Wyoming Department of Education oversight, moved forward on several key initiatives at its July 22 school board meeting, including final approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget, discussions on early childhood education, staff development, cybersecurity training and strategic infrastructure updates—all aimed at supporting the school’s continued growth and innovative education model.
Fiscal year 2026 budget approved with transparency and foresight
The board voted to approve the fiscal year 2026 budget after weeks of work sessions and public discussions. Several board members sought clarity on specific line items, including instructional aides, substitutes, and special education staffing. It was confirmed during the meeting some positions showing zero allocation had been consolidated into other salary categories or were no longer needed. The approved budget maintains $25,000 in reserves and anticipates upcoming payroll and tax obligations through August.
A strong emphasis was placed on financial oversight. Board members cited a policy that mandates monthly budget updates from the CEO to ensure transparency and flexibility for in-year adjustments.
Staffing updates, salaries and professional development
A new project-based learning (PBL) coordinator will begin work under a short-term contract worth $25/hour through the start of the school year. This role will develop standardized PBL curricula, templates, and rubrics while also facilitating volunteer integration into classrooms. The position is seen as essential to PVCS’s experiential learning model.
Teachers and new hires will begin staff development on Aug. 8, with in-service days running Aug. 11–15. The board requested that all members attend an Aug. 11 morning session to be introduced to faculty and staff, with additional meetings and CPR training scheduled later in the week.
Cybersecurity will be a new focus of staff compliance training this year, with sessions covering phishing, passwords, network security, and privacy. The school is also beginning conversations about how to responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into education, particularly as a planning tool for PBL and student pacing.
Early education and daycare remain a long-term goal
The future of PVCS’s preschool and the potential for a staff daycare were also discussed. The preschool program remains active with 16 students enrolled, and there is interest in expanding the program or combining it with a daycare model for staff families. Financial feasibility and staffing needs remain barriers, though board members said they are open to revisiting the idea in 2026.
“If we received full funding for 16 preschool students instead of partial funding,” one board member noted, “that just about covers the salary of another staff member.”
Infrastructure growth: playgrounds, class furnishings and fuel tank delays
CEO updates highlighted the school’s recent acquisitions of tables, chairs, desks and other supplies from Laramie schools at no cost. There are also two playgrounds available for purchase at $2,500 each and PVCS is exploring relocation logistics with a Laramie-based company. Pea gravel has already been delivered to prep existing playgrounds for compliance.
While the school’s new fuel tank installation has been delayed until after the Aug. 15 state payment, leadership remains optimistic about getting essential infrastructure in place before winter.
Grants, title funds and public engagement
The school’s grant committee will begin meeting on the third Tuesday of each month to identify funding opportunities and solicit community input on Title fund allocation and accountability. PVCS has already submitted applications for the IDEA and Asset Consolidated grants and expects Title funding updates by September.
The school is also preparing a press release celebrating its recent accreditation through Cognia, with an official boilerplate statement set to be released at a later date.
Insurance and employee handbook updates
PVCS renewed its insurance policy for the 2025–26 school years with a minor increase of just over $1,000—a notable outcome given rising student numbers and additional risk factors. Competing insurers were unable to offer better rates.
The decision to adopt the employee handbook was tabled by the board for further revisions after concerns about graphics and clarity were raised during a previous work session.
Community commitment and future planning
PVCS continues to focus on serving not just students, but the broader Chugwater community. Discussions around daycare options, professional development and technology integration reflect a forward-looking mindset.
Board members and administrators also expressed excitement about a growing student body, particularly in elementary grades, and reported ongoing interest from new families. A shop teacher may soon be added to the staff as a long-term substitute, and enrollment remains steady.
The next board work session is scheduled for Aug, 19, coinciding with the first day of school. Additional policy reviews will continue throughout the fall.
