New superintendent reflects on first weeks

The Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD#2) school board meeting had a fresh face at the table, as new Superintendent Jim Copeland joined the CCSD#2 team.

Between moving and learning the district, it has been a hectic few weeks for Copeland, who started working on July 1. However, he said he is excited to take the reins at CCSD#2.

“It’s been great just getting to know the community,” he said.

Copeland has spent his first weeks receiving a crash-course Wyoming finance systems from CCSD#2 business manager Sally Wells in preparation for the new budget. He has also spent time planning professional development

Coming from rural Fleming, Colo., Copeland said it is still going to be an adjustment moving to CCSD#2. Having to be familiar the six separate communities is a challenge he is ready to take on.

“One of my big goals in the coming year is to be visible in all of the schools and all of the communities on a regular basis, not just stay in one spot,” Copeland said. “I think that is very effective as far as the district is made up.”

Copeland has been in contact with all of the administrators in the district, and has slowly been meeting with many of the teachers in the district.

On the first day, Copeland toured the newly constructed Hanna Elementary School. As a new superintendent, he is very excited to have a brand-new school in his district and very impressed with the work that has been done on it.

“I think it is going to add a lot of excitement to that community,” Copeland said about Hanna.

Copeland praised the newly-formed BOCES program at the school district. He said he would like to utilize the program to not only help students advancement in the district, but also as a way to get the community involved as well.

Copeland’s long-term goal for CCSD#2 is to continue, and build upon, the tradition of academic excellence already within the district. After meeting with personnel and reviewing the resources the district has available, Copeland feels CCSD#2 has the ability to become greater than it already is.

“I just want people to think of us as the top school district, or one of the top school districts in the state,” he said.

Copelan closed on his Saratoga home on July 12 and said he and his family are excited to be a part of the community.