School Board Approves Staff Changes

The Sidney Board of Education approved several staff changes Monday evening.

The Sidney school board approved the resignation of five teachers, also approving eight new teaching contracts.

Justin Shields submitted his resignation as Social Studies teacher and middle school coach of football, girls basketball and assistant golf on April 18.

“When I moved to Sidney four years ago, I had no idea what would happen,” he said in his resignation letter. “Since then, I have experienced so much and have made lifelong friendships and memories.”

He said he is resigning to accept a teaching position at Fort Calhoun High School where he can also spend more time with family while continuing his career as educator and coach.

Jenn Dorwart is resigning as business high school teacher effective the end of this school year. She has been offered an Associate Lecturer position at the University of Wyoming. She will be teaching finance and helping to develop the university’s online program.

“I will greatly treasure the experiences I have had at Sidney High School. I learned many valuable things during my tenure that I will take to my new position,” she said in her letter to Supt. Jay Ehler.

Kayla Paul is resigning as kindergarten teacher effective the end of the school year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my job with Sidney Public Schools and the opportunity to work with the fantastic staff, children and parents that we have in our community,” she said in her resignation.

Chris Hooper is returning to the Denver area. He says in his resignation that five years ago his wife accepted a position at Cabela’s in Sidney. He recalls receiving a phone call from Ehler who needed a first grade teacher, quickly. He says he argued he has a P.E. certification, not first grade. He interviewed and accepted the position, moving to the elementary physical education position the next year.

Sarah Birky is resigning as English teacher and National Honor Society sponsor for a teaching position at Resurrection Christian High School in Loveland, Co.

“Sidney High School’s dedication to students and commitment to excellence has made a deep impression on me as a professional, and I will always value the time I have had to be part of it,” she said in her resignation.

The board also approved teaching contracts for Tamera Miller, Lori Heller, Lacey Russell, Ashley Fehringer, Seth Schuessler, Kegan Douglas, Jordan Sukup and Gabe Dorcey.

In other business, the board approved the sidney Public Schools Rule 10 Safety Review, and the SPS multicultural reports. Rule 10 in the Nebraska Department of Education pertains to the accreditation of public schools.

The board also approved changes to requirements for graduating with honors, purchase of carpet for South Elementary and for Sidney Middle School, option enrollment requests for five students to enter the district and recognized student achievements.