Memorial Planned for Former Teacher

Students of Sidney schools lost an asset, and friends and family want her remembered.

Tammy Sherman was an integral part of the West Elementary School community, according to principal Gene Russel. 

Sherman died March 24 after losing her battle with cancer. But the story is how she conducted herself up to her last day in the classroom. Russel described her as a highly-dedicated fifth grade teacher. He said she continued making lesson plans through her last day in the classroom. She endured the pain cancer was wreaking on her body to ensure her students would excel. 

She started teaching in the Sidney Public School District in 2015. A celebration of her life was held March 30.

“She definitely had high expectations for her students,” he said. “We are so sad to see her go.”

Emily Thomas and Natalie Jobman, representing the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce and the Sidney Public Schools, asked the board to memorialize Sherman’s commitment to West Elementary students with a tree and a plaque in her memory. 

In other business, the board approved a new contract for Jay Ehler to continue as District Superintendent. Ehler’s contract increases from $149,000 plus benefits in 2018-2019 to $153,500 plus benefits for 2019-2020. 

The board also reviewed bills and financial reports, noting that the District is facing a decrease in State funding, and in local property valuation. 

The board also approved a change in policy regarding lice. 

“The nurses just wanted the wording changed,” Ehler said.

The policy reads “students found to have head lice, louse eggs, or nits will not be permitted at school and will be sent home.” The policy goes on to say the student’s parent or guardian will be contacted upon staff finding evidence of lice, louse eggs, or nits. The student will not be permitted to return to school until the district finds no live lice, eggs or nits can be detected. 

The board also accepted the resignation of Nicky Banzhaf. She is the freshman and sophomore Language Arts teacher at Sidney High School. 

“This first year has been an absolutely amazing year,” she said in her resignation letter. “I have so greatly appreciated the support from administration who took every question, were constantly available for feedback, and made their support known and visible.”

She referenced her due date and not wanting to teach full time and be a full time mom, hoping to return to the staff at a later time.

The board also received reports from Supt. Ehler and the school principals, and approved six overnight student trips.