Brockhaus Resigns as Sidney High Activities Director

The Sidney High School Administration is changing. The Cheyenne County School District No. 1 board of education officially accepted the resignation of Activities Director Mike Brockhaus.

In his letter to the board, Brockhaus said he has accepted the superintendent's position with Elgin Public Schools. His new duties will begin July 1, 2020. Brockhaus is currently Activities Director, Transportation Director and Assistant Principal. According to his resignation letter, Brockhaus has been part of Sidney High School for 14 years.

Later in the meeting, the board approved Paul Newland as the new Activities Director. Newland's contract is for one year with a salary of $84,000.

The board also approved a teacher contract for Cindy Payne, Karson Langley, Kendyl Wintholz, Rachel Lee and Jessica Hanks.

The board also discussed enrollment. Superintendent Jay Ehler said overall the district has gained slightly from last year as of the beginning of February 2020.The enrollment numbers show elementary schools are up to 708, including one part-time/homeschool student, compared to 672 in August 2019. The secondary grades saw a slight decrease, from 538 in August 2019 to 535 at the end of January 2020.

The total for all secondary and elementary students was 1,243 at January 31, compared to 1,210 on Aug. 19, 2019.

The board also discussed procedures for school fundraising. Central, North and South Elementary schools have combined effort in some fundraising projects. South Elementary Principal Rick Meyer said some unified projects, such as the Jitney Supper, do not generate a lot of funds and are as much a community event as a fundraiser. The schools have also conducted online store projects and taken part in benefits at Dairy Queen. The fundraisers help schools purchase computer equipment and building improvements.

“Last year, we bought portable risers,” said North Principal Nancy Rowlett.

West Elementary Principal Gene Russell said the projects are promoted as opportunities to enhance the student experience. He added the school tries to limit door-to-door sales. However, the experience does help students.

“It's a little bit of a job experience for them,” he said.