Sheridan board highlights Schiffer Collaborative School staff and honors students

The Sheridan County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees opened Monday’s meeting with a presentation from John C. Schiffer Collaborative School and several student recognitions.

A school representative described Schiffer’s weekly "circle up" program and a peer mediation initiative led by Anne Travis and Lehi Orozco, and named staff and student leaders credited with fostering a supportive school culture. The presenter said Schiffer serves 72 students in grades 9–12 and attributed increased graduation rates in part to the school’s graduation coach, Todd Richens.

Trustees also recognized three National Merit Scholarship finalists from Sheridan High School. District staff read the finalists’ names and outlined the national program, noting about 7,140 scholarships will be awarded nationwide this year. In addition, the board honored Ben Forsyth, a junior swimmer the presenter described as a four-time state champion and multiple school-record holder. Coach Brent Moore praised Forsyth’s athletic and academic achievements; Forsyth, who spoke briefly, said he would not "take credit away from my team."

The recognitions were followed by a short board exchange about the district’s slide deck and the availability of more information online.

The meeting then proceeded to regular agenda business, including reports from the superintendent and other district staff.