Sweetwater County School District asks Green River council for letters of support to pursue CTE grant

Dr. Scott Cooper, speaking for the Sweetwater County School District, told the Green River City Council that district enrollment is "down roughly 70 this year" and announced the reopening of Toman Ranch School next week, a move he said will increase the district’s school count from nine to ten.

Cooper outlined the district’s strategic plan and highlighted academic and extracurricular strengths, saying the district recently posted a 91% graduation rate and aims to reach 95%. He emphasized student supports and safety, thanking the Green River Police Department for funding school resource officers and citing regional partnerships and recognition for district staff.

Cooper described the district’s push to expand career-technical education (CTE) and work-based learning. He said CTE shops need upgrades — including larger bays and additional welding booths — to support year‑round projects and to grow participation in work‑based placements from the low 30s toward a goal of 50–90 students.

"We're going from 9 schools to 10 schools," Cooper said, describing the Toman Ranch reopening as a positive step. He also told the council the district is "down roughly 70 this year," attributing part of the decline to lower birth rates in the region.

On funding, Cooper said state maintenance dollars will address some infrastructure needs (HVAC, electrical and plumbing) but that larger CTE expansions and hiring industry liaisons require outside grants. He identified a Congressional Direct Spending (CDS) grant as one promising source and asked the council for a letter of support to strengthen applications, saying he would circulate a draft for the council to review and sign. Cooper said applications will begin in February and that community and elected‑official support improves competitiveness for these federal funds.

During a short Q&A, a council member asked specifically about bullying policy; Cooper said student handbooks and the district code of conduct contain clear anti‑bullying procedures and invited follow‑up conversations. Council members thanked Cooper for the report and indicated willingness to consider the requested letter.

The next step: Cooper will send a draft letter of support to council staff for review; the council did not take formal action during the meeting but indicated it would coordinate signatories ahead of the grant submission window.