NCSD Approves New Superintendent’s Contract

The Natrona County School District’s board of trustees approved the contract of its next superintendent Monday night.

By a near-unanimous vote, trustees approved a two-year contract for superintendent-elect Steve Hopkins. Hopkins, a long-time Casper resident who has spent the last 17 years working with district administrators, says he appreciates the district’s support.

"It's a humble assignment, given the legacy of the school district which extends over 125 years," Hopkins said. "And now I have the responsibility to contribute to that legacy."

Hopkins says, with significant construction projects upcoming, he expects a productive first term.

"There's an obviously very large capital construction campaign underway, we're deep into some projects regarding secondary education reform - all of those are items that the board wants to see continued and advanced."

Board member Audrey Cotherman cast the only vote against the approval of Hopkins' contract, saying that she was protesting the internal process used to select Hopkins for the opening. Cotherman was complementary of Hopkins' prior work and achievements, however, and did say that she would support Hopkins in his new role.

Hopkins is currently the school district’s associate superintendent of business services. He will take over for the retiring Joel Dvorak on July 1.