LUSK - New Principal at NCHS:  Introducing Phil Garhart

I just want to take the time to thank the Board of Trustees, Aaron Carr, Stuart Larson, George Mirich, the Niobrara School Staff members and the community members for coming to the high school on Sunday, 2/11/2018 for my community forum and interview. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to serve the students and families of Niobrara County. If there is any way that I can help you or if you have any questions, please feel free to stop by my office next fall.

I started my college career at Dickinson State College and finished my undergraduate degree at Black Hills State University. I then began teaching Geography at Spearfish High School. After two years at Spearfish I taught Science, Social Studies, PE and Health in Bon Homme County School District 4-2 in Tyndall South Dakota for 4 years. I was the head wrestling coach at the high school and was the middle school football coach. I received the honors of being wrestling coach of the year for three out of my four years and was honored to be able to coach the Cavaliers to a State Championship, runner up, a third and a fourth-place finish. I then moved back to my home town of Newcastle WY and taught high school Government/Economics, US History and Physical Education for 9 years. I was the head wrestling coach and middle school football coach. Next, I received my master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Education Administration and I took the high school principal job at Wyoming Indian High School. I served as the high school principal for 9 years and then was offered the Human Resource/Activities Director position. I have served the district in this capacity for the last three years. I currently serve on the WASSP (Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals) executive board and I have been for the last four years. I’m really excited about working with the staff at Niobrara County High School and together we will ensure that your children will get the best education possible.

New School Board Member: Introducing Kurt Gaukel

I was born and raised in Lusk. My wife Toni and I graduated from NCHS. I attended 2 years of college in Northwest Community College in Powell and then 2 more at the University of Wyoming where I received my bachelor’s degree in Ag Business. Toni and I have spent our free time watching our kids, Taten and Taylor, in school and 4-H activities.

I have spent the last 20 years employed by the Wyoming Highway Patrol with the Port of Entry. Nineteen of those years were spent at the Lusk Port of Entry, twelve as the supervisor. Last March, I was promoted to regional manager where I oversee the operations of six of Wyoming’s fourteen ports of entry. Some of my primary responsibilities of leadership within the Patrol have been employee development, as well as setting and implementing organizational goals. I hope to apply some of those professional skills as a board member as we continue to grow leaders with our staff and students.