ROCK SPRINGS – The Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees appointed former Superintendent Paul Grube as an interim superintendent for the school district during a special meeting Sunday afternoon. Grube said he is happy to serve in this capacity until June 30, 2027.

The move comes nearly a week after the board unanimously approved placing Superintendent Joseph Libby on paid administrative leave, eliminated the assistant superintendent position, and accepted two confidential employee recommendations during its regular meeting Monday. During the following days, the district issued press releases stating Nicole Bolton, who served as the assistant superintendent, is still employed by the district and is awaiting reassignment, while stating the administrative leave Libby was placed on is not punitive.

Wright and Trustees Danielle Schumacher and Laurel Gandy attended the meeting in person, while Trustees Josh Sorensen, Melissa Anderson, and Mina Aguilera Chavez attended by phone. After opening the meeting, the board recessed into an executive session to discuss personnel issues. When the board reconvened, Grube followed the board members into the Central Administration Building’s meeting room.

Grube worked in the district for 40 years and eventually became its superintendent before retiring in 2013.

“I’ll be honest with you, I never thought I would be here again,” Grube told residents attending the meeting.

Grube said he had a wonderful career in the district, saying he had incredible people he had worked with during that time, many of whom helped him throughout his career. Grube said he approached Wright and offered to help the district during its transitionary period because he believes it’s time for him to give back to the district.

“I got so much from this school district and I’m willing to put my vacation on hold,” he said.”

He credits his wife with encouraging him to consider being the district’s interim superintendent, saying he didn’t hesitate at all because it’s a great school district. He said there are great things going on in the school district and is happy to help the district grow. He admits there are issues that need to be addressed and said he made it clear to the school board that he’s only willing to be in the position until June 30, 2027.

Wright said there was a leadership meeting earlier this week and wants to tell residents that the board is happy with what is going on in the district’s schools.

“We’re proud of the teachers, administrators, the CAB (Central Administration Building) staff, custodians, facilities workers, everybody and anybody,” Wright said. “We’re proud of where our district’s headed.”

Wright said the board is confident Grube has the credentials to help the district and restore a calm, forward-facing direction. Wright said there is a lot of work ahead in the next few days, noting the board and Grube will work closely together to ensure the district’s employees and students are supported. Wright said Grube has also agreed to help new board members with their roles and responsibilities after they are elected in November, as well as with a potential superintendent search.

Kari Cochran, a former board member who has been an outspoken critic of the board and school administration, said she is excited about Grube’s selection as interim superintendent. She said the district needs an interim superintendent who is versed in how education works in Wyoming, adding that she thinks the board’s decision is the right direction for the district to go. She said Grube knows Rock Springs’ residents and educators and is in a position to put the pieces together before the board attempts to find a new superintendent.