During a special meeting last night, which was held electronically using video technology, Northern Wyoming Community College District trustees granted NWCCD President Dr. Walter Tribley authority to approve the submission of variances to the Wyoming Department of Health, per the guidelines put forth by Gov. Mark Gordon. Submissions must be within counties served by NWCCD, which include Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan Counties.
While only one variance is ready to be submitted, Tribley said a few more are likely in the works.
“I understand the desire for requests to be generally limited to activities deemed essential or necessary to help move people forward in a positive direction,” said Tribley. “Our request to help provide access to safety training in Gillette is exactly that.”
The District plans to submit a variance request to the Campbell County Public Health Officer to allow for the continuation of Mine Safety and Health Administration courses at Gillette College. These trainings are necessary for all workers, including miners, administrators and contractors, to be onsite at local mines. Once approved locally, the request must also be approved at the State level.
Tribley said other variances are likely, depending upon future changes made by the governor.
“I feel good about the plans we have in place. Even though our campuses are currently closed, we are open and conducting business. The opportunity to receive variances, once all safety concerns have been met, will allow us to continue to move forward for the students and communities we serve.”
