The Natrona County school board will vote tonight to appoint Mark Mathern associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

Mathern is currently the school district's executive director for curriculum and instructional services. If approved, he will take over the position vacated by Joel Dvorak, who becomes superintendent of Natrona County School District at the end of June.

Only one other candidate was considered for the position - Harry Petty, the principal at Expedition Academy Alternative High School in Green River.

Also on the board's agenda is a continuation of a facilitated choice discussion with Michelle Sullivan. She is a former state Board of Education member and a consultant with Sullivan & Associates.

The board met with Sullivan during their work session on May 12 to lay the groundwork for communicating effectively with the community. Developing a clear understanding of the history of schools of choice is also one of the board's objectives.

In her memo to the board, Sullivan wrote that it will have to, "clearly define and approve the strategies for improving schools and learning environments. … Ideally, this process would also provide a clear definition of 'schools of choice' to the District staff and leaders who come after you."

The board will also consider the following grants, among others, for approval for the following groups:

* BOCES for the Tools for Success program at Roosevelt High School.

* Tonkin Foundation to Natrona County School District's Homeless Students Program.

* City of Casper for the Alternative to Suspension Program.

The board's regular meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. A work session begins at 6 p.m. Both are open to the public.

Meetings are held at the district's Central Services Office, located at 970 N. Glenn Road.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com