Recent events and past administrative decisions have demonstrated a troubling pattern of negligence and misconduct that compromise the safety and well-being of students.

1. Failure to Address Reported Threats and Violent Behavior

For an extended period, multiple students, parents, and staff members voiced concerns regarding Orion Schlesinger’s disturbing behavior, which included inhumane comments, threats, and violent ideation. Despite these numerous reports, the administration took only minimal action—assigning a staff member to monitor him—rather than implementing necessary disciplinary measures or escalating the issue to law enforcement or mental health professionals.

Many students actively avoided Schlesinger out of fear for their physical safety, proving that his behavior was widely recognized as threatening.

There is no public record of meaningful intervention, such as psychological evaluation, suspension, or formal disciplinary action beyond passive supervision.

The failure to appropriately respond to these warnings may have contributed to the tragic incident involving Dakota Farley.


Under Wyoming state law, educational institutions are legally and ethically required to provide a safe learning environment. The administration’s failure to act in this instance could constitute gross negligence, potentially exposing the district to legal liability for failure to protect students from foreseeable harm.

2. Mishandling of a Grooming Scandal Involving the Principal’s Son

Several years ago, serious allegations arose against Aaron Makelky, son of Principal Jeff Makelky, involving the sexual harassment and assault of a student. Instead of ensuring accountability and transparency, the administration chose to cover up the incident, including:

Transferring Aaron Makelky to another school instead of launching a full and proper investigation.

Failing to inform students and parents about the risks posed, potentially endangering additional students.

Suppressing the incident rather than prioritizing student safety, which has severely eroded trust in the leadership of Big Piney High School.


This mishandling of a serious case raises urgent questions about how other incidents may have been similarly ignored or concealed. The Doe v. Board of Trustees of Sublette County School District No. 9 case highlighted this administrative failure, underscoring a pattern of prioritizing reputation over student well-being.

3. Lack of Oversight and Board Accountability

These issues do not exist in isolation. The Sublette County School District No. 9 Board of Education has a duty to hold school administrators accountable, yet it appears that little to no corrective action has been taken despite multiple allegations and failures.

A culture of negligence, cover-ups, and lack of accountability has fostered an unsafe school environment.

Students and parents have repeatedly expressed concerns but have seen no meaningful changes in response.

Other schools within the district, such as Pinedale High School, have also faced serious scandals, including teacher misconduct cases and administrative failures.


If the Board does not act decisively, it risks further legal consequences, loss of public trust, and the continued failure to protect the district’s students.

4. Requested Actions for Immediate Reform

In light of these serious concerns, the Board is urged to take the following immediate actions:

1. Remove Principal Jeff Makelky and any officials who participated in negligence or misconduct.


2. Conduct an independent investigation into the handling of past reports concerning Orion Schlesinger.


3. Review and publicly disclose past administrative actions, including the case involving Aaron Makelky, to ensure transparency.


4. Implement stricter safety and disciplinary policies to ensure that threats and serious misconduct are properly escalated.


5. Host an open public forum where students, parents, and community members can voice concerns and receive direct responses from the Board.



Failure to act will result in continued public scrutiny, potential lawsuits, and further deterioration of trust in the district’s leadership.

5. Conclusion

Big Piney High School’s administration has demonstrated an inability to prioritize student safety, accountability, and transparency. It is imperative that the Board take immediate action to correct these failures before another preventable incident occurs.