Midwest community members packed the school gym Monday night as the Natrona County school board approved a recommendation to stabilize staffing at the school.

The board unanimously passed a recommendation that provides funding for 22 certified teachers and staff for Midwest School. An amendment to the recommendation added one-time funds totaling $150,000 to the school for hiring two additional staff members on a 5-4 vote.

In total, Midwest will have 24 full-time positions funded for the 2008-2009 school year.

Trustees Suzanne Sandoval, Elizabeth Horsch, Linda Nix and chairman Shannon Jackett all voted against the amendment to increase staffing.

All four trustees cited concerns over how the staff would be used and said they didn't want to just "throw money" at the school's problems, which include low state test scores.

Jackett also said she was worried the additional staff would put the school back on an uneven keel.

"By adding two FTE (full-time employees), you automatically make what was stable unstable," Jackett said.

Trustee Josh Carnahan, who made the motion to amend the recommendation, said he viewed the additional staff as tools the school should use to improve.

"I think this is an issue that came to a head far too late," Carnahan said. "What it comes down to is we need to put students first. I don't see how cutting staff is going to improve things out here."

The recommendation also includes an accountability piece that requires Midwest School to provide yearly progress reports to the board and school district.

Community members applauded the board's approval of the recommendation and seemed to agree it was a positive move.

"For three years we've been working understaffed," said parent and staff member Paula Chapman. "You guys gave us a huge start tonight. You're going to see a new Midwest School."

Mary Owens, the school's part-time speech and language therapist, said she appreciated the board's commitment to getting things back on track at the school.

"We need some stability," Owens said. "Every three or four years, we're fighting to stay alive."

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