Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577451059000
Campaign Phone
307-231-1235
I recently advised Governor Mark Gordon on education, innovation, and Tribal relations. My background includes serving as Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff at the Wyoming Department of Education. Over a twenty-year career, I have taught and led in diverse rural, urban, and Tribal settings across public, charter, and online schools.
As a former Mayor with an M.A. in education and a University of Wyoming law degree, my legal and executive expertise uniquely qualifies me to serve as State Superintendent.
I believe that educational leaders at the local and state levels should always explore opportunities to lower costs without sacrificing academic outcomes. In some cases, consolidating school districts might be a viable opportunity as long as it does not compromise student achievement or other valuable outcomes. However, the issue of consolidation requires careful consideration of all relevant factors as well as transparent community involvement. Schools are vital institutions to WY’s communities and any policy initiative should be comprehensively evaluated.
The recent recalibration bill, while giving educators a much deserved boost in compensation, unreasonably eroded local control. Further, the current model has forced many districts into cuts to vital extra-curricular programs. I would advocate for eliminating the instructional silo and restoring local control to school boards/district leaders. Further, I believe school safety, mental health, school counseling and extracurricular activities are essential elements of Wyoming’s school system.
The greatest strengths of Wyoming’s system are students, parents, educators and school board members working collaboratively to ensure their local schools are delivering the best education possible to their children. As state superintendent, I will honor and defend local control. One of the biggest threats is the temptation of the legislature to recklessly implement policies that do not respect Wyoming. Just because other states have stagnant, dysfunctional systems does not mean Wyoming schools should be dismantled. I will defend Wyoming from out of state / out of touch agendas.
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Campaign Phone
(307)461-9304
I hold an MA in education, and a PhD in political science. I’ve worked in public and private schools with students ranging from middle schoolers with severe learning/behavioral/emotional disabilities to graduate level students who teach at community colleges. Currently, I am the department chair for political science and public administration at American Military University, an HLC accredited institution with enrollment eight times larger than UW. In addition, I serve on the Wyoming legislature’s Education and School Finance Recalibration committees.
If it is simply to lower costs rather than address inefficiencies in transportation or curriculum delivery, the answer is no. The Recalibration team looked at possible district consolidations to save money, and we decided the cost savings were minimal compared to the disruptions the consolidations might cause, especially for smaller rural districts.
The funding model was just changed, so we need to assess data on how it's functioning before making any major changes. In the short term, the Recalibration team is looking at funding for activities, technology, and nutrition programs.
The greatest strength of any education system is the quality of the professionals working with the kids. I'd continue to promote competitive salaries and benefits for those who work with students directly. The greatest weakness in Wyoming right now is ironically caused by our success. It's complacency, that we're one of the best states, so no changes should be made other than simply increasing funding. I'd continue to reject that 30% of our 8th grade students as "below basic" in reading is an acceptable number and work with districts to see where the state should step in or step back so their already difficult jobs are easier. Wyoming education would benefit more from a coach than a cheerleader.
