CHEYENNE – “On May 5, 2022, President Biden’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that all state and local agencies funded by its sub-agency, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), ‘must’ update its non-discrimination policies to include new provisions for ‘gender identity and sexual orientation,’ or risk the loss of millions in federal lunch dollars.

“The USDA is acting pursuant to an Executive Order signed on January 20, 2021, directing federal agencies to promulgate or revise rules enforcing the Administration’s new ‘Anti-Discrimination’ mandates. This matters because the Wyoming Department of Education would fall under the mandate’s affected category, as it receives about $40 million per fiscal year from FNS.

“As Superintendent of Public Instruction responsible for setting Department policy, I immediately opposed this action in the strongest terms possible on legal, political and moral grounds. The Biden Administration gets it wrong again because this action is illegal, which is why 26 State Attorneys General are linking arms and demanding a retraction. Undoubtedly, the USDA will face a flurry of lawsuits once rules made pursuant to the Executive Order are promulgated.

“This move not only represents the latest example of federal overreach, but one more blatant violation of state sovereignty. Our Wyoming Constitution (Article 1, Sections 2 & 3) already prohibits discriminating against any human being, for any reason. We don’t need the Nanny State holding our hands and telling us how to interpret or apply our laws.

“After consulting with other state education superintendents around the country, numerous Wyoming legislators and governing officials, as well as the AG’s office and other legal authorities, the short of it is this: we will not comply. Vulnerable children will not go unfed in Wyoming, and we will not allow boys in girls’ locker rooms. We categorically reject gender ideology and will not bow to the coercive will of a bully government.

“Treasurer Curt Meier and a host of Wyoming’s state leaders have assured me that Wyoming has the money to cover these lunches. We can cut ties with these federal lunch dollars and still provide for Wyoming kids – it only requires two things: the will of the Wyoming people, and the determination of Wyoming’s governing leaders. If we don’t fight this, we enable it.

“Therefore, I call on all Wyomingites to appeal to their local legislators concerning the liberating prospects of severing our dependence on federal dollars. Washington has shown its hand, and will never stop at forcing its woke agenda and ever-changing value system on people who refuse to embrace it. Be fully assured, this is not the end – they will be back (i.e. boys in girls sports, forced usage of pronouns, etc.)

“The Wyoming Legislature is constitutionally obligated to fund our public schools, and I will support (and encourage) all efforts to begin the process of cutting ties with federal funds while upholding the constitutional mandate to financially sustain Wyoming public education.

“Such action, of course, would have to be a phased endeavor, but it is completely doable, and I am fully committed to working with our governing body on how to proceed in a prudent manner.

“This statement is not to be interpreted as a call for a special session of the Wyoming Legislature, but at some point, we need to move on this or we will forever be under the feds’ thumb, beholden to a controlling political mindset that wants to own every aspect of our lives, including our belief system. This is a defining moment for the identity and future of Wyoming and its schools. We must break free if we are to be free.”

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Civil Rights Division (CRD) applied the U.S. Supreme Court’s holding in Bostock v. Clayton County to its updated discrimination statement. Specifically, FNS’s interpretation of discrimination on the basis of sex in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance now includes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder strongly maintains that the USDA’s actions have forced states to comply with the Biden Administration’s agenda, as articulated in Executive Order 13988 (“Preventing and Combatting Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation”). The Superintendent also maintains that the USDA has forced states to get in line, or risk receiving federal funds to support school nutrition programs. Superintendent Schroeder strongly objects to this latest example of federal overreach – and will continue to lead Wyoming’s effort to push back against Washington D.C.

Superintendent Schroeder and the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will, however, proceed with caution and prudence going forward. While the Superintendent vigorously pursues political and legal options to oppose federal overreach, the WDE will work to maintain the flow of federal funds to support children in Wyoming. Until the Wyoming Legislature takes substantive action to allocate state funds to cover the numerous federally-funded programs in Wyoming, the WDE has little choice but to work within the framework mandated by politicians in Washington D.C.

The WDE acknowledges that many people in Wyoming will disagree on the political/philosophical elements of the USDA’s reinterpretation, and encourages citizens to respectfully engage legislators, and other elected officials, as they see appropriate.

The WDE further acknowledges, as a matter of local control, school districts may individually elect to decline participation in food nutrition programs offered by the USDA

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – In response to the most recent school shootings in Uvalde, Texas, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder has directed Deputy Superintendent Chad Auer to host a series of roundtable discussions across the state with district superintendents, staff, and school board members in June and July.

“As we continue to reflect on the tragedy that has befallen the families and citizens of Uvalde, the grief we all feel for them propels us to be prudent in making sure our own schools here in Wyoming are as safe and secure as they can possibly be,” Schroeder said. “We would be remiss, therefore, not to reassess our policies and procedures, school by school, and district by district.”

The goal will be to discuss school security, identify school district needs, and understand how the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) can support school security across Wyoming.

“While I am 100% confident that Wyoming’s school leaders are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of students and staff, make no mistake, nobody is standing complacent,” Auer said. “School safety is at the top of everyone’s mind now, and it has been for many years. The modern reality is we, as educators and communities, must prepare for the possibility that evil might show up at our local school on any given day. Confronting this reality is difficult, but that is exactly what we are doing in Wyoming.“

In response to the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting on December 14, 2012 in Newtown, Conn, then Governor Matt Mead assembled a task force to study and provide insight on the status of school safety and security in Wyoming schools. In October of 2013, the administration released its findings, which prompted significant changes to school emergency response. As a part of the accreditation process, the WDE requires districts to have a school safety plan in place.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – A Wyoming Seal of Biliteracy is being created for students proficient in two or more languages. An advisory committee of language educators will convene to recommend assessments and levels of proficiency on assessments that will enable students to earn a Seal of Biliteracy, including a seal with Advanced Distinction.

The Wyoming Department of Education is collecting public input to be shared with the Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Committee, which will develop recommendations that will be forwarded to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

To provide input, complete the Seal of Biliteracy Public Input Survey by 11:59 p.m. on June 2, 2022. The Seal of Biliteracy was created by Senate Enrolled Act 47 of the 2022 Wyoming Legislature.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Summer Food Service program for kids offered through the Wyoming Department of Education kicks off soon. Every summer the program delivers thousands of meals to Wyoming children and teens.

“Classes will be ending soon, and Wyoming children and teens do not have to go hungry because their school is out of session,” said Amanda Anderson, Nutrition Program Consultant with the Wyoming Department of Education. “We are loaded with summer food program sites from border to border. Finding a program near you is just a few clicks away.”

The Wyoming Department of Education’s (WDE) website includes a link to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) map where Wyoming families can easily identify the food service site, or sites, nearest to them. Information is available here, call 211 or contact Amanda Andersen at (307) 777-7168 or amanda.anderson@wyo.gov.

The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded, state-administered program. The program reimburses providers who serve free, healthy meals to children and teens during the summer months when school is not in session. In addition to serving food, summer food sites often include activities for students to do during the summer including crafts and games.

About the Wyoming Summer Food Service Program

The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, provides kids and teens free meals when school is out. There are several ways that local organizations can be a part of the Summer Meals Program. In Wyoming the program is offered through the WDE.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming legislature amended the Charter School statutes to allow for an alternative path for approval of charter schools (W.S. 21-3-301 through W.S. 21-3-314). This change allows for charter schools to apply to either the local district or the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) and will take effect July 1, 2022.

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) revised the Chapter 32 Charter School Rules to reflect these changes. Public comment was open and received between February 18 and April 18. Additionally, a public hearing was held on April 14, 2022. Currently the rules are awaiting approval from Governor Mark Gordon’s Office.

Additionally, the WDE has revised the charter school application. For charter school applications submitted in 2022, the applications may be submitted between July 15 and August 15 or 30 days after these rules become effective, whichever is later. A copy of the application can be found here.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) has submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) to extend the current Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) deadlines. The extension of the CEP deadlines is in response to the recovery of the pandemic to allow school districts time to collect the necessary data to participate in CEP for SY 2022–23.

The request to extend the CEP deadlines is expected to assist school districts in making the decision to participate in CEP for the next four years. Due to previous USDA waivers school districts have not collected the data to determine the election of CEP. The waiver will provide sufficient time for districts to collect the necessary data to make the CEP determination.

If the waiver is approved, the Wyoming Department of Education CNP will provide detailed information and instructions for National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast (NSBP) sponsors on the new timelines of the waiver.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) seeks public comment on proposed changes to the state’s charter school rules.

The WDE is currently promulgating Chapter 32 Rules on charter schools. Information on the proposed rules for charter schools is available in the Statement of Reasons and strike and underline versions of the rules are also available for Chapter 32.

Comments can be submitted through April 18, 2022 using the Chapter 32 online comment form. A virtual public meeting will be held at 4p.m. on April 14, 2022 via Zoom.

All public comments will be recorded verbatim, including the submitter’s name and city of residence. When commenting, specify which section of the rule the comment is concerning.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

CHEYENNE – Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder has appointed Chad Auer as the Wyoming Department of Education’s Chief of Staff. Auer will assume his role with the agency on Monday, February 14, 2022.

“As my new Chief of Staff, I am very excited about what Chad brings to the WDE team, and the work we will be doing with Wyoming schools,” Schroeder said. “His qualifications and professional experience speak for themselves, as does his character. I am confident he will be a tremendous help to me personally, as well as a valued asset to the agency. We feel fortunate to get him.”

Auer said he believes that frontline educators are absolutely essential to Wyoming’s future, and is committed to doing his part to support teachers, parents and administrators across Wyoming. He also believes that every child, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ZIP code, or disability deserves the best in the state’s education efforts. Lastly, he believes that a key component to a thriving school environment is the genuine collaboration between parents and educators at the local level.

“I am humbled to join the dedicated team at the Wyoming Department of Education,” Auer said. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and contributing to the important mission of providing the best possible education to students across Wyoming.”

Auer’s diverse work background includes working as a classroom teacher, school administrator, law clerk, small-town mayor (Firestone, Colorado, 2008-2014), educational consultant, and attorney (licensed in Montana and the US Tax Court). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Biology) from Colorado State University, a Master’s Degree of Arts, Education Administration, Leadership & Policy from the University of Colorado, and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Wyoming.

The father of three – Zach, 23, Sophie, 21, and Ben, 18 – Auer has lived in Cheyenne since 2016 and is married to Megan, a Nurse Practitioner. His hobbies include travel, working with horses, golf and fly fishing.

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High-resolution photo of Chad Auer

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov