CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education invites the public to comment on the proposed removal of Rules Chapters 4 and 45.

The Chapter 4 rule set originated in 2008 and is out of date and not relevant at this time. When the rules were created, the legislature designated funding to all districts operating in the red financially regarding nonprofit food service accounts. In order to be eligible for funding, districts were required to follow the rules set forth in Chapter 4. This rule set is proposed to be removed from the agency’s list of rules.

To submit public comment, review the State of Reasons and the rule changes here or

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNCcoWryg5ZfOy5r2KEulBdWlx2EDxu9NANlk6yHwHq_XnKg/viewform

The Chapter 45 rules were adopted due to 2018 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 137, section 6(b) regarding a special education out-of-district placement appropriation. The law only provided funding for one biennium and not renewed. Chapter 45 is proposed to be removed from the agency’s list of rules.

To submit public comment, review the Statement of Reasons and the rule changes here or

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckZcJNDOIRN95ECBqB4oyxZcZZsPrEstFHB1IPQXqwqIgZsg/viewform

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

CHEYENNE – Brittney Montgomery, a first-grade teacher at Sweetwater County School District #2’s Harrison Elementary School in Green River, was named Wyoming’s 2022 Teacher of the Year during Wednesday’s Wyoming Education Summit.

Montgomery is an advocate for her students and believes in every student’s ability to grow academically and socially, setting students up for success. Montgomery uses positive reinforcement, motivates, and encourages students to become lifelong learners. She teaches students to take ownership of their learning and to be advocates for themselves and their peers.

“I am so excited to work with Brittney as Wyoming’s Teacher of the Year,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Her skill and passion in the classroom and as a teacher leader will represent Wyoming well. Brittany’s belief in teaching the entire child is evident –  she has a positive impact on the students she teaches. As Teacher of the Year, her influence and impact will extend to colleagues and others across the state and nation.”

Every student Montgomery encounters is treated as if they were her own child. When school shut down, Montgomery began reading stories online to help children keep a sense of normalcy. This was quickly picked up by a local news source and “Storytime with Mrs. Montgomery” was shared with thousands of children across the country.

“One of the things when I think about Brittney as an educator is her ability to connect with kids and build relationships –  it just puts her over the top,” said Steven Lake, Principal of Harrison Elementary School, “The little things set her apart. During the pandemic, Brittney’s story time turned into something that ended up impacting students across the county. She has such positive energy that is infectious for staff and for students.”

Montgomery said she has a desire to help those pursuing a career in education. She works with new educators as a mentor-teacher and spends time helping college students pursuing their degree in education. Montgomery is an active member of her school leadership committee and served as secretary for the Green River Education Association.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the 2022 Wyoming Teacher of the Year,” Montgomery said. “We are blessed in Wyoming with some of the best educators in the nation and I am proud to have been nominated beside them. Congratulations to all of the 2022 District Teachers of the Year. I look forward to representing – and being an ambassador – of education in our incredible state.”

The Wyoming Teacher of the Year comes with the significant responsibility of representing the teaching profession in Wyoming. The Wyoming Teacher of the Year acts as liaison among the teaching community, Wyoming Legislature, Wyoming Department of Education, districts and communities. In addition, the Teacher of the Year is an education ambassador to businesses, parents, service organizations, and media, as well as an education leader involved in teacher forums and education reform.

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Photo of the 2022 Teacher of the Year

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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education is collecting public input on proposed changes to the 2022 Wyoming Fine and Performing Arts Content and Performance Standards at the request of the State Board of Education (SBE). The collected input will be shared with the SBE.

To provide input, review the 2022 Wyoming Fine and Performing Arts Content and Performance Standards. Written or verbal input can be provided through the following options:

1. Complete the Fine and Performing Arts Standards Public Survey by 11:59 p.m. on November 3, 2021.
2. Attend the virtual Public Input Meeting from 4:30-6 p.m. MST on Monday, October 11, 2021. (click link to Join Zoom Meeting or call in at 346-248-7799 and enter Meeting ID: 972-4048-7034).
3. Attend the virtual Public Input Meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST on Thursday, October 14, 2021. (click link to Join Zoom Meeting or call in at 346-248-7799 and enter Meeting ID: 978-3579-4572).

The proposed standards provide for 11 standards in five disciplines: dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. The changes were developed by a review committee of 30 members, including educators, business members, community members, and a parent.

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

CHEYENNE – State Auditor Kristi Racines and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow will compete in the 2021 Wyoming One Shot Antelope Hunt September 15-18. While notable past shooters include the likes of General Norman Schwarzkopf, Roy Rogers, Senator Al Simpson, and Vice President Dick Cheney, this is the first year that women will participate as hunters.

“The One Shot Antelope Hunt has been a cherished Wyoming tradition for generations,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “It is a special year for the One Shot. I’m looking forward to spending time in the great outdoors with friends who appreciate our hunting legacy.”

The purpose of the event is to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship and game conservation, which has not changed since its inception 77 years ago. Emphasis is placed on camaraderie, ability in the field, and accuracy with a big-game rifle. In 1975, the Hunt partnered with the Water For Wildlife® Foundation, a conservation organization designed to benefit wildlife with a focus on providing water sources to drought-stricken habitats.

“I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this historic hunt, particularly since it’s in my home county,” Racines said. “In Wyoming, hunting is a critical part of our culture, and for good reason. It engenders respect for our lands, our wildlife, and most importantly, for each other. This hunt honors our past, while carrying these important values into the future.”

With the inclusion of seven women in this year’s hunt, several of the traditions have been altered or omitted from the event. Ceremonies this year include an Indian Ceremony, coordinated with members of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. Hunters will hear the “Legend of the Hunt” and participate in a brothers and sisters ceremony, in which participants’ bullets are blessed for the hunt.

“The purpose of the hunt remains unchanged: to promote the ideals of sportsmanship and game conservation,” said Darin Hubbel, President of the One Shot Hunt Board of Directors. “It has always been our goal to bring new hunters and supporters to the community while maintaining strong traditional ties to our roots. By opening our event to a more diverse group, we ensure both the event and the sport of hunting remain viable for future generations. We also want to thank the Wyoming Game and Fish and the Shoshone Tribe for their continued support.”

Hunters shoot individually and compete on teams of three. Racines is on a team with Governor Gordon. Balow is on this year’s only all-Wyoming, all-women’s team with Wyoming State Representative Ember Oakley and Megan Degenfelder of Morningstar Partners. There is one other sponsored all-women’s team competing.

“It is novel to think about ‘breaking through the glass ceiling’ by being the first women to compete in the One Shot,” Balow said. “But, I assure you that is not why we are participating. Like others before us, we appreciate the comradery of the hunt and the stories that follow, we grow from the self-reliance of self-confidence that comes from an ethical harvest, and we are committed to conservation of wildlife and outdoor resources.”

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

CHEYENNE – Wyoming Senators Dan Dockstader and Ogden Driskill will join State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow outside the Superintendent’s Capitol Office to host a media conference at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 10. They will discuss proposed legislation to fight back against Critical Race Theory in Wyoming’s K-12 classrooms.

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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 (WDE), served nearly one million meals to Wyoming children and teens in 2021.

“We are proud to have been able to keep thousands of Wyoming youth fed from border to border this summer,” said Tamra Jackson, Child Nutrition Programs State Director with the WDE. “We are so thankful for the people who are on the front lines of this program: the people who deliver the breakfasts and lunches to our youth.”

In total, 434,535 breakfasts and 545,615 lunches have been served through the summer program, for a total of 980,150 meals.

Youth do not have to register or call ahead to receive meals and no questions are asked regarding eligibility for the program.

“Our goal is to get the food to youth who need it, not to concern ourselves with each families’ specific situation,” said Jackson.

Wyoming residents interested in the program for next summer should call 211 for meal service details in their area. For more information about the program, call Amanda Andersen with the WDE at (307) 777-7168.

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.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 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: 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: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; Fax: (202) 690-7442; or Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

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

CHEYENNE – Upon learning that Rylee McCollum, a 2019 graduate of Jackson Hole High School, was one of the U.S. Marines killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow released the following statement:

“Saying that I am grateful for Rylee’s service to our country does not begin to encapsulate the grief and sadness I feel today as a mother and as an American. My heart and prayers are with Rylee’s family, friends, and the entire Jackson community.

“We will find many ways to honor Rylee for this ultimate and untimely sacrifice in the coming months and years – but for now, my arms are wrapped around Rylee’s loved ones from afar and I pray they find some comfort.”

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

August 20, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will release the 2020-21 statewide assessment results on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Wyoming successfully administered the statewide assessment to 96.46 percent of its students in spring of 2021.

“Wyoming schools went above and beyond to ensure that WY-TOPP was safely administered to as many students as possible,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said. “While in normal years participation rate is secondary to performance scores, our high participation in light of the COVID situation is a win for Wyoming,” Balow said.

Results from the Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP) and information about specific student groups will be discussed at a media conference starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Superintendent Balow and other WDE representatives will discuss the results and will be available to answer questions.

Members of the media may join the Zoom call by registering in advance using this link. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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

July 14, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Summer Food Service program for kids offered through the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has already served thousands of meals this summer to Wyoming children and teens.

“School is still weeks away and Wyoming children and teens have free meals available to them with no sign up or any questions asked,” said Tamra Jackson, Child Nutrition Programs State Director 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 call away.”

Call 211 for meal service details in your area. Callers interested in learning more can also call Amanda Andersen with the WDE at (307) 777-7168.

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. This video from the Department of Agriculture does a good job of explaining the program. In addition to serving food, summer food sites often include activities for students to do during the summer including crafts and games.

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: 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

July 12, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education is promulgating changes to the Chapter 38 Rules regarding the Hathaway Scholarship Program, and now seeks public comment on the proposed rules. The comment window is open from July 12-August 30, 2021.

During the 2021 legislative session, a bill passed requiring changes to the Chapter 38 rules. House Enrolled Act 29 authorizes additional courses taken prior to grade nine to qualify for the Hathaway success curriculum. The proposed changes to the Chapter 38 Rules can be viewed here.

Comments can be submitted online or mailed to:

Wyoming Department of Education

Attn: Bradley Barker III

122 West 25th Street, Suite E200

Cheyenne, WY 82002

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. All comments will be recorded and filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.

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