May 11, 2026
8:45 am – 5 pm

NOW A VIRTUAL EVENT!

The First Annual WDE Parent Summit has transitioned to a virtual event to improve access for parents and stakeholders around the state. The summit is an opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to come together and learn about how to engage with their local district, understand the different roles between the local district, Wyoming Department of Education, and U.S. Department of Education, and various education topics like school finance, special education, public records laws, and more.

See the Agenda – a full day of learning.

  • A Vision for Wyoming’s Students: A plenary session focusing on parental engagement with local districts, workforce preparation, local-level visioning, and the future of K-12 education in Wyoming.
  • Standards and Assessment 101: A walk-through of state standards and assessment creation and implementation, detailing how they drive curriculum and instruction and informing parents what to ask of their schools.
  • Wyoming House Bill 147: The Impact on K-12: An in-depth discussion of the “Prohibition of institutional discrimination” bill, defining “Institutional discrimination” and “Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion” as stated in the law, and clarifying permissible instruction and programs.
  • How School Districts Function: The Board & The Superintendent: A panel discussion explaining the division of authority—the board’s role (policy, finance, hiring) versus the superintendent’s role (day-to-day operations, curriculum, staffing)—and focusing on the best avenues for parental input.
  • Transparency in Action: The Wyoming Public Records Act: Training for parents on using the Wyoming Public Records Act to access school district records and policies, including how to file a request and addressing exemptions like FERPA (student privacy).
  • Funding Facts: Understanding the School District Budget: A session on Wyoming’s school finance model, covering sources of money (state, local, federal), allocation, and the most effective time to influence budget priorities.
  • Special Education 101: A final training for parents navigating students with IEPs/disabilities.

  • Understanding Education: An opportunity to engage with experts in their fields that will clarify the different roles of the local district and WDE. 
  • Granular Topic Breakdowns: Move past the jargon. Our speakers are tasked with “stripping the paint” off complex education laws (like HB 147) and budgets. You won’t just hear about policies; you’ll learn exactly how they land in your child’s classroom and what specific questions you should be asking your local board.
Contact
Kimberly Wyman

ESA Program Manager

Parents