Degenfelder visits Thermopolis

Megan Degenfelder, a Republican, is running for Wyoming’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction. She announced her candidacy on April 7 in Casper at the Boys and Girls Club. She and her husband Bryan reside in Laramie. She was in Thermopolis last week to attend the Reagan Day Dinner.

Regarding her vision to improve schools in Wyoming, Degenfelder said, “As a 6th generation Wyomingite and product of our state’s K-12 public schools and the University of Wyoming, I am very passionate about ensuring future generations have just as many, if not more, opportunities available to them. My vision for improving schools includes empowering parents to have a voice and be involved in their child’s education with as many choices as possible. I believe in advocating for American values in our education system, based on the ideals of innovation, free-thinking, and work ethic. I will also prioritize partnerships with WY industries to ensure we are nimble enough in the education system to meet the needs of the workforce and provide future jobs for our youth. And lastly, I plan to focus on improving literacy rates across the state and advocating for funding resources to be as close to the classroom as possible.”

Regarding issues in curriculum, Degenfelder said, “I absolutely believe that curriculum should be determined at the local school district level, by the school board and input from community members and parents.” 

Degenfelder also addressed the subject of homeschooling in Wyoming and said, “I believe that the more choices for the parents and students, the better. Each student should be able to decide which schooling best fits their individual needs, whether it be public, private, charter, religious or in the home.” 

Regarding spending on education, Degenfelder spoke of her service in a cabinet-level position at the State Department of Education and said, “I know from experience that there are still efficiencies to be made in the state agency, and I will explore all of these as Superintendent. In terms of school funding, I will advocate for funding to be used as closely to the classroom as possible, with students and teachers.” Also, when it comes to the “Backpack Program” idea or policy, where the money for education follows the student, not the district, Degenfelder said, “I am a strong proponent of more parental choice and involvement in the education. We have barely even scratched the surface on school choice and I want to explore all options related to school choice. A child’s zip code should not determine their future.”  

Degenfelder also spoke about some controversial subjects and said, “I am absolutely opposed to Critical Race Theory and any other political ideology in the classroom. Our students deserve a factual, well-rounded education free from radical political theory.” Additionally, regarding schools using gender trans/pronoun policies, Degenfelder said, “I believe the best process is to work at the local district level in partnership with parents to make decisions on these policies. Communities at the local level know how to create policies that best fit their district and meet individual student needs without overreach from the federal or state government.”   

Degenfelder commented on school safety and said, “In 2017, the WY Legislature passed a law to allow local districts to determine whether or not to allow armed staff in schools. I agree with the Legislature’s approach and believe that as with all issues, the best decision-making is at the local level.”