By Hector Martinez
The Sheridan Press
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

SHERIDAN — Voters will have the choice of Republicans Chad Auer, Steve Harshman, Tom Kelly and Democrats Ana Cordova and Sergio Maldonado for Wyoming’s superintendent of public instruction.

The Sheridan Press asked candidates for both biographical information and their thoughts on school choice and the role the government should play in that choice.

Cordova did not respond to multiple requests for inclusion in this voter guide.

Chad Auer
Age: 54

How long have you lived in Wyoming?

10 years

Education/qualifications?

With more than two decades of dedicated service in community leadership, public policy, and education, I offer a comprehensive background to the role of superintendent. 

My academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in educational administration as well as a juris doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law. 

Throughout my career, I have held diverse positions including teacher, principal, and district administrator. Additionally, I have contributed to leadership teams within two separate state departments of education including as the chief of staff/deputy superintendent of public instruction at the Wyoming Department of Education. Most recently, I served as a senior policy advisor to Gov. Mark Gordon. 

My professional reach extends across traditional public schools as well as alternative, online, and charter institutions serving suburban, rural, and Tribal communities. 

Beyond my professional life, I am a former mayor, former volunteer firefighter, and a committed husband and father. I am seeking this office because I am convinced that Wyoming deserves a leader with both deep, multifaceted experience and the vision to guide our educational system toward a successful future.

What are your thoughts on school choice and how the government should intervene in that choice?

Throughout my career in educational leadership and public policy, I have visited schools across the nation and seen firsthand how many systems have become stubbornly unresponsive to the concrete needs of parents, educators, and students. When entrenched systems prioritize the status quo over student progress, school choice policies offer an appropriate remedy.

Flexibility in education is critical because automation, artificial intelligence and an increasingly competitive global economy are shifting the skills required for success faster than ever. To prepare for a future that demands innovation and efficiency, Wyoming’s students deserve a robust and diverse instructional program — one that pairs high-quality core academics with career and technical training, the arts, athletics, and other essential options.

In my view, Wyoming has much to celebrate, but leadership requires more than preserving what already exists. Our responsibility is to build on our strengths while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The real ‘school choice’ before us is whether we simply maintain the status quo or provide bold, thoughtful leadership that positions Wyoming’s students for success over the next generation. We owe our children a system that respects traditions, embraces innovation, and prepares them for the future they will inherit.

I’m soberly open minded when it comes to school choice. I appreciate the need. My goal as state superintendent will be to ensure our public schools are the strongest option available.

Steve Harshman

Age: 62

How long have you lived in Wyoming?

55 years

Education/qualifications?

Bachelor’s degree at Black Hills State University; master’s at Oregon State University; 40 years as a teacher and coach; 24 years as a legislator; married 39 years and a father of four.

What are your thoughts on school choice and how should the government intervene in that choice?

Wyoming parents ultimately have the choice on where their kids are going to be educated. Whether it be home school, private school or public school. Our state government does not intervene in that nor should it. Those are local decisions made in individual homes. 

As far as choice within the individual school district, that is up to the local school boards and people of that district. We see a broad mix around Wyoming’s 48 school districts. 

The bottom line is that our public schools are some of the finest in the nation. Of the 17 states that test every junior with the ACT, Wyoming was No.1 two years ago and second last year. Our kids are always in the top 10 joining the military; our kids are patriots. Our fourth grade reading scores are some of the best in the nation. I will build on this success and work to create a culture of continuous improvement. 

I am a lifelong teacher and coach, a Wyoming kid who is 307 and 520 who grew up in the energy industry. I understand most of our kids are blue collar and looking for promising careers in the trades. I authored the Hathaway scholarship, saved the career technical education program at the University of Wyoming when they were going to close it and will continue to fight for our kids and our schools so our kids and grandkids can stay right here in Wyoming and live the American dream!

Sergio Maldonado

Age: 72

How long have you lived in Wyoming?

21 years in Wyoming

Education/qualifications?

Bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University, master’s degree at Arizona State University and doctoral program at ASU College of Justice Studies. ABD – Doctoral candidate at University of Wyoming College of Education at dissertation level. National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) nominated by Arizona educators. Appointed by George H.W. Bush, President of the United States to serve a two-year term with NACIE. A national level experience, I met with Tribal education programs, BIA, and public schools. I have spent my life in the classroom as the instructor coupled with administrative leadership.

What are your thoughts on school choice and how should the government intervene in that choice?

I support the ability of parents and their students to select their notion of best schools. Our Wyoming public schools provide a quality academic experience for K-12 students. 

Based on my years in education the “school choice” movement/debate has its roots in a political ideology. I believe that choice is a human condition. My educational philosophy is that we as citizens should protect the integrity of public schools and our professional educators. Secondly, our Wyoming parents should decide what school is best for their children.

The numerous variables call for a human-oriented path that will support the notion of balance. I can see the potential of further inequality and segregation by race, income, and academic ability. Our Wyoming average daily membership count supports our schools with legislatively approved funds, school choice drains funds from our public schools and further erodes public trust in our educational systems. 

Education is legislatively approved, as government intervention is a given, case in point, compliance with the use of federal dollars: Title I and IDEA, which have strict spending requirements, “allowable uses” to name a few, furthered by the evaluation of effectiveness of public schools; elected school boards who want to be supporters; teacher unions and communities that must provide a greater level of commitment adds to the complexities of choice and government intervention.

Yet, with all the discussion and political rhetoric, we must acknowledge parental freedom, our existing educational quality and most importantly, equity. As the Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will look at the bigger picture. We must assist our students to succeed in life, develop critical thinking skills, read extensively, enjoy their curiosity, and facilitate lifelong learning.

I am the superintendent who understands how young people learn, how teachers teach and what Wyoming needs, which is leadership.

Tom Kelly

Age: 56

How long have you lived in Wyoming?

Seven years

Education/qualifications?

MA Education, PhD Political Science / University Department Chairman, WY House Representative serving on the Education Committee and the School Finance Recalibration Committee.

What are your thoughts on school choice and how should the government intervene in that choice?

School choice allows options for parents whose children may be falling through the cracks of a one-size-fits-all system. It fosters educational innovation and improvement. 

Wyoming should leave funding for any school choice initiatives that include private providers of education separate from school foundation funds to avoid siphoning from public schools. The Wyoming Department of Education must also fulfill its mission to track progress of students educated using public funds to keep alternative providers accountable. It’s preferable that Wyoming design its own program rather than have the federal government intervene further into the state’s role in education.

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