EVANSTON — Moderator Jacob Cowan began the school board candidate forum by instructing the candidates on the rules and timing of answers to the 10 questions which had been generated from the public, staff and teachers. The forum was held in the district administration building on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with a large crowd in attendance.

The candidates attending the forum were Dan Wheeler (incumbent), Ricky Cook, Jessica Kendrick Arch, John Dubois Sr., Joel Wiedrich (incumbent) Mejah-Pillar Cobb, Brian Woodward (incumbent), Tina Johnson and David Carrington. David Peterson (incumbent) sent a letter of apology for being absent, stating he had a family commitment.

In answering the first question — What are the top three reasons you are running for office? — all the candidates spoke of their passion for education. They said they want to be a voice for students, teachers and parents; and each stressed their personal and professional experience and background which would benefit the position.

Cowan asked the candidates, “Of all the roles and responsibilities of being a board trustee member, what will be your priority?”

Dubois said he would want to make sure district policies were followed and he would research and be prepared with hard questions before meetings.

The other candidates agreed that they would also ask questions and would listen and hear concerns of teachers and parents. Accountability on the part of all was stressed by all candidates.

Tina Johnson said, “I would definitely hold the board accountable to the voters,” adding that she would visit schools because she’s concerned with what books are in their libraries.

Arch’s answer to the third question, regarding if the candidates agreed with the national narrative that American schools are failing, was to refer to the aftereffects of the recent pandemic.

“I am an optimist,” Arch said, “and innovative solutions start with the entire community — parents, teachers and administration working together.”

Some said they thought the district schools are very successful. Johnson had a different view, and said of 24 district students now attending the University of Wyoming, 12 had to enroll in remedial math courses.

“I don’t think the nation’s schools are failing, but it is a complicated issue … with social media and world events,” Carrington said. “We need to meet the challenges of a smaller world here.”

Wheeler agreed, saying, “The key is ‘national narrative,’ and the factors involved – COVID, cellphones, social media — are all problems, and I think we have done a good job of addressing them.”

The fourth question involved each candidate giving their opinion on the district’s goals and strategic plan.

All of the candidates said they support the Pathway to Excellence plan and think the district is doing a good job of meeting the goals of the plan. Johnson said she agrees with the plan but questioned where the money for the consultants comes from and the “socialist tendencies” of the plan.

The question of how they would seek input from all of the stakeholders in order to see all sides of an issue, saw all candidates agreeing. Listening to concerns, getting out in the community and making themselves available to people, spending time in the school to get to know teachers and students, and being open to diverse opinions were the responses.

Candidates were asked to name one thing the district does well, what needs improvement and what needs to change.

Cobb said, “We have compassionate teachers, but I do not think the district supports mental health issues and training and needs improvement.”

Johnson said she’s concerned about some of the curriculum and that teachers are being forced to teach something they are uncomfortable with.

Other comments included a need to do more referrals for mental health issues; salary increases for teachers; improvement of hiring practices; and Wiedrich mentioned the social-emotional learning component that was added, saying it is already an  improvement in place.

Candidates were asked to give their opinion on the current legislation regarding the repeal of gun-free zones.

Carrington, Wheeler, Dubois and Wiedrich all agree with Gov. Mark Gordon’s stance, which is to retain gun-free zones and/or support the district’s current policy.

Johnson said the ban is an infringement on personal rights and the Second Amendment and she supports the repeal.

Cook and Cobb said they see both sides of the issue, but don’t feel comfortable with guns in the schools. Arch said it will be debated and decided by the legislature and she would want to hear from parents and teachers.

All the candidates agreed to a commitment to improved salaries and benefit packages comparable to the surrounding areas, which was the next question.

When asked for their position on the new Title IX regulations and how they will protect the rights of all students, all agreed this was a huge challenge and a tough issue, especially in Wyoming.

Most agreed that girls and boys should be separated in sport activities. Johnson, Woodward and Wiedrich were definitely opposed to a biological male sharing a locker room with girls, with Woodward stating, “These onerous new requirements have gone from providing equality to a lack of protection for girls.”

In closing, Cowan asked the candidates to include their final statements in their answer to the last question of what key accomplishments they hope to achieve if elected.

Carrington said, “I hope to take pride in being able to competently do the best job possible with the resources available, seek consensus and establish mutual goals. With my background, I’m the guy to do it.”

Johnson said, “I want to incorporate the public and I want to get to know all of the curriculum and what’s in the libraries.”

Woodward said, “I want to continue to create an environment of excellence and continue to fight for the funding we deserve from the state.”

Cobb said, “I hope to make resource information available to the public and push for transparency and communication with the public.”

Wiedrich said, “I want to maintain what we have accomplished, I’m proud of it. Education is a big part of my life; I have a bachelor’s and a master’s.”

Dubois said, “I am a happy guy with grandkids and great-grandkids, and I live in a happy community. I want to hold people accountable.”

Arch said, “I want to build bridges. I like to see new energy, innovative ideas, transparency and open communication.”

Cook said, “We need to bring our community together, make the athletic programs more competitive in the middle schools especially.”

Wheeler said, “We have made many accomplishments and we do the best we can. I have gained a lot being on the board and look forward to more working together.”

David Peterson’s comments were read by Dr. Joseph Ingalls.

Peterson said, “I have served on the school board for seven years and have a strong understanding of what is involved. My wife is a teacher and a coach. I believe I’ve been a benefit to the board and we have accomplished much.”

Correction: A previous version of this story stated that school board candidate Tina Johnson said 25 UW students from our district had to take remedial math. It's been updated to correct it to of 24 from this district, 12 had to take remedial math.