Update from the Wyoming Department of Education  |  view online |  website

APRIL 2025

Month of the Military Child Superintendent Degenfelder and the WDE celebrated Month of the Military Child and Purple Up Day for Military Kids to recognize the important role military children and their families play in keeping our country free and safe. The agency organized a proclamation signing, celebrated on social media, joined in the Purple Up Day celebration at Freedom Elementary in Cheyenne, and invited the Cheyenne Central High School Color Guard to the Capitol to perform.

Work at the National Level Superintendent Megan Degenfelder was invited to speak on a panel during the CCSSO Policy Summit in Washington D.C. and Chief of Staff Dicky Shanor and Chief Academic Officer Shelley Hamel also attended the event. Superintendent Degenfelder also met with the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Wyoming Congressional Delegation. Later in the month, Degenfelder also participated in a panel with other state superintendents from across the country to discuss the next steps for states with the potential closing of the U.S. Department of Education.

Tour of Excellence Continues Horizon Jr. and Sr. High School in Evanston was the first stop in April on Superintendent Megan Degenfelder's 2025 Tour of Excellence. Cody High School and the Anderson Elementary School of Math & Science in Cheyenne were additional stops this month.

Innovator Network Launches The WDE announced the Innovator Network to pay Wyoming educators to create Professional Development that meets their needs. The Innovator Network will support teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, and anyone involved in the Wyoming school system by providing a space to connect, share, and take charge of their professional growth. Wyoming teachers Aaron Makelkey and Darian Samuelson shared their support during a press conference to launch the initiative.

Support of Agriculture and Career and Technical Education Superintendent Degenfelder also showed her support for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at the SkillsUSA State Competition in Gillette and was honored with an Honorary FFA Degree for her support of Agriculture Education and CTE.

Meeting with Platte County Education Leaders Superintendent Degenfelder attended the board retreat for Platte County School District #1, Platte County School District #2, and Prairie View Community School to continue efforts to hear from educational leaders throughout the state.