Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, has outlined a legislative agenda that includes a range of priorities aimed at school choice, student safety, and addressing national hot-button issues, Gillette News Record reports.
Degenfelder expressed her hopes that new laws will emerge from this year’s legislative session that address these key topics.
Degenfelder’s proposed legislative priorities align with several bills already filed ahead of the session. In discussing her agenda, she emphasized the importance of standing firm against what she perceives as challenges to Wyoming’s values, including what she refers to as “extreme ideologies” and “federal overreach.” Degenfelder framed her agenda as a way to protect families, empower parents, and ensure all students are equipped to succeed while upholding Wyoming’s core values.
One of the major themes in Degenfelder’s agenda is expanding school choice across Wyoming. Currently, not all school districts offer open enrollment, which limits some families’ ability to choose schools outside their neighborhood. Degenfelder is advocating for open enrollment in all districts and the removal of the state’s cap on charter schools. At present, Wyoming allows only three new charter schools to be authorized annually by the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board. However, local districts can still authorize their own charter schools. House Bill 94, introduced by Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, would lift the restrictions on the number of charter schools that can be established.
Degenfelder is also pushing for reduced government oversight of homeschooling. A bill from Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, proposes removing the requirement for parents to submit their homeschooling curriculum to local school boards. Additionally, while last year’s legislature created education savings accounts, Degenfelder seeks to eliminate the income restriction Governor Mark Gordon placed on the law before it was passed.
Student safety is another priority for Degenfelder, with a particular focus on mental health. She supports the creation of an external referral system for student mental health services and advocates for stronger penalties to combat the presence of fentanyl and narcotics on school grounds.
Degenfelder’s legislative agenda extends into contentious national debates. One area of focus is gun rights on school campuses. Last year, a bill that would have allowed firearms on public school campuses was vetoed by Governor Gordon, though he encouraged state officials to consider permitting concealed carry in state buildings. This has sparked ongoing discussions across Wyoming. Sen. Ed Cooper, R-Ten Sleep, has introduced a bill that would create an “enhanced” concealed carry permit, allowing gun owners to carry firearms on college campuses, in K-12 schools, and at school events.
Another hot-button issue in Degenfelder’s agenda is the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices from public institutions. DEI initiatives have been widely debated across the US, with some Republican-led states mandating their removal from state governments. In Wyoming, the University of Wyoming has already taken steps to restructure its DEI programs. Degenfelder supports a bill by Sen. Steinmetz, R-Lingle, that would eliminate DEI training from public organizations and prohibit colleges from requiring DEI-related courses.
The issue of transgender rights in athletics remains a major topic in the state. Wyoming passed a law in 2023 banning transgender athletes from competing in sports that align with their gender identity, but this law only applied to middle and high school sports. Degenfelder is advocating for an extension of this ban to the collegiate level. Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, and Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, have filed bills to ensure that collegiate athletes play on teams based on their sex assigned at birth.
Degenfelder is also calling for laws that would extend these restrictions to bathroom access, with three bills already filed this session addressing the definition of gender and its implications for public spaces like bathrooms and changing facilities.
In addition to her role as state superintendent, Degenfelder holds other state positions, and her legislative priorities reflect her broader responsibilities. The full list of Degenfelder’s priorities is available online for public review.
