Cheyenne Educators Rally in Rain to Advocate for School Funding and Classroom Support
Despite rainy weather, a group of educators, parents, and community members gathered Monday evening in Cheyenne to call for increased support for public education in Wyoming, Gillette News Record reports.
Organized by the Cheyenne Teachers Education Association (CTEA), the demonstration drew approximately 30 to 40 participants along Pershing Boulevard, many wearing red shirts and holding handmade signs.
The rally focused on urging the state to fully fund public schools, support classroom teachers, and revisit education policies. Organizers and participants emphasized concerns about recent legislation and the state’s education funding model, which a district court recently ruled unconstitutional.
“It’s important for policymakers to understand what it really means to be a public educator,” said longtime teacher Nikki Lally. “Educators are professionals, and their insights should be considered when crafting policies that affect students.”
CTEA President Dylan Ford noted that the year had been challenging for teachers, pointing to legislative changes such as the removal of gun-free zones in schools and new parental notification rules.
“These have made an already difficult job even harder,” Ford said, adding that the state’s failure to adopt an updated school funding model since 2010 violates the Wyoming Constitution.
A February ruling by a Laramie County judge concluded that Wyoming’s current funding system is no longer cost-based and ordered the state to revise it. The decision is currently under appeal before the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Following the rally, demonstrators attended a Laramie County School District 1 (LCSD1) Board of Trustees meeting, where several educators spoke directly to board members, outlining concerns and recommendations. These included reinstating the district’s salary schedule committee, increasing pay for substitute teachers, considering a four-day school week, and addressing safety and behavioral issues in classrooms.
Ford highlighted the stagnation in salary increases, saying a $550 annual raise no longer reflects economic realities or helps retain experienced teachers. Educator Shandah Terrell stressed the urgent need for substitute teachers, noting that staff shortages often lead to teachers taking on extra classes with little preparation time.
Other suggestions included expanding certification programs for substitute teachers and allowing virtual parent-teacher conferences. Teacher Mason Magagna thanked the board for working on district gun policies and called for more support to address behavioral challenges in classrooms. He urged that educators be included in planning solutions to ensure effective outcomes.
In response, Board Chair Alicia Smith issued a statement expressing appreciation for the feedback and emphasizing that while some issues are complex, the board values communication and partnership. LCSD1 Superintendent Stephen Newton echoed that sentiment, thanking the CTEA for its input and reaffirming the district’s commitment to addressing these concerns.
No immediate action was taken at the meeting, but district officials indicated they are considering the feedback as part of ongoing decision-making.
