District attends forum

Last Sunday was a strong example of the democratic process at its best when members of the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees and Superintendent Donna Little-Kaumo traveled to Cheyenne to take part in a legislative forum.

The local delegation made the trip to take part in a forum sponsored by the Wyoming Association of School Administrators (WASA) and Wyoming School Board Association (WSBA).

Little-Kaumo said when they arrived at the forum, district members and administrators from across the state went through all of the house bills and senate files that relate to education, and entertain a discussion about how they are feeling about an issue whether it be problematic or positive.

Following the discussion about the pending legislation, she said they got to have face-to-face time with the members of the Wyoming State Legislature.

“The benefit to the district is being on the front end of those discussions so that we can inform our the legislative bodies how the legislation can be affecting the school district directly,” Little-Kaumo said.

She added that State Rep. John Hastert once told her that he can do his best legislative work if he is told what his constituents are thinking.

“We have some good legislators in Sweetwater County. They crave having conversations with us so they can do their best work,” Little-Kaumo said.

Among the legislation discussed by the board members and Superintendent was House Bill 114, which would allow Wyoming residents with concealed carry permits to have their guns at public facilities.

The bill passed the Wyoming House earlier this month by a 42-17 vote.

Little-Kaumo said there is some concern when the bill hits the senate and she is hoping it will get dismissed or change dramatically.

“Having guns in our schools is a worry for our board and they articulated that,” she said.

In the near future, Little-Kaumo said she and members of the district will be taking a return trip to Cheyenne.

She said this is one of the beauty’s of Wyoming compared to other states.

“We really have the ability to have direct conversations face-to-face with our legislators,” Little-Kaumo said. “It’s a highly regarded value in Wyoming.”