Dave Freudenthal on Education Democratic WY Governor

Base cuts on valuation of projects, & keep building schools

I am also troubled by the fact these reductions were accomplished by essentially dropping four projects off the bottom of the School Facilities Commission list, not based on the valuation of the projects, just sort of, "We need to save $50 million; let's cut it off the bottom."

The decision of the committee to reduce overall funding by 8.5%, based on changes in construction costs, is fine with me. It does not change the number of projects we will be doing. However, I think we need to be cognizant of the fact that we have told school districts, "If you'll play by the rules, and not come to the Legislature and ask for special bills, we'll keep building schools.

Increase teacher salaries & school infrastructure spending

Indicate which principles you support regarding education.
• Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
• Provide a loan forgiveness program for nurses who stay and work in Wyoming after graduation.
• Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.

Teach both abstinence AND contraceptives in sex ed

Indicate which principles you support regarding education.
• Support age-appropriate sexual education programs that teach about abstinence, contraceptives and HIV/STD prevention methods.
• Increase state funding to expand Head Start programs.
• Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.

Reform testing system; end 3-tier diploma

A: Abysmal from the point of view of teacher and parent. Zero confidence in the WY Comprehensive Assessment System (WyCAS) to get accountability. Need to back up, check goals, follow progress grade to grade. Three-tier diploma is the fad of the day; I would get rid of it.