Ten Sleep school board candidates running unopposed for reelection

In the upcoming general election, Nov. 5, Erin Blutt, Shana Harstad and Jared Lyman are running unopposed for their respective four-year terms on the Washakie County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees.

The incumbent candidates each spoke with Northern Wyoming News to discuss their reasons why they are running for reelection.

ERIN BLUTT, BOARD CHAIRMAN

Why are you running for reelection?

“I’m seeking reelection to continue the work that we’ve been doing that has led to Ten Sleep Schools having the highest WYTOPP testing scores among small schools in the state in every category, and also continue supporting our administration team to keep doing what they’re doing. When I ran four years ago, I wanted to provide the best environment in education for Ten Sleep students that I possibly could in the role of a board member, and that has not changed. I’d like to keep up the work that I’ve been doing along with my fellow board members, and just continue to ensure that Ten Sleep is a great place for students to learn and for teachers to teach.”

Do you have any personal goals for the next four years?

“I’m excited to see how our teachers and students are empowered to grow while utilizing our new school next semester, and to see how we can continue to improve. We’ve made Ten Sleep School an incredible place, and it’s just getting better. The sky truly is the limit for these kids. In the last two years we’ve had two students appointed to military academies and one student receive the Trustees Academic Scholarship for the University of Wyoming. We’re making incredible opportunities for all kids, and it’s not just for the kids who want to do big things academically, through our Career and Technical Education program we’re preparing our students who want to graduate and enter the workforce. I think we’re finding a way to make Ten Sleep School feel personal to everyone who comes here, and I’m glad to continue to be a part of that as the school board chairman.”

SHANA HARSTAD, BOARD TREASURER

Why are you running for reelection?

“Just to continue helping with the school in any way I can. I don’t have a big platform, I don’t have an agenda; that’s why I got into it in the first place, I figured they could use someone who didn’t have an agenda. I’m just there to do what’s needed in making decisions to make the school the best place it can be for our kids.”

Do you have any personal goals for the next four years?

“My focus is the single issue I just talked about — to make the school the best place it can be for our kids.”

JARED LYMAN, BOARD TRUSTEE

Why are you running for reelection?

“I’m just trying to be a representative of the community that has their eye on the policy and budget, I think that’s important. As we’ve gone through and tried to fill vacant seats over the years, I’ve tried to make sure that we have a good variety of representation; I get to represent the cranky ranchers.”

Do you have any personal goals for the next four years?

“I go into each meeting trying to offer an alternative position. I want to make sure that there are ideas that are discussed beyond just what is presented, because I believe we should be thinking hard about whatever policy or budget item comes before us. Going forward, I want to continue to bring that perspective to each meeting. I tend to be the only one to vote ‘nay’ on anything, but I think there’s value in bringing a different perspective even if it’s not what we ultimately

decide on.”