Beth Bear (Not Applicable)

608 S. 26th St.
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
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I grew up in the town of Claremont in southern California and attended college on the central coast of California at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. From there I spent several years working for the Aquatics Program in Yellowstone National Park before completing graduate school at Montana State University. I have worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Laramie for over 21 years on fisheries and invasive species work. I am currently the supervisor of our statewide fisheries and herpetology crew. I have an amazing blended family with my husband and 5 kids, ages 15-19. All of my kids attend ACSD#1 schools or have graduated from ACSD#1. I have lived in Laramie for 21 years and feel lucky to call Albany County home. The last 8 years of serving on the ACSD#1 School Board has given me a deep appreciation for our schools and our community. I enjoy traveling, running, camping, hunting, gardening, and chasing kids all over the state to watch their activities and sports.

I have been an ACSD#1 School board trustee since 2018 and have served as Treasurer, Vice Chair, and Chair. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about public education and our district during that time. I am a parent of 5 children who are in or recently graduated from ACSD#1 and am familiar with the perspective of parents and students. I have career experience with budgeting, personnel, data management and analysis, reporting, and writing, which has proven helpful to my perspective on the board.

I graduated from Claremont High School in Claremont, California in 1996. From there I earned by Bachelors of Science in Ecology and Systematic Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 2000. In 2005, I earned my Masters of Science in Fisheries Management from Montana State University in Bozeman.

I have been an Albany Country school district trustee since 2018 with involvement on committees including School Safety, Fundraising, Recreational Mill Board, Governance, Teaching and Learning, Student Advisory Council, and Calendar committees. I have been involved with PTA/PTO, am a member of Soroptimist of Laramie, and help with youth ministry and volunteering through my church.

Serving as an ACSD#1 Trustee has given me the opportunity to learn, grow, and work alongside incredible teachers, staff, families and community members, and fellow trustees who care deeply about our students.

We have come through some challenging times as a district and I am proud of the work we have done to increase staff pay, ensure all students receive the very best education we can provide, be good stewards of the district’s financial resources by maintaining a sustainable budget, and provide for updated facilities for our staff. I would like to serve another term on the Board to help implement our strategic plan with a focus on student centered learning and student and staff wellness.

The past eight years have not always been easy. Our Board has faced difficult decisions and challenges, and while not everyone has agreed with every decision, I have always approached my role with the same goal: doing what I believe is best for all students and for our district. I know there is still important work ahead, and I remain committed to listening, learning, and making thoughtful decisions. It would be an honor to continue serving Albany County and to earn your vote on November 3.

Post-graduation readiness. Every student’s path is unique and it is our responsibility to provide students with the best education and skills to succeed after high school in the trades, college, military, or workforce. By starting conversations early with students and helping them with their plan through high school, we can increase students’ post-graduation success. Providing students with access to different classes, work experience, internships, and exposure to fields they are interested in, can ensure students have a path to follow throughout their secondary years in something that interests and excites them.

Employee Competitive Pay and Benefits. Prioritizing continued raises for certified and classified employees in spite of budget constraints should remain a priority. The district has also worked to keep high-quality health care affordable for employees which should continue. We must advocate to the legislature to fund an annual cost of living for our employees and to fully fund all aspects of a quality education.

Culture and Climate. A feeling of inclusion and belonging for all students is a priority. We should maintain and enhance students access to athletics, activities, and clubs and expand programs like Capturing Kids' Hearts, Jae Boots, and Hope Squad to promote mental health awareness. We should continue our focus on school safety and security and improve access to mental health resources and support for students and staff.