Justin Kidneigh (Not Applicable)
Trustee-School District #1 - At Large - (19012)
Biography
I am a 56 year native resident of Wyoming. I spent my elementary and junior high years in Dubois and attended and graduated from Powell High School. I attended and graduated from Casper College and the University of Wyoming with degrees in history and secondary social studies education. I retired as a teacher in June of 2023 after a 31 year career that spanned 6th grade through 12th. I have taught in Sheridan County School District #2, Natrona County School District #1, and Sheridan County School District #1. During my career I was recognized as an Ellbogen Meritorious High School Teacher (2013) for Natrona County SD #1 and the District Teacher of the Year (2018) for Sheridan County SD #1.
My wife and I have been married for 32 years and have four grown children, 3 daughters and 1 son. My life, childhood and adulthood, covers a wide range of experiences that I feel make me well suited for being a trustee on the Sheridan County #1 Board of Education.
Experience
1992-1995: Teacher, Sheridan County #2, Central Middle School
1995-2001: Teacher, Natrona County #1, East Junior High School
2001-2013: Teacher, Natrona County #1, Kelly Walsh High School
2013-2021: Teacher, Sheridan County #1, Big Horn Middle School
2021-2023: Teacher, Sheridan County #1: Big Horn High School
2009-Present: Business Owner, Kid & I Business Ventures, LLC
Education
Western New Mexico University, Silver City, NM. MA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Concentration Areas: Psychology and
Political Science, May 2013. Graduated with honors.
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. Bachelor of Science, History, May 1991. William R. Steckel Award for Outstanding Senior
in History, 1991, Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Social Studies Education, May 1992.
Casper College, Casper, WY. Associate of Arts, History, May 1989. Phi Theta Kappa.
Powell High School, 1987.
Community Activities and Memberships
Over the course of my adult life I have been involved in church activities including AWANAS when my children were young. I was a member of Gideons in Casper and served as a camp president. My involvement with Future Business Leaders of America in both Big Horn High School and Big Horn Middle School for several years allowed me to help students to do a variety of community service activities. I am currently looking for opportunities to serve my community in other ways following my retirement.
Why I am Running
I feel that in order for our children to learn effectively they must be supported with a safe and orderly learning environment in which their learning and personal needs are of highest priority. In my opinion, this is not always the case and the children become pawns in adult political battles and agendas. I believe that a school board is to truly be non-partisan with the focus and purpose of doing what is in the best interests of the children within the framework of the community standards. To me, being a trustee is a sacred duty in which the community has entrusted you to ensure their children are educated and cared for. As a trustee, I see my role as always asking what is best for student learning and supporting teachers in accomplishing that goal.
Top 3 Priorities
-To ensure equitable distribution and use of resources (financial and
human) for providing the best learning opportunities of all children.
-To support the exploration of possibilities for expanding learning
opportunities and experiences for students at all levels.
-To help foster a culture of respect, trust and support throughout the
District based on transparency and recognition of staff and
student efforts and accomplishments.
