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I have called Laramie County home for all 57 years of my life. After graduating from East High School in 1987, I earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and later a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University.

For 34 years, I have worked in Laramie County School Districts #1 and #2, serving as a tutor, substitute teacher and instructional facilitator, just to name a few. I currently teach 4th grade at Burns Elementary. My proudest role throughout all of these years is having taught grades 3 through 6.

I've also served as President and Secretary of the LCSD #2 local association and as outgoing Treasurer of the Wyoming Literacy Association.

This is my first time running for office, and I hope to earn your vote.

My connection to Laramie County School District #1 runs deep. I am a third-generation graduate of our schools, and the proud mother of three LCSD#1 graduates. I've always believed that decisions affecting teachers' work with students should start with teachers' input, not end there. Because of my experience as a teacher in this great state, I feel called to offer my vision and experience to help shape the future of LCSD #1. My motto is “For the kids,” because I know that when we advocate for teachers and support staff, our youth reap the benefits. When our kids thrive, so does our community.

Strong Support System for Students:

We need better tools for identifying at-risk students early, stronger partnerships between schools and families, and real alternatives to traditional discipline that address what's actually going on with a student. If elected, I want to be part of building that system — one that catches kids before they fall through the cracks, not after. I believe we need to look beyond simply responding to a crisis after it happens. I will be advocating for an off-site crisis response team that can be called upon when significant behavioral, emotional, or safety concerns arise. This team could provide specialized support during and after a crisis, allowing educators to focus on their students while trained professionals address the immediate and ongoing needs of those involved.

We need to start taking care of the whole child—not just their academic needs, but our students deserve to feel safe. Our teachers deserve to feel supported. And our community deserves a system that does more than react after tragedy occurs.

Increased Board Visibility in our Schools:

Every day, our teachers and support staff are being asked to do more and more in our classrooms, often taking on responsibilities they were not trained for. If elected, I will work to ensure that our teachers and support staff are heard. We must trust and respect their judgment when it comes. It is my goal to visit each of the east triad schools on Friday afternoons to talk to teachers, students and administration. I want to hear their needs, their concerns and solutions.

Improving Parent & Teacher Partnerships:

Teaching becomes a nearly impossible task without regular student attendance and active parental involvement. Persistent absences severely disrupt a child's education, putting them at serious risk of falling behind. We cannot expect schools to address this issue in isolation; we must foster stronger parental accountability and meaningful partnerships to ensure students are in the classroom where they can thrive.

I am fortunate to work in a position which allows me the time to visit schools at least once a week. As I continue to canvas and meet my constituents in the East Triad, I have already begun to listen to parents in my area who are ready to share their concerns or better, their experiences that have made a difference in their students’ life. Talking in person is the best way for stakeholders to tell me their concerns. You can find me at any East High Football game or volleyball game cheering on our T-Birds! I currently have a website, DianaforDistrict1.org which will continue to be a way to contact me at this time and beyond.

According to the Wyoming State Constitution, public education is meant to be fully funded by the state. It wasn't until this last legislative session that teacher salaries were funded, a welcome step that offered real relief to educators across Wyoming. However, I don't believe that the funding is fully adequate, not yet. My hope is that the Legislature will extend that same commitment to the true heroes of our schools; paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and nutrition service workers. I also believe that all LCSD #1 employees deserve benefit packages that truly honor their time, dedication, and effort.

As a former Bain Bulldog, it saddens me that my former school may close. The schools in our Cheyenne neighborhoods have brought us together and made us proud for generations. But I also know what it's like to teach in a building with aging electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Pouring limited taxpayer dollars into aging buildings isn't fair to students or responsible stewardship of our neighbors’ money. As upsetting as this is for our community, I think the MCER study is giving the district a clear way to proceed in the future.

If elected, I'll focus on right-sizing class sizes, advocating for adequate staffing, and spending our School District’s money wisely, always putting students first.

In education, trends come and go, and one-to-one iPads were one that many teachers were skeptical of from the start. Ten years later, my answer is clear: they've become more hindrance than help. Rather than building creativity and independent work skills as intended, iPads have become a major distraction—one that's pulling focus from what our students actually need for their future: hands-on problem-solving and practical, technical knowledge.

A 2023 study by Nathaniel D. Craig of Arkansas State University found that after one-to-one device programs were introduced, high school math and English scores dropped and continued to decline, with math scores falling twice as much as English. COVID had little effect on this trend; the devices did.

(Craig, Nathaniel D. “Effectiveness of One-to-One Device Programs on Academic Achievement for High School Students.” Doctoral dissertation, Arkansas State University.)

Cell phones should follow the same standard and have no place in our classrooms during the school day.

I've been married to a U.S. Air Force veteran, carpenter, and cabinet maker for 36 years. My father spent 40 years with the Wyoming Forestry Service, beginning his career as a welder and mechanic. The two most influential men in my life built their success with their hands, not diplomas. That has shaped how I see education. Not every student is meant for a college classroom, and that’s okay. Our trades programs deserve the same investment, respect, and emphasis we give our college-bound students. When our board develops its next five-year strategic plan, strengthening our trades pathways will be one of my top priorities. I cannot wait to represent my neighbors on this board.

I have been your neighbor for my entire life, and I could not be prouder of our town, our community, and the education we provide. But we can, and will, do better. With your help, I will be the voice for teachers, neighbors, and most importantly, the kids. I would be humbled and honored to have your vote on November 3rd.