Albany County School District #1 holds remote interviews to fill board vacancy; decision scheduled after executive session

The Albany County School District #1 Board of Trustees conducted public interviews with three candidates to fill a board vacancy during a remote meeting. Chair Beth Behr said the board will meet in executive session for discussion and will vote in open session afterward; Behr told candidates, “I will be contacting all of you tomorrow for sure.”

The three applicants — Todd Antopenko, Sofia Gomelski and Megan Selheim — each answered a set of questions with two minutes allotted per response. The board rotated which candidate answered first. Candidates described their backgrounds and outlined priorities including improving district communication, expanding experiential learning and supporting student mental health.

Why this matters: The interviews are the public portion of the board’s selection process for a vacant trustee seat. The board’s final appointment will be made after a private discussion in executive session and a public vote, and the appointee will help set local education policy and oversight for the district that serves Laramie and surrounding areas.

During introductions, the board identified its members present: Chair Beth Behr; Dr. Goldhart (trustee); Trustee Steve Gosar; Trustee Carrie Murphy; Trustee Janice Marshall (clerk); Trustee Kim Sorensen; and Trustee Cecilia Aragon. Trustee Martin, who serves as treasurer, was not yet present when interviews began.

Candidate backgrounds and highlights

- Todd Antopenko said he works for CCC, a data company serving insurance clients nationwide, described himself as a problem solver and said he and his family moved to the area from Illinois because his wife considered the district strong. Antopenko emphasized tailoring communication to what recipients find valuable and noted the importance of following established channels for school concerns.

- Sofia Gomelski said she is a University of Wyoming student and a lifelong Laramie resident who attended district schools. She described experience as a legislative aide and intern for Albany County’s legislative delegation, and said she would elevate student voices, pursue initiatives on mental-health supports and engage the district proactively with the state legislature ahead of the budget session.

- Megan Selheim said she has two children enrolled in district schools, has served on a school PTO and works at the Wyoming Department of Health. She cited experience with public budgets and policies, parent engagement through PTO channels, and suggested leveraging existing networks (for example PTO contact lists) and continued use of social media to broaden outreach.

On communication: All three candidates urged more than one approach. Gomelski recommended student surveys and informal community meetings; Selheim urged “overcommunicating” and leveraging PTO lists and social media; Antopenko recommended defining the purpose of each message (“what’s in it for me”) and using clear channels so issues go to the correct school staff or district recipient.

On inspiring students and curriculum: Candidates cited experiential learning as a priority. Gomelski and Selheim described project-based and community-linked learning opportunities as ways for students to find interests and career pathways; Antopenko emphasized community input to define local needs.

Board process and next steps: The board told candidates it would take a 30-minute break, proceed with the regular meeting and then move into executive session for discussion. Behr stated she will contact candidates after the board adjourns to inform them of the board’s decision.

No formal appointment or public vote occurred during this interview segment; the board said a vote will follow executive-session discussion.