Annette G. Walters outlines community-focused priorities in Green River forum for Sweetwater County School District #2 superintendent

Annette G. Walters, a candidate for Sweetwater County School District #2 superintendent, presented her priorities at a community forum hosted by the Green River Chamber of Commerce on a forum broadcast to the district’s YouTube channel.

Walters described herself as a longtime educator with experience “from pre-k all the way through college,” and said she has held roles including assistant superintendent, district testing coordinator and director of personnel. “I believe in servant leadership,” Walters said, describing a leadership style she said centers on visibility, listening and building trust with staff, students and families.

The forum, the final of three the district organized, used a timed format: five minutes for an opening statement, three minutes for answers to panel questions and five minutes for closing remarks. Panelists from local business and education organizations asked about the district’s future, transparency in decision-making, workforce partnerships, teacher recruitment and student supports.

Walters emphasized community engagement as central to preparing students for life and work. She told Joel Levis, director of business development for Industrial Systems Consulting and president of the Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership, that aligning instruction with local values and workforce needs requires active involvement from the board, administrators, staff and community partners.

On workforce and career-technical education, Walters said the district should offer multiple pathways to success and strengthen business partnerships so students gain skills that match local hiring needs. “We must make them ready,” she said, adding that partnerships with local employers and postsecondary institutions are essential to retaining graduates in the community.

Asked about fiscal priorities, Walters said she would work closely with the school business administrator and building leaders to review budgets line by line, increase transparency about spending and seek outside support where possible, including local sponsorships and grants. She also described strategies she has used to secure supplemental funding and community donations in prior districts.

Walters described a summer boost program she led elsewhere to prevent learning loss: daily sessions of roughly 45 minutes of math and 45 minutes of reading, with paid teachers and parent drop-off and pickup; she said the result was students starting the school year “on grade level with their peers.”

On supporting staff, Walters stressed in-person check-ins, recognition and targeted professional development using internal expertise: identifying experienced teachers as mentors, scheduling time for collaborative professional learning communities and “fishbowl” demonstrations, and tapping free or low-cost resources across neighboring districts.

She addressed mental health supports by urging stronger connections to community resources and individualized supports so students and staff feel safe seeking help. On community engagement, Walters said the district should “go to where they are,” by sharing information at games, graduations and other local events to reach families who do not typically participate in school meetings.

Panelists who asked questions included Joel Levis (director of business development, Industrial Systems Consulting; president, Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership), Kelly Davis (branch manager, Waihai Federal Credit Union; Chamber board member), Crystal Reyes (director of workforce development, Western Wyoming Community College; Chamber board member), Bonnie Tippi (local small-business owner), Inoa Ferrer (local business owner; Sweetwater County Bridal and Tourism Board), John Freeman (chair, Green River Greenbelt Task Force; treasurer, Golden Heart Senior Citizen Center; former state legislator) and Dan Stanton (local business owner).

The forum was framed as an informational opportunity for district patrons, staff and community members rather than a venue for candidate confrontation. Walters closed by reiterating her interest in the position and her stated desire to build on the district’s existing work while strengthening community partnerships and supports for students and staff.

No formal actions or decisions were taken at the forum; it was a candidate information forum and not a board meeting or selection vote. The district’s superintendent selection timeline or next steps were not specified during the event.