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Public commenters press board on charter management, ESA vouchers, DEI and World Down Syndrome Day
Summary
Several Casper residents used public comment to criticize Academica’s role in a local charter school, urge board support for the state ESA voucher program, defend DEI language in the student handbook, and promote World Down Syndrome Day and inclusion.
Multiple members of the public addressed the Natrona County School District #1 Board of Trustees on topics that included charter school management, the state’s new ESA voucher program, diversity/equity/inclusion language and World Down Syndrome Day.
Joe Morelez criticized Academica, a for‑profit charter management company, calling it "not about education" and asserting it receives substantial management fees for local charter operations. Morelez told trustees Academica "manages over 200 schools nationwide" and said the company’s nationwide events and fees take public dollars from district schools; he urged the board to "protect what makes us strong." Those claims and figures were presented as his remarks to the board.
Lehi Hallhus addressed the board in support of Wyoming’s education savings account (ESA) program, which he said was signed into law on March 4, 2025, by Governor Gordon. Hallhus described the program as providing families $7,000 per student for approved educational services and said the law dedicates $30,000,000 from the state general fund and "section 21 2 9 0 3 explicitly guarantees no school district taxes will be affected." He urged the board to embrace the program and support families in the transition; those statements are attributable to Hallhus’s public comment.
Kate Schneider defended diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and the DEI language in the student handbook, arguing the provisions ensure equitable access and supports such as hearing‑assistance devices at school events. She asked the board to prioritize student, teacher and staff well‑being when considering changes to DEI language.
Jessica Stall, mother of an 8‑year‑old with Down syndrome, asked trustees to mark World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 and encouraged wearing mismatched socks to raise awareness. Stall said she brought pairs of socks for trustees to accept as a visible sign of support and inclusion.
Several trustees responded during the meeting’s comment period, noting the limits of local authority over charter governance and thanking speakers for raising community concerns. Trustee Hopkins reminded the public that appeals about charter authorization are handled at the state level; other trustees thanked speakers for advocating inclusion and awareness.
