New WY Superintendent Of Public Instruction Named After Legal Challenge Was Denied

Governor Mark Gordon has appointed Brian Schroeder to be Wyoming’s Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Schroeder replaces Superintendent Jillian Balow who resigned January 16th, to become Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Virginia Department of Education.

Under state statute the Governor is required to select one of three candidates submitted to him by the Republican Party Central Committee.

A legal challenge was filed earlier this week against the Wyoming Republican Party, claiming the committee’s process to select the finalists is unconstitutional.

The committee was made up of 3 representatives from each of Wyoming’s 23 counties.

The argument is that the way the committee is made-up, violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, because it gives counties with small populations more influence in such decisions than counties with large populations.

The group that had filed the lawsuit was attempting to get a temporary restraining order, to stop Governor Gordon from making his selection.

U.S. Federal Judge Scott Skavdahl denied the temporary restraining order, saying the group failed to show it was likely to win their lawsuit, and would suffer harm if Gordon was allowed to proceed with the process.

Schroeder will complete Balow’s term which ends at the end of this year.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction position is on the ballot in this year’s election.

Schroeder has worked as a teacher and administrator in private schools in California, Wisconsin, Michigan and Wyoming and as a family and youth counselor.

He most recently served as Head of School at Cody’s Veritas Academy, a private Christian school.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Maranatha Baptist University and holds a Masters degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

“I reviewed application materials and conducted interviews with all the candidates that came through the selection process, and after much prayer and careful consideration I have determined that Brian Schroeder is best-suited to fill the Superintendent’s position,” Governor Gordon said. “Brian demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that parents are intricately involved in their children’s education, just as it should be. I will work to ensure a smooth transition in leadership for the Wyoming Department of Education.”

“I am honored and humbled beyond words at this incredible opportunity to serve the students, teachers and parents of Wyoming,” Schroeder said. “I’ll do my best to help strengthen education for the future of our state.”