Barb Cook for School Board

Thank You for Your Support

I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me in this LCSD School Board election. Your support has been incredible, and I am honored to serve our students, parents, and staff in this important role.

As we begin the new year, my commitment is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, every parent feels heard, and every member of the LCSD team feels valued and supported. Together, we can create a positive and empowering experience for everyone in our schools.

Thank you for believing in our vision for a brighter future. I’m ready to get to work for our community and can’t wait to see what we achieve together!

-Barb Cook
“Cook for Kids”

Thank you to everyone who placed their belief and confidence in me by casting a vote for me in the school board election. Your support means the world. Congratulations to Brittney Ashby and Alicia Smith on their well-deserved victories. I look forward to serving alongside all of the LCSD school board trustees, our incredible LCSD administration, dedicated school staff, supportive parents, and, most importantly, the kids. Together, we’ll shape a brighter and better future for every student. Let’s get to work!

What Does Nonpartisan Mean and Why Is It Important for Laramie County School District #1?

When we talk about school board elections, you’ll often hear the word nonpartisan come up. But what does it really mean? In simple terms, nonpartisan means that candidates aren’t running under a specific political party. Their focus isn’t on advancing a political agenda, but on doing what’s best for our students, teachers, and families.

In Laramie County School District #1, the importance of a nonpartisan school board cannot be overstated. Our district serves students, families, and educators from all backgrounds, beliefs, and viewpoints. A nonpartisan board ensures decisions are made with the best interests of every student, parent, and teacher in mind, without the influence of politics. This allows us to focus on what truly matters—student achievement, teacher support, and building a strong, inclusive community.

For parents, a nonpartisan board means knowing that their concerns will be heard and addressed based on what’s best for their children, rather than on any political stance. It also ensures that decisions impacting schools—like curriculum, safety, and resources—are made thoughtfully, with input from all sides of the community, not just those with a specific political view.

For teachers, a nonpartisan board means a focus on giving them the tools and support they need to help students thrive, without political pressure affecting their classrooms. For students, it means a fair and balanced approach to providing the best education possible.

Keeping politics out of our school board allows us to come together as a community, united in the common goal of creating the best educational environment for all. That’s why it’s so important to support nonpartisan candidates who listen to the community and prioritize our students’ success. Let’s keep the focus on what truly matters—our children.

A Positive Future for LCSD1: Join the Conversation and Vote ABC!

As Election Day approaches, I will share my thoughts on several key topics, providing insight into where I stand on important issues. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Knowledge is power, and being informed makes us stronger, more effective voters. Don’t forget, you can vote early or on November 5th! Let your voice be heard by voting!

Throughout this campaign, I’ve had the privilege of attending numerous forums where I’ve gathered valuable information about our students and schools. I believe the best way to be an effective trustee for our children is to listen to all stakeholders, learn about the challenges we face, and then lead by making informed decisions that benefit every student in LCSD1. What surprises me is how many candidates running for school board haven’t attended these events. How can someone claim to be a trustee for our children without seeking as much information as possible? How can they avoid having difficult conversations with all people before voting on critical issues for kids?

Attending forums that only align with your views doesn’t make a candidate well-informed. That’s why I encourage you to vote ABC—Ashby, Bankes, and Cook. We attend forums, we listen to all stakeholders, we’ve been endorsed by the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and we will ALWAYS put the interests of children first in every decision we make for our amazing LCSD1 students.

Happy Bosses Day! As we focus on education and the foundation of our schools, it’s a perfect time to recognize the vital role that Principals play. Their leadership not only shapes the atmosphere of the entire school but also impacts student achievement, staff morale, and overall school success. A principal’s positive attitude, unwavering support, and visionary leadership create a nurturing environment where both students and staff can thrive. Thank you, Principals, for your dedication and hard work—you’re shaping the future every day!

We’ve all had that one exceptional teacher who made a lasting impact on us—someone who inspired us, cheered us on, and made learning enjoyable. Great educators are crucial to students’ success, and teacher effectiveness has a bigger impact on children’s achievement than any other factor. That’s why it’s essential to have highly skilled educators in the classrooms of LCSD #1. Unfortunately, fewer college students are choosing education as a career, and the teaching profession is facing real challenges.

A 2022 survey by the University of Wyoming’s College of Education revealed that 65% of Wyoming teachers would leave the profession if they could. Teachers are overwhelmed by heavy workloads and are struggling with classroom management due to increasingly difficult student behavior, all of which contributes to low morale. They also face a lack of parental support, which makes managing behavioral issues even more challenging. Lower teacher pay only adds to the problem, making college students question whether teaching is a career worth pursuing. This past school year, LCSD #1 faced a teacher shortage, with classrooms left searching for qualified educators.

If elected to the school board, I will work to attract and retain outstanding educators for our district. My goals include raising teacher salaries, providing meaningful professional development, fostering open communication among all stakeholders, and supporting best practices in our classrooms. By electing the ABCs (Ashby, Bankes, and Cook) to the LCSD #1 School Board, you can count on us to consistently support our school staff and prioritize the needs of our students, without yielding to outside pressures.

This past week, we (Paul Bankes, Brittney Ashby, Barb Cook) had the absolute pleasure of attending South High School’s 'Reading Under the Lights' event as part of Homecoming week on Tuesday evening. What a fantastic turnout! Families from the south triad gathered for this amazing evening, packed with excitement and community spirit. Thanks to the hard work of so many groups in our area, the event was a huge success. Families left with cozy quilts and blankets made by local Laramie County groups, new books generously provided by the Rotarians, and of course, cookies and milk! Some lucky kiddos even won baskets full of goodies donated by local Cheyenne businesses. The South High students brought incredible energy, making it a beautiful night to remember!

Events like this, which bring parents, students, and educators together, are so encouraging for everyone involved. They set a positive example for younger students, showing them the value of community and connection—an example that will stay with them as they grow and eventually become South High students themselves.

#1

Let’s Talk: Why I Believe in Putting Kids Over Politics

Recently, I’ve seen some conversations about the political values of school board candidates, and I feel it’s important to engage in dialogue about my position. As a candidate, I believe it is crucial to keep political beliefs separate from the decisions we make on behalf of our students and community. The role of a school board trustee should focus on what is best for the education and well-being of every child, not pushing a particular political agenda. Our schools are meant to be safe environments for learning, where all students can thrive regardless of their background or beliefs.

That’s why the *Cook for Kids* campaign is about making the best decisions for kids first and foremost. But just as important is recognizing the critical role that parents and educators play in this equation. Parents know their children best and deserve a voice in their education. Educators are on the frontlines every day, shaping and guiding our kids’ futures. By working together and keeping political bias out of the conversation, we can create a supportive, balanced system that benefits everyone. Let’s prioritize kids, empower parents, and support educators in the work they do.