Park 6 Trustees Recognized for Excellence at the 2025 Wyoming School Board Association Conference
During the 2025 Wyoming School Board Association (WSBA) Conference, Park County School District 6 was prominently honored for outstanding governance, leadership, and commitment to the students and community of Cody.
Park 6 Board Chair Brandi Nelson was recognized as a member of the WSBA All-Wyoming School Board, one of the Association’s highest individual honors. Chair Nelson’s strong leadership, steadfast dedication to the mission of public education, and her commitment to fostering a high-functioning, student-centered board were celebrated by WSBA leadership and colleagues from across the state.
In addition to Chair Nelson’s individual recognition, the entire Park 6 Board of Trustees, including Chair Brandi Nelson, Vice-Chair Cathy Roes, Trustee Karen Schipfmann-Nielson, Trustee Sheri Schutzman, Trustee Larry Gerber, Trustee Mary Sims, and Trustee Annalea Avery, received multiple WSBA awards for exemplary board performance and professional growth.
The Board was honored with the following:
• WSBA Certificate of Recognition Award
• Standards of Excellence Award
• Award of Distinction – Level I
• Award of Distinction – Level II
• Leadership in Learning – Level II
These awards represent the Wyoming School Board Association’s highest measures of a board’s commitment to ongoing professional development, deep understanding of the role of school board members, and continued engagement in high-quality governance practices. This includes supporting faculty, staff, and students; guiding and implementing the District’s Strategic Plan; overseeing sound policy development; and making informed decisions to enhance opportunities for all learners.
WSBA applauded the PCSD 6 Trustees for their ongoing focus on educational excellence and their collective service to the Cody community.
Park County School District 6 is proud to congratulate Chair Nelson and the full Board of Trustees for their exemplary leadership and their statewide recognition at the 2025 WSBA Conference.
Park 6 recognizes and celebrates the strong leadership of the Park 6 principals who serve teachers, staff, and scholars with dedication and vision. Their commitment to fostering innovative practices, inspiring critical thinking, and creating engaging learning environments ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Park 6 principals are at the heart of building strong schools and even stronger communities, leading with integrity, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in public education.
Vice President of Wyoming Education Association Visits Park 6 Schools
Cody, WY – Park 6 Schools welcomed Mr. Dirk Andrews, Vice President of the Wyoming Education Association (WEA), for a visit to classrooms and programs across the district. The WEA represents and advocates for educators across Wyoming, supporting policies and practices that strengthen teaching and learning for all students.
During his visit, Mr. Andrews observed students and staff in action, remarking, “I enjoy getting into schools and watching teachers and students engage at high levels of learning. Park 6 Schools is on the cutting edge of innovative learning and community engagement.”
Park 6 is leading efforts to blend the science of teaching with the art of teaching, ensuring instruction is both research-based and responsive to the needs of learners. This work is deeply tied to the district’s Classroom 2 Careers initiative, which connects classroom instruction with real-world applications and community partnerships.
Park 6 Schools remains committed to serving as a model for Governor Gordon’s RIDE program and public education in Wyoming, fostering innovative practices that prepare students for success in school, work, and life.
PCSD6 is currently accepting sealed bids from 9/24-10/10/25.
Governor Gordon’s RIDE Initiative to Reimagine Education
Cheyenne, WY — 9/11/25 — The Wyoming Future of Learning convening took place on September 11, 2025. This collaborative conversation strengthened partnership between Wyoming industries and K-14 education systems, advancing a shared vision for the state’s future workforce and educational innovation. This collaborative effort supports Governor Mark Gordon’s Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education (RIDE) initiative, which calls for bold steps to better prepare Wyoming students for the opportunities of tomorrow.
The partnership is designed to connect Wyoming’s K-12 schools, colleges, university, and industry leaders in a coordinated effort to create real-world learning experiences for students. By aligning education with the evolving needs of Wyoming industries including energy, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in high-demand fields.
“Wyoming’s greatest resource is its people,” said Governor Mark Gordon. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that students have access to innovative learning pathways that connect education to meaningful careers right here in our state. It’s a win for students, families, communities, and employers.”
Park County School District 6 Assistant Superintendent Tim Foley and Superintendent Vernon Orndorff attended the convening. Superintendent Orndorff presented the district’s Classroom 2 Careers program, launched in 2023. The initiative, already thriving in Park 6 Schools, is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with
authentic, career-connected learning experiences. Park 6 Schools is a model district for the RIDE program.
Superintendent Orndorff highlighted the program’s early successes and celebrated the deep partnerships formed with local businesses in the Cody community. “Classroom 2 Careers reflectsthe best of what happens when schools and industries come together for students,” Orndorff said.
“We are grateful for the Cody business community and their commitment to helping Park 6 students explore career pathways and build the skills they need for success in life after high school.”
Through the Wyoming Future of Learning, schools statewide will continue to emphasize studentcentered approaches such as project-based learning, career exploration, and industry-recognized credentialing. Employers across Wyoming will provide hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and work-based experiences to ensure students see the relevance of their education
to their future success.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to reimagine education as a system that works for every student,” said Superintendent Orndorff. “By partnering with Wyoming industries, weare creating stronger bridges between classrooms and careers, ensuring students graduate ready
to contribute to Wyoming’s future prosperity.”
The Wyoming Future of Learning initiative will expand opportunities statewide, ensuring rural and urban communities alike have access to high-quality, innovative educational experiences. The strengthened collaboration underscores Wyoming’s leadership in rethinking education to meet the needs of students, employers, and future of Wyoming.
We Are Park 6
Email natalieberry@park6.org for more information or an application.
Resource Complaint Committee Application https://5il.co/3piaf
