Jackson, WY – Incumbent school board trustee Reade Dornan announced her candidacy for a second term, placing a new high‑school addition at the forefront of her platform. After four years of service, Dornan says the project is critical because the current high‑school, built for 500 students, now houses roughly 980.
High‑school expansion to address overcrowding
Dornan explained that the district’s rapid growth has left the high‑school operating at nearly double its intended capacity. She intends to finish the lobbying effort she began early in her first term, urging the board and community to act before construction costs climb further.
Boosting reading instruction and literacy time
Beyond facilities, Dornan highlighted the importance of sustained reading instruction. Citing a former professor who taught reading methods for 35 years, she argued that students need more dedicated reading slots, possibly even free‑reading periods, for grades K through 12. “Reading whole books changes the whole brain,” Dornan told Buckrail.
Support for the Education Foundation of Jackson Hole
Dornan also pledged to raise awareness of the Education Foundation of Jackson Hole, a nonprofit that provides mental‑health counseling, dental care, meal programs, and additional reading time for students in need. She believes the foundation’s work complements the board’s mission to nurture both academic and personal development.
Personal motivation and community connection
When asked why she continues to serve, Dornan said the role keeps her close to the children she aims to help. “The best thing about serving is being close to the kids,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to listening to student concerns and translating them into policy.
Election field and next steps
The upcoming school board election will feature three open seats and four candidates: incumbent Reade Dornan, Stephan Abrams, Keith Gingery, and Ashley Sinclair. Voters will receive a ballot listing each candidate’s priorities, and the board will reconvene after the election to set the agenda for the next two‑year term.
Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming candidate forums, review each candidate’s statements, and consider how the high‑school addition and literacy initiatives align with the community’s long‑term educational goals.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
