Casper, Wyoming — Republican Steve Harshman, a veteran Natrona County High School football coach and former speaker of the Wyoming House, was elected on Tuesday as the state’s next superintendent of public instruction. While the election is settled, Harshman still has a playoff game to coach, underscoring his commitment to both the classroom and the football field.
From the sidelines to the state Capitol
Harshman spent decades balancing coaching duties with public service. He campaigned across the state during the summer and primary season, then returned full‑time to his seniors when school resumed in the fall. “I’ll probably graduate with these seniors,” he told Oil City News, emphasizing that his leadership will extend beyond the scoreboard.
Education philosophy rooted in character and responsibility
Harshman said the true value of extracurricular activities lies in the character they build, not in wins and losses. He highlighted lessons such as taking risks, handling disappointment and persisting through adversity as the core of his educational approach. “It’s the foundation of our democracy,” he said, linking strong schools to a healthy republic.
Policy priorities for the Department of Education
Harshman outlined three main goals for his administration:
- Direct support for teachers, students and families. He wants to move literacy legislation passed by lawmakers straight into classrooms, ensuring that reading instruction reaches every child.
- Career readiness for all graduates. Harshman urged schools to prepare students for adulthood without forcing early, rigid choices, supporting college, vocational trades, apprenticeships and military service. “Wyoming is always in the top 10 of young adults who join the military. Our kids are patriots,” he noted.
- Early childhood education. Although Wyoming lacks a statewide pre‑kindergarten program for four‑year‑olds, Harshman said he will bring attention to early reading and development, a concern voiced repeatedly by voters.
Pushback against legislative overreach
Harshman criticized recent legislative moves that he believes undermine local control. He disagreed with changes to district enrollment calculations and a regional cost adjustment that makes hiring teachers in Casper appear more expensive than in nearby towns. “I don’t think it passed the common‑sense test,” he said. He also warned that micromanaging district spending infringes on the authority of locally elected school boards.
Commitment to teacher appreciation and retention
Beyond compensation, Harshman stressed that appreciation is the top motivator for educators. He plans to encourage districts to share successful programs, such as career‑technical education models and student internships, to keep young talent in Wyoming.
Economic outlook and long‑term vision
Harshman noted that the superintendent serves on several state boards guiding Wyoming’s economic development. He urged the state to attract employers offering good wages rather than chasing rapid population growth. Citing the Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund created in the 1970s, he asked policymakers to think ahead: “What are we going to think up in 2026 that will make a difference in 2076?”
Personal motivation
When asked what drives him, Harshman replied, “I love the service of it.” He believes that lifting others lifts oneself, a principle he will carry from the football field to the Department of Education.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
