Jeanie Fortenberry, a former activities bus driver for Powell schools, and the sole declared write-in candidate for Powell’s school board, hopes to work to make changes for the good of Powell …
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Jeanie Fortenberry, a former activities bus driver for Powell schools, and the sole declared write-in candidate for Powell’s school board, hopes to work to make changes for the good of Powell students.
“I love these kids,” she said with a smile.
When she was driving students to sporting events she was there to cheer them on — a lot of parents are unable to due to work schedules, she said.
Fortenberry, who drove off and on for Powell schools from 2016 through last year, contemplated running for office after someone had raised the question. After some prayer and contemplation, a couple days ahead of the registration deadline she decided to run.
She missed the deadline but still decided to join the race, competing in the Oct. 9 candidate forum hosted by the PCSD1 Parents Group.
Fortenberry is also the only school board candidate supported by the Park County Patriots.
Her experience as a bus driver for the district would transfer well to the school board, she said, because the students know her and are open to talking to her.
In her time as a bus driver Fortenberry has gained some insight into the inner workings of the district that may be helpful, she said, “but I won’t get into that until I’m in [office].”
Her time on the board would be focused on communication with students, parents and faculty, she said.
Fortenberry said she’s running because she would like to change some of the things she’s seen.
One issue that came to mind was transgender athletes in girls sports and restrooms.
“We’ve spent all these years protecting these girls, giving them a right to play as girls, and when you add a male into it, it’s not right,” Fortenberry said. “If you want your own team, then have your own team.”
In regards to these issues Fortenberry wants Powell schools to be leading in the nation — in 1898 Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote, she said.
Fortenberry later added she wants safety for all students, including LGBTQ students, “they’re all kids,” she said.
Safety for the students is the most important issue in the district, Fortenberry said, mentioning cracking down on bullying and helping students feel like they’re valued, “once you get that, everything else will come in line.”
She also added that she wants schools to return to the basics — students should be taught how to read an analog clock and count back change — and teach more history classes.
“I want us to walk into a store and when they give me back the change, they’re counting it back,” Fortenberry said.
Increased focus on career technical education in areas like home-making, auto-shop and computer science would also be beneficial, she said.
One thing Fortenberry has seen in the district that she hopes to see continue, is the idea that every kid is important, regardless of disability or athletic prowess.
She saw this demonstrated through her former supervisor in the district, Steve Janes.
As for improvements, in the district things can always be improved, Fortenberry said. She wants to pursue discounted hotel stays for parents so they can make away events.
“We already pay high enough taxes, we don’t need to keep putting it on to the rest of the people here, let’s try with some of the motels and get some discounts for [parents] going,” Fortenberry said.
Jeanie and I have been friends for 17 years. She is honest and forthright and values the children of Park County. Parents relied on her for many years to transport their kids to and from school and across Wyoming for special activities. She has always had the safety and well-being of those in her care as her top priority. She will bring a fresh approach to the district.