Friday, DECEMBER 5, 2025 |
Photo – Flag at half-staff – Bigfoot99 file photo
Flags in Wyoming are at half-staff by order of Governor Mark Gordon following the death of former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Judy Catchpole.
Catchpole served from 1995–2003. She led major education reforms that shaped Wyoming’s modern school system, including academic standards, student assessments, teacher-certification updates, and early charter-school policy.
In a statement on Thursday, Governor Gordon described Catchpole as a lifelong advocate for children, who continued her leadership long after leaving office through UW advisory boards, literacy initiatives, and statewide education committees.
Catchpole served in the office from 1995 to 2003 and was elected to two terms by Wyoming voters.
The former state school superintendent received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wyoming (UW) in 1966. She was a longtime resident of Casper and began her career as a preschool teacher and director.
Governor Gordon praised Catchpole’s dedication, stating she devoted her life to Wyoming’s children and that the state is better because of her leadership.
