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Wyoming Pays Tribute as Former Superintendent Judy Catchpole Passes Away at 78

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. rintendent-judy-catchpole-passes-away-at-78.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 17:34 GMT by Cowboy State Daily

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Former Wyoming Schools Chief Judy Catchpole Passes Away; Celebrated for Humor, High‑Energy Leadership

On December 4, 2025, the state of Wyoming lost one of its most beloved educators and public servants. Judy Catchpole, who served as the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction from 2007 to 2016, died at the age of 78 after a brief illness. Her passing was confirmed by the Wyoming Department of Education, and her life was celebrated in obituaries and memorials across the state. The Cowboy State Daily’s tribute highlighted not only her policy achievements but also her larger‑than‑life personality, noting that “she was a source of humor and high energy in the classroom and in the boardroom alike.”

A Career Rooted in the Heartland

Catchpole was born in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1947 and grew up in a small ranch town where she first learned the value of community and hard work. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wyoming in 1970, followed by a master’s in educational administration from Colorado State University. After teaching for five years in a rural K‑12 district, she moved into school administration, serving as a principal in Rawlins before taking on district‑level roles in Cheyenne and Gillette.

Her steady rise culminated in her appointment as Wyoming’s Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2007, a position she held for nine years until she stepped down in 2016 to pursue other interests. During her tenure, Catchpole championed initiatives that improved teacher retention, expanded STEM programs, and increased funding for technology in schools. She was also a vocal advocate for the “Teach the Future” initiative, which aimed to align curriculum with 21st‑century skills. The article linked to the Wyoming Education Association’s report on teacher satisfaction, citing a 12‑point increase in retention rates during her administration as a direct result of her leadership.

A Leader Who Lived Her Philosophy

Catchpole’s leadership style was often described as “hands‑on” and “collaborative.” She frequently visited schools in person, bringing her own portable projector to give impromptu lessons on classroom management or curriculum design. A former deputy superintendent recounted a summer of “four‑hour “open‑office” sessions where she answered questions from teachers, parents, and students alike.” This approach earned her the nickname “the Schoolhouse Superhero” among the Wyoming teacher community.

Her colleagues remember her humor and optimism. “Judy would crack a joke about how a misbehaving student was ‘a future astronaut,’” said former superintendent Mark O’Connor. “She could turn a tense budget meeting into a comedy show.” A link to the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce’s tribute highlighted a particular incident when Catchpole suggested that the state’s budget could “be more balanced if we all wore clown shoes” – a playful idea that lightened an otherwise dry discussion.

Personal Touches and Community Engagement

Outside the corridors of the Department of Education, Catchpole was known for her passion for the arts. She directed the annual “Rally for Reading” program in Cheyenne, a community‑wide effort that paired local authors with students for storytelling afternoons. The article linked to the Cheyenne Public Library’s archive, showing photos of Catchpole handing out books to children with a wide smile.

Catchpole also had a strong connection to the ranching community. In a rare interview with the Laramie Gazette, she talked about balancing her work with ranch duties: “I still pull a ranch hand at dawn and it’s a reminder that education is about cultivating minds just as we cultivate land.” This blend of rural heritage and progressive education became a hallmark of her legacy.

A Legacy Remembered

Her death has prompted statements from a number of high‑profile figures. Governor Mark Gordon issued a statement praising Catchpole’s “dedication to Wyoming’s children and her unwavering commitment to public service.” A link to the governor’s official website included a quote from the late superintendent: “In a state that values hard work, Judy was the epitome of that ethic—she worked tirelessly to bring resources to every classroom, no matter how remote.”

The Wyoming Department of Education organized a memorial service on December 12 at the state capitol, where former teachers and school administrators delivered eulogies. “She was the heart of our education system,” said former state school board chair Lisa Miller. “Her humor kept us moving forward, and her energy kept us inspired.”

In addition to the state’s tribute, the Wyoming Education Association announced a scholarship fund in her name for teachers pursuing advanced degrees. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a teacher who demonstrates “exceptional leadership and community service,” echoing Catchpole’s own legacy.

Reflections on a Life of Service

While the article emphasized Catchpole’s policy accomplishments, it also highlighted the personal qualities that made her a beloved figure. Her approach to education was pragmatic yet passionate; her humor made complex policy discussions accessible; her high energy inspired teachers and students alike. In a time when educational leadership can become sterile, Catchpole stood out as a vibrant, personable, and effective leader who brought people together.

Judy Catchpole’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, humor, and high energy in public service. As Wyoming reflects on her passing, the state is reminded that its schools—and its communities—are enriched not just by policy, but by the people who champion them with warmth, laughter, and unwavering commitment.