Jennifer Zerba
Republican | Wyoming
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jennifer Zerba
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
Supt. of Public Instruction
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Cosmetic Arts & Sciences, Casper, Certification, 1991
Casper College, Casper, Associate Business Administration, 2004
Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, Bachelor of Science Business Administration, 2017
University of Wyoming, Laramie, Master of Public Administration, 2021
University of Wyoming, Laramie, Education Doctorate Learning, Design, and Technology, Currently
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Toastmasters International, Past District 9 Director, Toastmasters International
Past District 9 Program Quality Director, Toastmasters International, Past District 26 Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Toastmasters International, Past District 26 Northern Division Governor, Toastmasters International
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Neutral
The Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction is to adhere to the Wyoming Constitution. Article 7 Section 11 Article 7, Section 11 Textbooks. Neither the legislature nor the superintendent of public instruction shall have power to prescribe text books to be used in the public schools.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Neutral
The Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction is to adhere to the Wyoming Constitution. Article 7 Section 11 Article 7, Section 11 Textbooks. Neither the legislature nor the superintendent of public instruction shall have power to prescribe text books to be used in the public schools.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction is to adhere to the Wyoming Constitution. Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction is to adhere to the Wyoming Constitution. Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Agree
I agree that it is the government's responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income. Article 1 Sec. 22. Protection of labor. The rights of labor shall have just protection through laws calculated to secure to the laborer proper rewards for his service and to promote the industrial welfare of the state.
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Agree
I agree that it is the government's responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income. Article 1 Sec. 22. Protection of labor. The rights of labor shall have just protection through laws calculated to secure to the laborer proper rewards for his service and to promote the industrial welfare of the state.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
My position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college is that I support it. Education is a public good, a benefit or well-being of the public. Privatizing education would encourage profiting from education. The Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 4 Restriction in use of revenues. All money, stocks, bonds, lands and other property belonging to a county school fund, except such moneys and property as may be provided by law for current use in aid of public schools, shall belong to and be invested by the several counties as a county public school fund, in such manner as the legislature shall by law provide, the income of which shall be appropriated exclusively to the use and support of free public schools in the several counties of the state.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
My position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college is that I support it. Education is a public good, a benefit or well-being of the public. Privatizing education would encourage profiting from education. The Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 4 Restriction in use of revenues. All money, stocks, bonds, lands and other property belonging to a county school fund, except such moneys and property as may be provided by law for current use in aid of public schools, shall belong to and be invested by the several counties as a county public school fund, in such manner as the legislature shall by law provide, the income of which shall be appropriated exclusively to the use and support of free public schools in the several counties of the state.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Neutral
As State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will uphold our Wyoming Constitution. Article 1 Sec. 18. Religious liberty. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall be forever guaranteed in this state, and no person shall be rendered incompetent to hold any office of trust or profit, or to serve as a witness or juror, because of his opinion on any matter of religious belief whatever;
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Neutral
As State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will uphold our Wyoming Constitution. Article 1 Sec. 18. Religious liberty. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall be forever guaranteed in this state, and no person shall be rendered incompetent to hold any office of trust or profit, or to serve as a witness or juror, because of his opinion on any matter of religious belief whatever;
The Ten Commandments should not be displayed in public school buildings or court houses.
Strongly Agree
I will uphold the law of the land. Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
The Ten Commandments should not be displayed in public school buildings or court houses.
Strongly Agree
I will uphold the law of the land. Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Neutral
I will uphold the law of the land. Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Neutral
I will uphold the law of the land. Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Neutral
Article 7, Section 20 Duty of legislature to protect and promote health and morality of people. As the health and morality of the people are essential to their well-being, and to the peace and permanence of the state, it shall be the duty of the legislature to protect and promote these vital interests by such measures for the encouragement of temperance and virtue...
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Neutral
Article 7, Section 20 Duty of legislature to protect and promote health and morality of people. As the health and morality of the people are essential to their well-being, and to the peace and permanence of the state, it shall be the duty of the legislature to protect and promote these vital interests by such measures for the encouragement of temperance and virtue...
EDUCATION
Every state should mandate K-12 standardized tests and the use of teaching software which aligns with Common Core standards.
Strongly Disagree
Teaching to the test deprives educators of preparing students for a skilled workforce, mental well-being, and emotional well-being. The "New Taylorism" that has taken over education has made standardized tests the only way to measure effectiveness in education. I believe there are better ways to measure effectiveness through working with educators to develop new ways to measure progress.
Every state should mandate K-12 standardized tests and the use of teaching software which aligns with Common Core standards.
Strongly Disagree
Teaching to the test deprives educators of preparing students for a skilled workforce, mental well-being, and emotional well-being. The "New Taylorism" that has taken over education has made standardized tests the only way to measure effectiveness in education. I believe there are better ways to measure effectiveness through working with educators to develop new ways to measure progress.
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.
Strongly Agree
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child's education; however, they do not have the right to tell other parents about their child's education. Parents need to know they have the power, but their power is limited to their own child and not someone else's. They need to talk to their child's teachers to have educational options for the curriculum they disagree with.
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.
Strongly Agree
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child's education; however, they do not have the right to tell other parents about their child's education. Parents need to know they have the power, but their power is limited to their own child and not someone else's. They need to talk to their child's teachers to have educational options for the curriculum they disagree with.
Before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL), they must opt-in with written parental permission.
Agree
Before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL), they must opt-in with written parental permission.
Agree
I support the teaching of curricula (such as the 1619 Project, No Place for Hate, Second Step, etc.) that emphasizes slavery and racism as the foundation of American history.
Neutral
I will uphold the law of the land. Wyoming Constitution Article 7 Article 7, Section 11 Textbooks. Neither the legislature nor the superintendent of public instruction shall have power to prescribe text books to be used in the public schools. Curricula should be developed locally in each school district by the elected school board members.
I support the teaching of curricula (such as the 1619 Project, No Place for Hate, Second Step, etc.) that emphasizes slavery and racism as the foundation of American history.
Neutral
I will uphold the law of the land. Wyoming Constitution Article 7 Article 7, Section 11 Textbooks. Neither the legislature nor the superintendent of public instruction shall have power to prescribe text books to be used in the public schools. Curricula should be developed locally in each school district by the elected school board members.
The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.
Strongly Agree
When the loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars, a sovereign state will find equitable compensation.
The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.
Strongly Agree
When the loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars, a sovereign state will find equitable compensation.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Disagree
I will uphold our Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Disagree
I will uphold our Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited. No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Neutral
I will uphold the Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 10 No discrimination between pupils. In none of the public schools so established and maintained shall distinction or discrimination be made on account of sex, race or color.
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Neutral
I will uphold the Wyoming Constitution: Article 7, Section 10 No discrimination between pupils. In none of the public schools so established and maintained shall distinction or discrimination be made on account of sex, race or color.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My spiritual beliefs and values are secured in the Wyoming Constitution: Article 1 Sec. 18. Religious liberty. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall be forever guaranteed in this state, and no person shall be rendered incompetent to hold any office of trust or profit, or to serve as a witness or juror, because of his opinion on any matter of religious belief whatever; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the state. Article 7, Section 4 Restriction in use of revenues. ... the income of which shall be appropriated exclusively to the use and support of free public schools in the several counties of the state. Article 7, Section 8 Distribution of school funds. nor shall any portion of any public school fund ever be used to support or assist any private school, or any school, academy, seminary, college or other institution of learning controlled by any church or sectarian organization or religious denomination whatsoever. Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited.No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My spiritual beliefs and values are secured in the Wyoming Constitution: Article 1 Sec. 18. Religious liberty. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall be forever guaranteed in this state, and no person shall be rendered incompetent to hold any office of trust or profit, or to serve as a witness or juror, because of his opinion on any matter of religious belief whatever; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the state. Article 7, Section 4 Restriction in use of revenues. ... the income of which shall be appropriated exclusively to the use and support of free public schools in the several counties of the state. Article 7, Section 8 Distribution of school funds. nor shall any portion of any public school fund ever be used to support or assist any private school, or any school, academy, seminary, college or other institution of learning controlled by any church or sectarian organization or religious denomination whatsoever. Article 7, Section 12 Sectarianism prohibited.No sectarian instruction, qualifications or tests shall be imparted, exacted, applied or in any manner tolerated in the schools of any grade or character controlled by the state, nor shall attendance be required at any religious service therein, nor shall any sectarian tenets or doctrines be taught or favored in any public school or institution that may be established under this constitution.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Neutral
This should be addressed locally with the school board and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Neutral
This should be addressed locally with the school board and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Did not answer
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Did not answer
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
What books have had the most profound impact on your view of life?
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton. How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath. E2 by Pam Grout.
What books have had the most profound impact on your view of life?
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton. How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath. E2 by Pam Grout.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Ensuring Wyoming students are ready for Wyoming. As a Wyoming native, I understand Wyoming. We are a hard-working blue-collar state where handshakes mean something. Our educators need support. Our students need support. Building trust means communicating, transparency, and accountability. I will strive to work with my team, educators, and legislators to achieve those.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Ensuring Wyoming students are ready for Wyoming. As a Wyoming native, I understand Wyoming. We are a hard-working blue-collar state where handshakes mean something. Our educators need support. Our students need support. Building trust means communicating, transparency, and accountability. I will strive to work with my team, educators, and legislators to achieve those.
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
Choose not to answer
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
Choose not to answer
2ND AMENDMENT
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Choose not to answer
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Choose not to answer
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Do you support mandatory vaccinations for children attending public school?
Yes, Wyoming public schools require the following vaccinations: Hepatitis B, Diptheria, Pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Inactivated polio, pneumococcal, measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, and varicella.
Do you support mandatory vaccinations for children attending public school?
Yes, Wyoming public schools require the following vaccinations: Hepatitis B, Diptheria, Pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Inactivated polio, pneumococcal, measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, and varicella.
I support mask mandates.
Neutral
I support mask mandates.
Neutral
