Wyoming is at a crossroads according to Representative Stan Blake (D-Green River) and education will likely become a hot-button topic during the Wyoming Legislature’s upcoming 24-day budget session.
His cohort in the House, Rep. John Freeman, D-Green River, also sees it as a major discussion point.
As coal’s value to the state continues to declines, money that traditionally funded education has dried up, leaving legislators with a conundrum of how Wyoming schools will be funded and if that funding should be reduced. This problem comes on the heels of efforts made by surrounding states to increase teacher pay, which has started to impact districts throughout the state in their recruitment efforts.
Jamie Christensen, interim superintendent for Sweetwater County School District No. 2, said Green River’s district is no different, as the applicant pool for teaching positions has gotten shallower.
“Education is huge,” Blake said.
Freeman said depending on where the data comes from, education has between a $240 and $400 million deficit.
One bill being proposed would review the state’s school funding calibration study with a previously-used consultant, effectively throwing out the most recent study.
Freeman also said a $19 million external cost adjustment is being proposed, something he supports. The cost adjustment would help address the issue districts are having with hiring teachers.
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