NEWS


Senate File 0081 – “K-12 public school finance – 2” has passed its third reading of the Senate and is now in front of the House Education committee.  

While the house version of the recalibration bill failed to be introduced at the beginning of the budget session, the Senate’s version has advanced and will now go to the house for consideration. This bill focuses on revising how the state funds its K-12 public schools by implementing changes based on the 2025 cost of education study. 

With a lot of complicated language, the bill makes adjustments to how teachers are funded, how support staff are counted, and how small schools are supported. It also aims to ensure funds are spent as intended by changing how school districts manage cash reserves. 

A major change that has been a source of contention in the legislature and with school employees is a requirement for all school districts to participate in the state employees’ and officials’ group insurance program. Currently, most districts provide their own health insurance. If passed into law, this bill would put everyone on the state’s plan. 

At a town hall with Speaker Chip Neiman earlier this month, those who objected to having to use the state insurance said that the legislature is stepping on local control – that they should be able to choose their own insurance. Those who are for this plan say other state employees, as well as most public employees, don’t have an option, except when it comes to their deductible. They use the insurance provider that their employer has already chosen.  

Some of those at the town hall stated there could be a possibility of lower premiums because of “bulk pricing” once more people were enrolled in the state plan, while others questioned whether the insurance company would consider a bigger pool a bigger risk. Mental health services would still be provided under this bill through the mental health services grant program. 

As with the house version, SF0081 increases school funding by approximately $127 million over the next two years. A coalition of educators, schoolboards, superintendents, public advocacy groups, and Governor Mark Gordon oppose the recalibration bill. The Wyoming Education Association criticized the bill for not following consultant recommendations, saying it fails to properly fund education. 

The state constitution mandates that recalibration occurs every five years to align funding with current educational costs.