School Finance Recalibration

Lat week I spoke about the process Park County School District #16 uses to create and implement a budget.  There is a similar process that takes place at the state level.  As the state receives funds from the federal government and local sources (mineral rights 70% and taxes 30%) the legislature determines how those funds are to be divided up.

For the past, I don't know how many, years a consultant has been used to guide the legislature in this process.  That company is called Picus Odden, and Associates.  They provide data on current trends and make recommendations on how the state can effectively spend as well as save money.  This model has provided our education system with the current structure we are in as well as some of the wonderful perks the students of Wyoming have received (small class sizes, technology, etc).

During this past legislative session it was determined to seek out a different consultant to provide this information and guidance.  Recently a new firm, Augenblick, Palaich, and Associates has been named as the consultant.  The Joint Education Committee has also chosen to include input from a group of educational organizations to provide input from the educators in the state.  They have also set up several meetings around the state to gather additional input.  We plan on having a representative or two from Park #16 in attendance to remind our legislators about the unique needs and characteristics of small schools.

If you want to follow some of the events of the recalibration process you can follow the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration at

http://legisweb.state.wy.us/LegislatorSummary/InterimComm.aspx?strCommitteeID=SSR&Year=2017

There you can find meeting minutes, future agendas and names of the Senators and Representatives who serve on the committee.  I would encourage you to reach out to our local representatives to share your perspectives on school finances and the needs of small districts and schools.