EVANSTON — At the Uinta County School District #1 school board meeting on March 11, Superintendent Ryan Thomas provided an update on the recent court ruling that found Wyoming’s model for funding public education unconstitutional.

“This is fantastic news for the students of Wyoming,” Thomas said.

The Wyoming Education Association, alongside eight school districts, including UCSD #1, filed the lawsuit due to consistent underfunding that violated Wyoming Supreme Court precedents dating back to 1980. Judge Peter Froelicher ruled in favor of the educators on all six arguments, determining that the state had failed to properly fund the actual costs required to provide quality education.

Thomas outlined several key issues in the lawsuit, including the state’s failure to adjust funding for inflation, inadequate salaries for recruiting and retaining personnel, and insufficient resources for mental health counselors, school resource officers, nutritional programs, and technology. Additionally, the state was found to have inadequately assessed school facilities for educational suitability, allowing unequal and substandard conditions to persist.

The court has mandated the state to revise its funding model to address these constitutional violations and will maintain jurisdiction over the case until appropriate modifications are made.

“My hat’s off to the board to have the foresight to take on this fight for every student in Wyoming,” Thomas said. While he praised the decision, he noted that significant work remains. “We still have a dog in the fight. We still have to go through recalibration and make these rulings happen.”

The recalibration process will begin in April, and Thomas mentioned that Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, though not the chair of the committee, would be a helpful advocate. “It will be nice to have a friendly face we can talk to on that committee,” he said.

“This could have far-reaching impacts in education in our state for the next 25 years,” Thomas said, referencing the last major education funding case, the Campbell case, which Uinta County also participated in 25 years ago.

Moving on to other funding concerns, Special Education Services Director Matt Williams presented an operational budget update, emphasizing the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. He echoed Thomas’s earlier points about the significance of the lawsuit, stressing that SEL requires adequate funding to serve students effectively.

When asked about the percentage of students in special education programs, Williams reported that about 19% of students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a figure slightly above the national average.

“I put a lot of confidence and trust in our various teams,” Williams said, adding that they navigate these decisions daily. Thomas noted that the national trend indicates rising numbers of students requiring special education services.

Board Chair David Peterson agreed, stating, “It seems to be growing a little bit. It could be the recognition for the need of special education that wasn’t recognized in years past.”

Board member Jessica Arch added, “COVID made a huge need for speech and language learning, especially at the elementary level. We have seen a big increase in numbers there.”

Williams expressed appreciation for teachers’ dedication, saying he values seeing their progress with students.

Other budget items included school activities where activities director Bubba O’Neill commended his staff, Dauna Bruce and Boyd Child, for their work, stating, “I have the most amazing staff,” and highlighting their statewide reputation for quality service. He reported on the extensive responsibilities his department manages, overseeing 77 coaching positions, 35 activity positions, and approximately 750 annual events.

O’Neill provided a positive update on the school’s athletic domes, noting they are widely used by both the school and the community.

“Making the most of what you provide us, we are appreciative,” he said. However, he also emphasized budgetary needs, particularly for shot clocks, which cost around $7,000 each, excluding installation.

“We want to make the most with what you can provide us and try not to ask for more,” he said. He also cited expenses such as helmet reconditioning, which costs $80 per helmet, calling these “unfunded mandates.”

Despite financial challenges, O’Neill highlighted the growing participation in school activities, attributing it to strong coaching. Thomas echoed the sentiment, stating, “Let’s do what’s right for kids.”

Moving on to legislative updates and public concerns, Thomas briefly discussed legislative session topics, including a new homeschooling bill that eliminates the requirement for parents to submit curriculum to the school while still mandating communication with the principal. He expressed concern that students not initially enrolled in the school system might have no contact with schools at all.

He also addressed a bill, vetoed by the governor but overridden in the House, concerning a charter school cap. “Fund public education first then allow more charter schools,” Thomas said, adding that he appreciated the governor’s stance on prioritizing public education funding.

During public comments, resident Jared Houghton questioned the board about the legal fees associated with the education lawsuit, expressing concern that increased education funding could lead to higher property taxes.

Thomas responded that education in Wyoming is a constitutional right, and that the lawsuit demonstrated the state’s failure to provide adequate funding. He emphasized that property taxes alone cannot cover educational costs and that proper funding from the state is essential.

“Fund education appropriately,” Thomas stated, arguing that Wyoming, despite being a wealthy state, has persistently underfunded education.

Only eight out of 48 school districts participated in the lawsuit, but Thomas remains hopeful that the ruling will lead to necessary reforms, benefiting students across Wyoming.