This article was originally published by Laramie Boomerang on 1/16/2026 by Virginia Vincenti.
I’m a retired UW faculty member and former teacher educator, and I’ve lived in Wyoming for almost 34 years. I understand how important it is to have well-qualified teachers and a curriculum that is factual and challenging so all students can understand complex problems and make sound, ethical decisions. Well-funded public schools provide that training. They are the foundation of our communities, serving as essential places for gathering, learning, and growth. They are where children learn the values of hard work and teamwork and are prepared for their roles as adult family and community members, citizens, and contributors to the workforce. Recognizing this, the Wyoming Constitution guarantees every child the right to an equitable and quality education. The members of the Legislature’s School Finance Recalibration Committee have the critical responsibility of ensuring that this constitutional promise becomes a reality for every student and community. Fully funding our schools is a constitutional, moral, and economic imperative.
The Wyoming Constitution says that the Legislature must “provide for the establishment and maintenance of a complete and uniform system of public instruction.” Wyoming courts have said this means the state must do more than just the basics. No matter where students live or how much money their families have, they must get the resources they need for a great education.
Full funding is essential to insure—
- Fairness in Education: Full funding helps make sure that all kids, in every part of Wyoming, have good teachers, up-to-date books, and safe, modern schools.
- Strong Economy: Good schools help train future workers, attract new families and businesses, and keep Wyoming’s communities strong for years to come.
- Legal and Fiscal Responsibility: Not giving schools enough money can lead to expensive lawsuits. Meeting the constitutional requirements ahead of time saves money and shows respect for public funds.
When schools are underfunded, they cannot offer the broad curriculum, extracurricular activities, or individual help that students need to succeed. Educators may leave for better-funded districts in other states, class sizes may increase, and critical programs may be eliminated. Research shows that these consequences extend beyond the classroom, affecting communities, increasing crime rates, and harming the state’s reputation. Without high-quality education and the economic growth it supports, Wyoming will lose even more young people to other states with greater opportunities.
The school funding recalibration process is a rigorous effort that determines the true costs of delivering the quality education that the Wyoming Constitution promises. It is vital that the Recalibration Committee resist the urge to dilute the recommendations of its professional consultants or delay action. Wyoming’s next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens are relying on the Recalibration Committee’s commitment to invest in their future and that of the state.
The Legislature must engage educators, families, and community leaders to assess school needs and update funding to reflect changing costs, demographics, and priorities. Embracing innovative practices and investing in professional development will ensure that every student benefits from the latest advances in teaching and learning.
Lawmakers should conduct regular reviews and make sure the process is accountable to the public to guarantee that state funding reaches classrooms and supports student achievement. By doing so, Wyoming can be a national example for equitable and effective school finance reform, attract high-quality educators and families, and build a workforce that supports economic development.
The Recalibration Committee has a big job: making sure this promise is real for every student and every Wyoming community. Fully funding our schools is not just about money. It is the right thing to do legally, morally, and economically. You can help by contacting Albany County state Senator Chris Rothfuss at Chris.Rothfuss@wyoleg.gov or (307) 399-3556 and Representative, Ocean.Andrew@wyoleg.gov or 307-314-9246, who both serve on the 2026 Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration. The committee will be meeting on January 22 and 23 to make decisions about the recalibration model that will determine public school financing for the next five years.
It’s important to check often and make sure money is reaching classrooms and helping students. By working together and always trying to improve, Wyoming can help its students succeed and can set a great example for other states.
Read the full article: https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/opinion/the-case-for-fully-funding-wyoming-public-schools/article_921178db-ce80-4ec4-9ec9-f9ecf84b8c89.html