Education (Teachers)

Wyoming's SF 81 revises how state funds support K-12 public schools by implementing updated funding formulas based on the 2025 cost of education study. The bill establishes specific teacher staffing requirements: core teachers (1 FTE per 16-25 students depending on grade level), minimum teacher thresholds for smaller schools, and additional staff for English learners (1 FTE per 100 students), at-risk students (for summer/extended day programs), and career education. It directly affects all Wyoming public school districts by changing how state education funds are distributed based on student needs and school size, rather than solely on enrollment. The bill also restricts how schools can spend funds from the school foundation program and requires districts to join the state employees' health insurance program.

Wyoming's SF 72 creates the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," enabling teachers licensed in one participating state to more easily obtain licensure in another member state. The bill directly affects teachers seeking employment across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating due to service. Key provisions establish a streamlined process for recognizing out-of-state licenses, require states to share disciplinary information, and remove barriers to hiring qualified educators. It does not apply to ongoing licensing requirements after initial placement. The compact aims to simplify mobility while maintaining each state's authority over teacher regulation.

HB 110 establishes a new formula for funding Wyoming's K-12 public schools, directly affecting all school districts in the state. It calculates funding based on average daily enrollment, requiring specific teacher ratios (e.g., one core teacher for every 16 elementary students) and minimum staffing levels per school type, while also restricting how school foundation funds can be used. The bill mandates school districts to join the state's employee insurance program, modifies cash reserve rules, and continues mental health services grants. It implements the 2025 cost-of-education study and includes provisions for rulemaking and funding appropriations.

HB 167 increases K-12 school funding in Wyoming by modifying special education reimbursement rules and raising the base teacher salary used in funding calculations. It requires full reimbursement (100% of previous year's spending) for most special education costs (excluding out-of-district placements), with those placements reimbursed quarterly in the year incurred. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the base teacher salary used to calculate school funding will be set at $65,000 annually. The bill appropriates $348.6 million for school district payments and $8.9 million for retirement cost reimbursements, both expiring June 30, 2028. These changes directly affect all Wyoming public school districts and their special education programs.

Wyoming's HB 65 requires all public K-12 school districts to adopt new discipline policies that ban corporal punishment and mandate written notice to parents/guardians for student discipline actions. The bill establishes specific consequences like in-school suspension, exclusion from activities, or removal from classrooms (with teacher consent for return), while requiring schools to report discipline data and provide staff with professional development on behavior management. It also mandates that school employees report violent threats and ensures safety protocols for students and staff on school property. The policy directly affects all Wyoming public school staff, students, and parents/guardians through standardized discipline procedures and transparency requirements.