Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/575770
Back To School 2015 | wyoea.org 17 Meetings Students Testimony focused on cultural differences between small/rural districts and larger districts, as well as bus time it would take to facilitate students attending school in larger districts further away from their home districts. •ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL). Current funding is insufficient and uneven, due to the vast differences in the needs for ELL supports across the 48 school districts in the state. Public comment has been given by stakeholders such as business managers and superintendents from around Wyoming at every meeting. They all spoke to concerns with the current funding model, as well as each topic presented to the committee. To review the desk audit, please visit http://legisweb.state.wy.us/ and click on the tab that says, "School Finance." You may also visit the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration page to review consultants' presentations, as well as any future draft legislation that will be presented. Next Steps: With only two Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration meetings left in the interim, things will now start to happen very quickly. The WEA's main concern is making sure funding stays at a level that works for Wyoming students, which includes keeping class sizes small. We urge everyone to contact their local legislators and explain to them the importance of small class sizes. •As an educator, I am deeply committed to the success of every student, because students are at the center of everything we do. •Small class sizes allow for more one-on-one time and attention with students. •Small class sizes allow for safer environments regarding supervision, especially when it comes to vocational classes, science labs, etc. •The chance our students have for success should not depend on where they live in Wyoming. Students in smaller districts should be given the same opportunities as those in larger districts. What Wyoming is doing with education is working. Now is not the time to increase class sizes, because students will suffer. Please, share with your local legislators your personal classroom stories about the importance of keeping class sizes small. The Wyoming Legislature's web-based Public Comment System at http://legisweb.state. wy.us/PostComments/Disclaimer. aspx?CommID=SSR is now accepting public comments on committee studies for the Select Committee on Recalibration. If you have any questions regarding any legislation or would like any further information, please contact WEA Government Relations Director Ken Decaria at kdecaria@wyoea.org. UPCOMING sign up to receive wyoming legislative updates Send your email address to: wylegislativeupdates@gmail.com or scan the QR code to send your email address. www.wyoea.org Interim Legislative Meetings October 1-2: School Recalibration - Casper October 29: Education Accountability - Casper October 29-30: Joint Education - Casper November 16-17: School Recalibration - Cheyenne December 14-15: Education Accountability - Casper December 15-16: Joint Education - Casper Joint Appropriations Committee Meetings October 27 December 7-18 January 11-22