Wyoming Education Association

Winter 2015

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Winter 2015 | wyoea.org 7 The Legislature Has A Direct Impact On Classrooms & Careers Patrick E. Hacker, Hacker & Kendall, P.C. The life of an educator is very busy, and many feel that they do not have the time or even the inclination to become involved in "politics" or follow closely what the Wyoming Legislature is doing. It is essential for every educator in Wyoming to understand that what happens in the Legislature has a direct impact on classrooms and careers. If you ask, "What does it matter to me?" the answer is "Everything." Legislative action can be a positive or can create huge problems. The difference between the two depends on the input legislators receive, particularly input from those who actually do the work of educating children. This session, as is often the case, there will be major issues that will directly affect both the immediate and long-term future of education. For good or ill, virtually everything that matters to kids and schools is up for discussion. Through an extended legal battle lasting more than fourteen years, WEA was successful in establishing the principles that every student, regardless of location or individual circumstance, has a fundamental right to a high-quality education, and the state has a legal duty to fund all the necessary components of that education. The culmination was the establishment by the Legislature of our current funding system which seeks to provide every element needed for high- quality schools, be it small class size, highly-qualified and fairly compensated educators, technology, buildings, special services, vocational programs, or whatever else is needed. The system developed is working, and students are benefitting greatly. The legislative question will be whether we will keep that system and build on it, or whether we will go backwards. In this session, the Legislature will perform the court- mandated "recalibration" where the Legislature is required to periodically look at the components of the system to make sure it still provides everything necessary for a high- quality education, and that the components are properly funded. At this point, the interim committee has recommended to the Legislature to keep the existing model, with some adjustment. Although the interim committee has demonstrated a commitment to supporting quality education services for our kids, the issues will now be before the entire body. It is likely that there will be efforts to reduce some funding, and possibly efforts to make some positive adjustments. In addition to the huge financing issues, it would not be unusual for other non-financial major issues to arise as well. It is not necessary for every member to learn the arcane details of a complex finance system or personally track every bill, but it is necessary for every member to be engaged when help is needed. WEA has an excellent government relations team who will intensively monitor developments, and work with local legislative contact teams in every district. When there is a need, you may be asked to speak up for education. At such times, your voice is likely to be the difference in explaining and persuading a legislator to do the right thing. As attorneys, we fought long and hard to lay a legal foundation for the rights of Wyoming children to the best education. WEA and a legion of dedicated educators worked tirelessly with legislators for years to help establish the details that fulfill that vision. The burden now rests on today's educators to do what is needed to preserve the tremendous progress made, and fight for the future of our kids as the need arises. If your help is needed, answer the call for action.

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