Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/827301
| WEAnews 20 Wyoming media has recently reported on the actions of some Wyoming school boards authorizing their attorneys to file litigation over the failure of the State to properly fund public education. While actual litigation has not yet been filed and districts appear to be waiting to see what happens over the next few months, it is apparent that public school funding is approaching a crisis. WEA is not a part of this coalition of school districts, but shares their concerns. Following its history of being a lead party in previous finance litigation and continuous advocacy for school funding, WEA has been at the center of the most recent legislative fight for public schools. WEA continues to vigorously advocate for funding that not only meets the Constitution, but is also the right thing for Wyoming students. WEA has seen this scenario before, where proper funding for schools is established, the schools make great progress, but then it is all reversed when there is a drop in revenue. The failure over recent years to adjust funding to meet current costs, compounded by arbitrary across-the-board cuts, have cost districts millions of dollars. That has now been followed by proposals for more dramatic cuts, representing the beginning of another unraveling of a quality educational system. Over decades there has been a roller coaster effect of putting together the building blocks of high-quality opportunities for our kids, only to then dismantle what was built up whenever mineral revenue lags. When serious damage is done, and revenues subsequently bounce back, then the process of building up must start all over again. Unfortunately, during the down times, students can't put their lives on hold, and educational advancement and opportunities are missed. No one doubts that Wyoming has experienced a very serious drop in revenue. However, the Wyoming courts have made it plain that educational opportunities for our kids should not wax and wane with revenue cycles. Our Constitution considers education to be so important that it is a fundamental right, meaning that students are entitled to a complete, thorough, modern education at all times, not just when financially convenient. In a series of court cases known as the Campbell cases, WEA litigated with the state from 1995 through 2008 until the state created a finance system that meets the constitutional requirements. It was established that in Wyoming, education is arms. The state has the duty to properly fund education ahead WEA established in court the principle that funding periodically and that every five years, the formula needs to be reviewed to make modern, quality education. After 13 years of litigation, expert studies, numerous legislative State of Wyoming established a finance system approved by the multiple occasions since, most recently just one year ago. At that Educational opportunities have been expanded to all students in continuing. The model works, and Wyoming students have benefitted Unfortunately, the legislature did not meet the requirement to keep Funding Education SUMMER 2017