Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/827301
| wyoea.org 21 is a fundamental right like free speech or the right to bear of other interests that aren't constitutionally mandated. periodically needs to be adjusted for inflation to reflect actual costs, make sure it still contains all the necessary elements of a studies, and many millions of dollars spent, the the Court. The current model has been reviewed on that time, the Legislature itself found it valid and sound. in every kind of school. Real progress has occurred and is benefitted enormously. keep the finance model current for inflation, costing districts millions in needed revenue. When the state experienced a drop in revenue, arbitrary cuts were made. Those cuts were made worse in many districts which also suffered additional loss of funds due to a feature that automatically reduces funding when enrollment drops. Districts across Wyoming are already eliminating positions and programs, and the future looks even more dire. The impact of revenue cuts due to decreased enrollment will continue, and some legislative leaders are proposing further draconian cuts. Further cuts by the Legislature will not just curtail educational opportunities, they could even put the continued existence of some schools or districts at risk. The next several months will determine whether the Legislature continues committed to the high- quality system it was created to be. Although the system was reviewed and re-approved just a year ago, the Legislature is now commissioning a new "recalibration" study. It is obvious that for some legislators, the redo on "recalibration" is simply an effort to find justification to cut funding. Clearly it is appropriate to look for efficiencies if they would not compromise the quality of Wyoming education. Difficult as the subject may be, it is essential to find the best means for ongoing stable funding for public schools. Those legislators who have had the courage to start the process of looking for a dependable revenue plan are to be commended. As this process unfolds, WEA will be anxiously engaged in advocating for the crucial elements of the current system and fighting for educational opportunities for students in every school, large or small, wherever located. This fight for public education cannot be effectively waged by WEA leaders and staff alone. It requires the participation of educators, parents and citizens to make it clear how important education is to our children and the future of Wyoming. WEA will work with the school coalition, education groups, parents and others. This process of "recalibration" will involve opportunities for input. Legislators need to know their constituents are committed to funding high-quality schools. WEA's hope is that with great citizen input, appropriate and constructive solutions can be found in this legislative process. In any event, WEA will continue its decades- long advocacy for Wyoming's students, and is committed to do whatever is required to oppose the partial or complete dismantling of our successful system and to work to fund a high- quality education for every child. SUMMER 2017