Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1297492
The West Sheridan County Education Association (WSCEA) uses local dues dollars to provide scholarships for students pursuing education degrees. Two $500 scholarships are offered each year. "We believe that supporting students in pursuing education degrees will pass on a legacy to the students of tomorrow," said WSCEA President, Kristina Melin. "We also hope that by supplying these scholarships, we can build positive connections & mentorship opportunities for our former students as they begin their teaching careers." "There are some really giving people in our communities and our district," said former WSCEA president, Mike Daley. Stacia Cook with students from her class of kindergartners. September 2020. "This is a great way to support the kids that make all of our jobs what they are." The local estimates that, so far, 10-15 students have benefitted from the scholarship since its inception about ten years ago. When students enroll in college, they provide WSCEA with their class schedule, and WSCEA sends them the money to use for books and other necessary school supplies. "As an education association, the local chapter feels strongly about fostering the teaching occupation," said Melin. "However, we realize that it doesn't matter what path students take because, as Malcolm X said, 'education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.'" This year, the State of Wyoming will be reviewing the findings of a Recalibration Study. The Recalibration Study examines, in depth, the cost associated with providing a high-quality education for Wyoming students. These findings then set the bar for education funding. The last Recalibration Study was done in 2017. The Legislature was not beholden to increasing education funding at that time, as the study suggested that education was being underfunded in the state, to the tune of about $90 million per year. This year, the Recalibration Study findings could force the Legislature to either allocate additional funds toward Wyoming education or be in direct contradiction to our state's constitution. Because WEA is a leader in Wyoming Education, our members were provided the opportunity to serve on Professional Judgment Panels for the firm contracted by the State to complete this Recalibration Study, Picus Odden & Associates. Our members' participation ensures that educator voice was included in determining the true needs and costs of education. WEA Vice President Kim Amen is one of several WEA members to serve on a Professional Judgment Panel. "I think the fact that Picus Odden & Associates reached out to WEA to give members the chance to participate in these panels says just how much they value our leadership in the state," said Amen. "This means our members get a seat at the table. It means that our members' voices are being heard. Our continued leadership in the state is imperative. Especially as we head into a year of looming budget cuts, it is our respected leadership that will help ensure that our voices continue to be heard and that our state budget is not balanced on the backs of Wyoming's students and staff." Local Uses Dues Dollars to Provide Scholarships Professional Judgment Panels WEA Members Consulted During Recalibration Study 20