Wyoming would count school safety staff in school funding

The state would count school safety staff positions in its K–12 funding formula. Each physical school building is counted by the highest grade level it serves. The formula counts one-third of a position for elementary schools, one-half for middle schools, and one for high schools. The amount for staff pay and benefits would be adjusted for statewide and regional costs. The formula would take effect July 1, 2027, if enacted.

The state would set aside $14.6 million for the safety staffing part of its school funding formula. The money would come from the public school funding account and go to the state education department’s school finance office. Officials could spend the money only on this part of the funding formula. Unspent, uncommitted money would go back under state law. Lawmakers state their intent to double the amount in the following two-year budget, but that future funding is not guaranteed. The money would cover July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.