Wyoming judge finds state failed to properly fund public schools

Laramie County District Court Judge Peter Froelicher on Wednesday ruled that the Wyoming legislature’s funding model for public schools was unconstitutional. In his decision, Froelicher said lawmakers had failed to meet constitutional requirements for education funding and had not properly adjusted for inflation. Among other things, legislators failed to provide adequate salaries for teachers and staff, did not set aside enough money for counselors and school safety resources, and did not properly assess school buildings for educational suitability, he said.

In his 186-page ruling, Froelicher ordered lawmakers to revise the funding model and school facilities financing system. State law requires lawmakers to recalibrate the school funding model every five years, including this year. That process is scheduled to begin later this year.

What is the history of the case? The Wyoming Education Association and eight school districts in 2022 filed a lawsuit against the state. They argued that lawmakers had violated the state constitution by failing to pay teachers appropriately, maintain facilities, and meet the needs of school districts. The case went to court last June. Froelicher handed down his ruling as lawmakers are nearing the end of the 2025 legislative session.

Dig deeper: Read Noah Lynch’s report about school districts grappling with aging school buildings.