Bill creates charter school authorization board

GILLETTE (WNE)— The state will now have a board made up of qualified education individuals to authorize new charter schools. Previously, if a school district board did not agree on the creation of a charter school, the decision went on to the state loan and investment board.
 
Senate File 174, sponsored by Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, passed through the Legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.
 
Rep. Ken Clouston, R-Gillette, was part of the House Education Committee that debated the bill for more than a few hours during the session. Clouston said heavy amendments to the bill made it “more reasonable, regulated, and palatable.”
 
Eight individuals will make up the board: three members appointed by the superintendent of public instruction who have a minimum of five years experience in Wyoming education; the chairman of the state board of education or the chairman’s designee; three members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate; and the dean of the University of Wyoming’s College of Education, or his designee.
 
Within the supplemental budget, $280,000 was earmarked to pay the salary and benefits of one full-time department of education employee and cover the costs associated with approving new charter schools. 
The Legislature asked that the same amount be included in the department’s standard budget in the next budget cycle.
 
Along with the creation of the board, Clouston said the bill limits the number of charter schools created in Wyoming to a maximum of four new schools within the next four years. Currently, there are eight charter schools in the state.
 
The bill also was amended to make charter schools follow the same standards as public schools including the certification of teachers. 
 
This story was published on Mar. 7, 2023.