Wyoming Must Recalibrate for Rural Schools, Career Education
As an educator in Newcastle, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when rural schools are funded appropriately — and what happens when they’re not.
When our schools lack resources, programs disappear, teachers leave, and students lose critical opportunities, especially in career and technical education (CTE).
Right now, the Wyoming Legislature is in the middle of its school funding “recalibration.” This process, which happens every five years, is our state’s chance to adjust how education dollars are distributed.
It’s a chance to get it right — and that means ensuring every Wyoming student has access to a high-quality education, no matter where they live.
Here in Weston County, our district receives CTE funding from the Wyoming School Foundation Program, or the block grant, but it only covers 0.6 of a full-time teacher. That’s not even close to what’s needed. The district must cover the cost of the other 3.4 positions to keep programs like woodshop, agriculture, welding, FFA (Future Farmers of America), family and consumer sciences, internships, and business/finance classes running. The Federal Perkins Grant supports these programs, too, but it isn’t guaranteed.
These are not “extras”; they’re essential. Our students deserve real pathways to meaningful careers, especially in trades that keep Wyoming communities strong.
This year, our district was nearly forced to cut afterschool and enrichment programs due to a delay in federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant funding. Without state support to backfill federal shortfalls, our students pay the price.
Over the past two years, fellow teacher Zach Beam and I have coordinated the Career and Trades Fair for our high school and Upton High School. Our community and surrounding businesses have stepped up and shown their support for this event. This has allowed our students to explore career paths and talk directly with professionals to learn what it takes to succeed in fields right here in Wyoming. This program falls outside our regular curriculum, but it’s the kind of thing educators know our students need to succeed, so we step up.
Education in a rural county like Weston County relies heavily on the initiative of local educators and community partners. But good intentions can only go so far. Without proper, sustained funding from the Wyoming Legislature, we’re constantly forced to do more with less. We stretch every dollar, write grants, fundraise, and volunteer our time to keep programs afloat. That’s not a long-term solution. That’s a warning sign.
Our students shouldn’t have to leave their hometowns to find opportunities. They should be able to graduate with the skills, experiences, and confidence to build a future in their own communities whether that’s education, childcare, welding, agriculture, health sciences, culinary arts, or small business. Recalibration must recognize this and fund education accordingly.
The Wyoming Constitution guarantees every child a quality education. That promise isn’t optional and it certainly shouldn’t depend on a school’s zip code.
Our legislators must ensure school funding reflects the real costs of education in 2025 and beyond. That includes recognizing the unique needs of rural schools and investing in career education that prepares students for life after graduation.
Recalibration is more than a budget exercise. It’s a reflection of our values and a test of our commitment to Wyoming’s future. I urge lawmakers to rise to the occasion.