Bill to Keep University of Wyoming Lab School Open Passes Senate Committee

A bill aimed at preserving the University of Wyoming Laboratory School has narrowly passed the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 3-2, Longview News-Journal reports.

Senate File 126, titled “Establishment of a K-8 Public Lab School,” seeks to keep the school, which has been operating since at least 2008 in partnership with Albany County School District 1 (ACSD1), open amid disagreements between the two institutions over the school’s future.

The bill follows a dispute that arose after the University of Wyoming Trustees made the decision to close the lab school at the end of the current academic year, citing a shift in priorities. The school had operated under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the university and ACSD1, providing a unique educational experience by offering practicum opportunities for pre-service teachers and other UW students.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, who co-sponsored the bill, explained that the decision to close the school stemmed from a breakdown in the MOU, which ultimately led to the university’s unilateral decision to shut it down. Despite this, the lab school had been an integral part of the community for over a century, initially functioning as a K-8 public school before evolving into a university-run facility.

Though many of those who testified in the committee expressed sadness over the decision to close the school, concerns were raised about the financial implications of keeping it open. Tristan Green, the chief financial officer for ACSD1, stated that the bill would require an additional $2.5 million in district funding to maintain the school. Green questioned why the state could not take responsibility for funding the school if it was meant to serve a broader state mission rather than burdening a single district.

David Hardesty, the assistant superintendent for ACSD1, also raised concerns about the allocation of resources, noting that the district had already made the difficult choice to incorporate the lab school’s students into existing schools due to the strain it placed on district resources. However, some committee members, including Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, argued that the lab school was successful and worth preserving despite the financial challenges.

On the other hand, members of the ACSD1 school board, including Trustee Emily Siegel-Stanton, expressed reservations about the bill, citing concerns about the district’s funding and the viability of keeping the school operational under its current model.

Several former students and teachers testified passionately in favor of the lab school, sharing stories about the positive impact it had on their education and careers. Former student Adian O’Connor emphasized that the school’s unique environment helped foster her commitment to public service and community involvement.

While some committee members were sympathetic to the sentiments expressed by those advocating for the school, others remained unconvinced that the bill would effectively resolve the underlying issues. Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, cited concerns about declining enrollment as a reason for her opposition to the bill, while Sen. Jared Olsen, R-Cheyenne, expressed doubts about the bill’s chances of success given the lack of support from both the university and ACSD1.