School Safety Wish List vs. Wallet: What Districts Still Don’t Have

Wyoming’s School Facilities Commission went to lawmakers asking for $10 million to beef up campus security in the 2027–2028 biennium. Lawmakers said: show your work. So the commission polled districts on what they actually need—and the answers paint a pricier picture.

The ask vs. the need

• Requested: $10 million total. $8 million distributed to districts by enrollment. $2 million earmarked for secure vestibules and vehicle barricades.
• Reported need so far: $30,203,450 to cover each district’s top two priorities (based on 36 districts that submitted data in time for the meeting packet.)

The commission will take these findings to the Select Committee on School Facilities for its Oct. 27 meeting.

From the submissions received, here’s what districts say they lack:

• Secure vestibules: 23 districts still need at least one. (Think double-door entry that forces visitors through a controlled check-in instead of straight into hallways.) State construction chief Delbert McOmie said he was surprised the number is still this high.
• Most-requested upgrade: Video camera systems (listed by 15 districts across their top priorities.)
• Runner-up (tie): Access control systems and security vestibules (8 mentions each.)
• Communication gaps: Problems with in-building communications and districtwide mass-notification systems.
• Other pain points: Vehicle barricades, door locks, safety glass, and backup power.

All of these map to the Wyoming School Facilities Department’s Security Assessment Reference Guide, so they’re not wishful thinking—they’re checklist items the state already recognizes.

Commissioners were split on whether to bump their official ask:

• Chair John Tarter: Stick with $10 million, but tell the committee the “true story” — that districts’ top needs total about $30 million.
• Commissioner Bruce Thoren: Just ask for the full $30 million.

Either way, the commission agrees lawmakers should see the scope, not just the sticker on the original request.

Natrona County School District #1 didn’t submit its information by the deadline, meaning today’s $30.2 million figure is not the full statewide picture.

Districts aren’t asking for flashy tech—they’re trying to close basics: controlled entry, eyes on the building, reliable locks and comms, and power that doesn’t quit. The commission’s $10 million proposal gets the conversation started, but the needs list suggests the real bill for safer schools is closer to $30 million — and that’s before the late paperwork lands.

The original story by Allison Allsop for Casper Star-Tribune.