A Laramie County judge has ruled that Wyoming is not meeting its constitutional obligation to adequately fund public education.
The decision, issued by District Judge Peter Froelicher, follows a lawsuit brought by the Wyoming Education Association (WEA) and several school districts in 2022.
Judge Froelicher determined that the state has failed to properly account for rising costs, teacher salaries, and school infrastructure needs. His 186-page ruling concluded that the Wyoming Legislature has not sufficiently adjusted funding for inflation, provided competitive teacher salaries, or maintained school facilities at an adequate level.
“The Court notes, because 2025 is a recalibration year, there is an excellent window of opportunity to address these issues,” Froelicher wrote.
The ruling also stated that Wyoming must increase support for school resource officers, elementary school mental health counselors, and school nutrition programs. Additionally, it emphasized the need for every student to have access to a technological device for learning.
Wyoming’s Constitution mandates that the state provide a “complete and uniform system of public instruction.” Previous court rulings, including the 1995 Campbell cases, have reinforced the Legislature’s duty to ensure sufficient funding for high-quality education.
Froelicher’s decision builds on those precedents, stating that the state must modify its funding model and school facilities financing system to meet constitutional requirements.
Governor Mark Gordon’s office is currently reviewing the ruling and considering options for appeal. Spokesperson Michael Pearlman noted that while Gordon has advocated for external cost adjustments to increase teacher salaries, the Legislature did not fully support his recommendations.
“The Governor looks forward to working with the Legislature in the coming months to ensure that the state is meeting its constitutional obligation to fund Wyoming education,” Pearlman said in a statement.
The ruling comes at a time when Wyoming lawmakers are debating property tax cuts and exploring alternative education funding strategies. Some legislators have expressed concerns about increasing state spending, while education advocates argue that more investment is necessary to maintain a high standard of public education.
WEA President Kim Amen called the ruling a “huge win” for Wyoming students, teachers, and communities.
“Meeting the constitutional requirement means giving every student the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances,” she said.
Oil City News, Cowboy State Daily, and Wyo File contributed to this report.
