Wyoming

Abstract

The Wyoming state legislature holds the responsibility of establishing and funding the education system, as outlined in the state constitution. The funding formula for K–12 education in Wyoming adjusts every 5 years and considers factors like inflation and regional cost differences. The state spends approximately $18,144 per public school student annually and allows districts to set their own open enrollment policies. Charter schools, under local school board jurisdiction, receive around $400,000 per year for lease payments, while privatized and religiously affiliated schools are ineligible to become charter schools. A failed legislative bill aimed to reimburse parents for private school or homeschooling expenses. In the 2022–2024 Wyoming state budget, $1.523 billion in state funding is allocated to the basic support formula for the 2022–2023 school year, with an additional $245.4 million for K–12 capital construction and major maintenance. Property taxes serve as the primary revenue source for K-12 education, and the state also utilizes the Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund and other permanent funds for supplemental investment income. Wyoming ranks among the top 10 states with the highest per pupil spending, with a state pupil expenditure of approximately $16,224 in 2023.