In a recent meeting, the Albany County School District (ACSD) Board of Trustees addressed the future of the Lab School operated in partnership with the University of Wyoming (UW). Since spring 2023, ACSD and UW have been negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure the school's continued operation. However, in June 2024, UW informed ACSD that it would only agree to a one-year MOU, effectively planning to close the Lab School by June 2025.

Despite the district's request for a two-year agreement, UW's decision was confirmed as final, prompting ACSD to accept the situation and begin planning for the future. The district has engaged in three facilitated listening sessions with the Albany County community to gather input on the needs and desires for a school of choice. The Board intends to discuss these findings and make a decision regarding the Lab School's future in December.

ACSD officials emphasized their commitment to local control over educational decisions, asserting that the decision to close or relocate the Lab School should rest with the locally elected school board rather than state legislators. They expressed concerns about potential legislative mandates that could interfere with their decision-making process.

During the meeting, questions arose regarding the capacity of existing school facilities should the Lab School close. ACSD representatives indicated that they could accommodate the Lab School's students within their current K-5 schools without needing additional funding for new facilities. However, they acknowledged that other issues related to the Lab School might necessitate future discussions with the state regarding school facilities.

The Board remains focused on ensuring the best outcomes for students, families, and educators in Albany County, while navigating the challenges posed by the impending closure of the Lab School.