Laramie community rallies to save Lab School amid concerns for neurodivergent students

The Albany County School District #1 Board of Education held a public hearing on December 14, 2024, to discuss the future of the UW Lab School, a unique educational option for families in Laramie, Wyoming. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from educators, parents, and students advocating for the school’s continued operation amidst concerns about potential closure.

The session began with Matt Klima, a secretary at the Lab School, who emphasized the importance of educational choice for families. He highlighted that the school operates on a lottery system, providing an alternative for students who may not thrive in larger school environments. Klima expressed the anxiety felt by the staff regarding their job security and the implications of potentially closing the oldest school in Wyoming.

Sylvia Finfarra, a Lab School alumna, followed Klima, sharing her personal experiences and the critical need for a supportive environment for neurodivergent students. She warned of the dangers posed by larger, traditional schools, citing the tragic consequences of burnout and mental health struggles faced by students in overwhelming settings. Finfarra urged the board to consider the safety and well-being of all students before making any decisions.

The voices of current students were also heard, with sixth grader Kieran Hegeman Davis pleading for the school to remain open, citing his struggles in a traditional classroom setting. Parents echoed these sentiments, with Emily Sanders sharing her concerns for her neurodivergent son, who has thrived at the Lab School. She implored the board to keep the school operational for the sake of her child and others like him.

The meeting concluded with a call for careful consideration of the community's needs, particularly for students who benefit from smaller, non-traditional learning environments. The board faces a challenging decision that could significantly impact educational choices for families in Laramie, as the future of the Lab School hangs in the balance.