Du Bois adult education program says funding is strained; district hears MOU details with Central Wyoming College

Fremont County School District # 2 trustees heard an update on the Du Bois adult education program and its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Central Wyoming College, and were told the program may need additional local funding.

The presentation, given by Katrina (Du Bois outreach coordinator for Central Wyoming College) and summarized by Amanda (district staff), said adult education held 93 events with 623 attendees in 2024 and reported net sales from the program’s cyber center of $31,606 for 2024. The presenters said the program currently relies on a local mill levy and partnership funding and that operations are “kind of operating on the edge right now.”

The MOU between the district and Central Wyoming College covers roughly 45% of the salary and benefits for the Du Bois Outreach Coordinator (the presenters estimated that 45% equates to roughly $27,000), and designates $5,500 for advertising and operations space. The MOU also provides administrative printing/copy allowances and other in‑kind supports, presenters said.

Why this matters: trustees requested more detailed budget information before considering a possible increase in local support. Board members asked whether the district might seek a half‑mill levy increase or pursue grants; presenters said budget specifics were still being prepared and that grants could be explored.

Presenters traced the program’s local history to a community technology effort known as the “Cyber Cafe,” citing Freddie Kraft and long‑standing ties between the school district, the Du Bois Branch Library and Central Wyoming College. Katrina said adult education activities range from basic workforce assistance (resume help, unemployment forms) to recreational learning and recurring community programs such as book club, quilting, and seasonal recreation and outdoor classes.

Board members asked for clearer revenue breakdowns between the district and Central Wyoming College (what revenue the district collects through adult education versus what CWC accounts for) and for an itemized budget showing the proposed additional local funding and how it would be spent.

Katrina said the program’s in‑person, on‑the‑ground services — the informal assistance that happens daily at the cyber center — are not fully captured in the numerical report but contribute substantially to community value. The presenters asked the board for direction on whether to pursue additional local levy support and said they would return with a more detailed budget and revenue projections.

The board did not take a formal funding vote during the meeting; members requested follow‑up materials and additional numbers before any decision.

For now, presenters and trustees agreed to continue the conversation and bring clarified budget numbers and options to a future meeting.