A judge issued a preliminary injunction halting the state''s education savings account program known in this meeting as the Legacy Scholarship while litigation proceeds, district leaders told the board.
The program would have provided state-funded education savings accounts worth up to $7,000 per eligible student for families seeking nonpublic options. The injunction pauses awards and funding until the court fully resolves a challenge brought by the Wyoming Education Association and a group of parents.
Superintendent Cody Eisenhower summarized the timeline: applications opened May 15, the plaintiffs sought a preliminary injunction on June 13, the state responded June 24 and an in-person hearing was held June 27. The court issued the injunction on the day before the board meeting.
Board and staff described the legal arguments the judge cited: the plaintiffs argued the law created a nonuniform system of education in violation of the state constitution (referencing sections 5–7 and Article 3), improperly appropriated funds to private persons or entities not under absolute state control, and constituted an unconstitutional public donation to entities outside the constitutional framework. The judge found the plaintiffs had shown sufficient grounds to pause disbursements pending full litigation.
District staff said the injunction pauses state payments to families but that the district will continue to welcome homeschooled students who opt to take classes or activities under existing local practice (the district historically allows homeschool students to take certain classes; high school activity participation follows WIAA procedures and requires a combination agreement and a fee where applicable).
Superintendent Eisenhower said the district could become a provider for the program if the law is ultimately upheld — which would allow families to use account funds for district-offered classes or activities — but stressed the injunction means no funds are being distributed while litigation continues.
Board members asked questions about extracurricular participation for students using accounts; staff explained current processes for homeschooled students and said any change would follow state rules and association policies if the law is implemented.