Appropriations committee backs change to school major-maintenance formula, 5-2

The House Appropriations Committee voted to pass Senate File 34 after public testimony from district and statewide school leaders about how the bill would change major maintenance funding for K-12 facilities.

Supporters said the measure would increase the square-footage calculation used for major maintenance and raise the routine-maintenance percentage in the block grant, allowing districts with excess or aging space to cover additional upkeep. "This calculation would help us cover approximately an additional 75,000 square feet, allows us to take care of some major components," said Dave Bartlett, associate superintendent for Campbell County School District, who testified in favor of the bill.

The bill matters because Wyoming…