Senate committee narrows block‑grant flexibility to protect teacher‑designated dollars

Senate File 162 won a split recommendation from the Senate Education Committee on Jan. 30, with the committee approving the bill 3–2.

Sponsor Senator Curt Scott said the measure would "isolate the teacher reimbursement" in the education block grant so that money originally allocated to teachers cannot be moved to other purposes. The bill would still allow districts to move some funds into teacher positions from other parts of the block grant, but would prevent drawing teacher‑designated money out to fund other activities. Senator Scott said the change was motivated by concerns raised during prior recalibration work about so‑called "ghost teachers" and assertions that some districts used model‑allocated teacher funds for administrative purposes.

Supporters of the bill told the committee it is intended to protect teacher positions from being reduced when lawmakers propose reductions elsewhere in the model. Nikki Shaner, a Department of Education official speaking for Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, said the superintendent values protecting teacher dollars but suggested such a significant change may be better considered during recalibration rather than as a stand‑alone bill.

Several education‑sector groups and district finance officers opposed the change. Tate Mullen, government relations director for the Wyoming Education Association, told the committee that isolating the model teacher allocation would not, by itself, ensure teacher pay is fully funded; WEA prefers a recalibration that raises the model salary closer to market rates. Boyd Brown (Wyoming Association of School Administrators), Brian Farmer (Wyoming School Boards Association) and multiple district CFOs argued the block grant’s flexibility allows districts to meet local needs (personnel mixes, benefits, school resource officers, capital timing) and warned that making teacher pay categorical would hamstring local budget decisions until recalibration.

After extended debate, the committee voted by roll call. Recorded votes were: Senator Bridal — Aye; Senator Olson — Aye; Senator Rothfuss — No; Senator Scott — Aye; Chairwoman Schueller — No. The bill carries forward to the Senate floor with a committee recommendation.

Why it matters: The education block grant bundles multiple model allocations into a single local resource. Proponents argue the change would protect teacher funding from reallocation; opponents say the model is imperfect, districts deviate by design, and flexibility is necessary to respond to local circumstances and staffing markets. Supporters asked that the issue be resolved now to guide recalibration; opponents urged addressing the issue during recalibration when the total model and price tag can be evaluated.

Action: Committee recommendation, "do pass" (3–2)

Vote details: Committee roll-call on SF162 — Aye (Bridal, Olson, Scott); No (Rothfuss, Schueller).

Sources: Committee hearing transcript, Jan. 30, 2025; testimony from Department of Education, Wyoming Education Association, district CFOs and statewide associations.