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Resident tells Natrona County School District trustees charter serves far fewer high‑need students
Summary
At public comment, Joe Morales urged trustees to consider equity after presenting district and charter-school demographic figures, saying the charter enrolls far fewer economically disadvantaged students and students with high‑needs disabilities; trustees acknowledged the accuracy of his statistics.
Joe Morales, a Casper resident, told the Natrona County School District #1 Board of Trustees that demographic data he reviewed show a large disparity between the district and a nearby charter school in the number of economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.
"47% of our district students are economically disadvantaged. That number remains true today. At our local charter school, that number is fewer than 1%," Morales said, adding that the charter appears to serve far fewer students with high support needs. He urged trustees to "feel the full weight and responsibility for all students in Natrona County, not just the students who will succeed regardless of their circumstances." (Speaker: Joe Morales)
Chair Christopherson thanked Morales for his public comment. Later in the meeting a trustee said Mr. Morales' statistics were accurate and noted the district ranks 15th of 48 districts by poverty rate, using that metric as a proxy for student need.
The comment underscored a recurring local debate about how charter schools and district schools serve students with higher needs. Morales emphasized differences in the share of students with individualized education plans (IEPs) and argued the pattern suggests the charter is effectively selecting which students it enrolls rather than serving the same population as district schools.
The board did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; trustees said charter-school oversight and eligibility can involve state authority, but they encouraged community members and those running for board seats to consider equity issues when engaging with the district.
The district's next board meeting and budget hearing is scheduled for July 13, 2026; trustees reminded the public that curricular public comment runs through June 30.
