Wyoming charter authorizer sets 2% administrative fee starting July 1, 2026; first‑year schools pay 0.5%

The Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board voted on Nov. 19 to set an administrative fee of 2% beginning July 1, 2026, and to charge schools in their first year of operation a reduced rate of 0.5%.

John Masters, a board member and chair of the finance committee, moved the main motion: "I move that we establish the administrative fee starting July 1 of 2026 at 2%." Masters later offered a friendly amendment that the first year of operation would be billed at 0.5%, which the board approved. The amendment passed on roll call and the full motion carried after a second roll call; one member voted against the plan.

Why it matters: the administrative fee is the board's primary path to self‑funding. Board members and staff presented a spreadsheet showing estimated fiscal‑year school funding at roughly $10.8 million, and said a 2% fee would produce enough revenue to support the authorizing functions without a state appropriation. Board discussion focused on balancing the board's need for operating funds with the financial pressures on start‑up schools.

Several members urged caution and suggested phasing. "I love the idea of maybe that first year it's 0.5 and then adding on in future years," said Jill Bramlet, board member, citing the startup expenses (transportation, special education) new schools face. Doug Chamberlain, another board member who recorded a "no" vote on the main motion, said he opposed locking in a phased increase without longer notice for schools: "Locking ourselves into this is not a good idea in my opinion."

Trent Carol, the board's finance contact, explained the mechanics and timing for invoicing: the board plans two collections — an initial installment roughly in January and a second installment near the end of the fiscal year — and will notify schools in advance to allow local planning.

At the meeting the board also voted to continue the current fiscal year's administrative fee at 0.5% so schools will not face a mid‑year increase. That separate motion was moved and approved by the board.

What the votes mean: the board recorded the amendment (first‑year 0.5%) and the underlying 2% rate as approved by roll call; the meeting transcript records a majority in favor and one member opposed. The board directed staff to notify schools and to process invoicing under the timeline discussed.

Next steps: staff will send the fee schedule and supporting spreadsheet to school leaders, begin first‑installment invoicing in January, and monitor impacts. The finance committee will revisit implementation details and consider relief measures if individual schools demonstrate hardship.