Wyoming Schools Facing Funding Decreases

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming schools are bracing for what some say could be the most severe bust since the 1980s when enrollment took a nose dive as families left the state.

Fewer families means fewer students, and ultimately fewer students translates into less money because school funding is based on enrollment.

It's a self-correcting system that officials say bends to the boom and bust nature the state's economy.

But lawmakers meeting in Cheyenne are looking at additional cuts in funding meant to cover costs outside the normal school funding formula.

School administrators tell the Casper Star-Tribune  that they fear jobs will be in jeopardy because 80 percent of school district budgets are personnel related.

But lawmakers note that they aren't looking at altering schools' main source of state funding.