This bill modifies the Wyoming cost-of-living index as it pertains to the regional cost adjustment within the education resource block grant model. Specifically, it amends the criteria used by the state superintendent to compute the foundation program amount for each school district. The bill introduces new language that specifies the version of the Wyoming cost-of-living index applied for any school year will be the greater of the average of the six consecutive semi-annual index reports completed by January 1 of the immediately preceding school year or the semi-annual index report completed by January 1 of the immediately preceding school year.

The effective date of this act is set for July 1, 2023. The changes aim to ensure that salary adjustments for school and district staff are more accurately reflective of regional cost differences, thereby enhancing the financial resources available to educational institutions in Wyoming.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-13-309