The bill modifies the duties of the state board of education regarding the approval of alternative school year schedules and reduces the minimum number of class days required for public schools in Wyoming. Specifically, it allows school districts to request to start the school year after Labor Day and to recess before Memorial Day, with the stipulation that the state board must approve any alternative scheduling. The minimum number of class days is reduced from 175 to 165, and the bill mandates that each school year must begin after Labor Day and end before Memorial Day unless an alternative schedule is approved. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to hold public meetings to discuss proposed alternative schedules and to evaluate the effectiveness of these schedules annually.

Furthermore, the bill changes the eligibility criteria for school districts to share in the distribution of funds from the foundation account, reducing the required operational days from 185 to 170 days or the equivalent hours under an approved alternative schedule. The modifications outlined in the bill will take effect for the school year 2025-2026 and continue in subsequent years, with the overall effective date of the act set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-2-304, 21-4-301, 21-13-307