1 Wyoming Education Coalition Legislative Proposal Wyoming Education Coalition Wyoming Association for School Administrators Wyoming Association of School Business Officials Wyoming Education Association Wyoming School Boards Association

2 Wyoming Coalition Proposal: (Supported by Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction) Increase salaries with an additional $45,200,000 allocation from Wyoming legislature Rationale: Recruit and retain the best possible school personnel for Wyoming students Source: NEA Research, Estimates Database (2004)

3 Wyoming Proposal, cont. Supporting Data Wyoming was ranked 36th in nation with an average teacher salary of $38,840 in The highest Wyoming teacher salary supported by the funding model, $44,580, is less than the national average teacher salary of $45,930.

4 In Enrolled Act 50 (1990 Session Laws of Wyoming, Chapter 122, Section 8), the 1990 state legislature directed the state board of education to establish statewide goals for Wyoming public education. Goal # 7 of this Act: Maintenance of teacher salary levels at among the top ten percent (10%) in the nation. Wyoming Education Goals

5 Source: NEA Research, Rankings of the States, 1983 through 2000 Source: NEA Research, Rankings and Estimates, December 2002 through Fall Update, 2004 Salary data is collected by the NEA from State Departments of Education. WEA Research Wyoming Teacher Salaries

6 Chart of Salaries

7 Summary Report by Age of Campbell County School District Teaching Staff Age Number of Staff Under 25 7_ Total620 CCSD: Age 50 and older 39% State: Age 50 and older 44% Source: Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board

8 Campbell County School District Retirement Facts Percent of staff eligible for Full Retirement within next 10 years: Certified & Administrative51% Educational Support Personnel38%

9 Health Care Benefits Benefits packages, particularly health care benefits, are a major component in attracting and retaining quality teachers and education staff. Justification: Year Increase % % % % Total Premium Increase 48.7%

10 Health Care Benefits, cont. Where are we now? Allocation in school funding model = $5,102 (per person who qualifies for insurance) Estimated actual cost = $7,604 Cost Estimate: Estimated # of personnel14,207 Increase in allocation$2, Total Cost (estimate) $33,321,419

11 Other Educational Investments ECA - External Cost Adjustment - This is an allowance for inflation which is set at 2.3%. Summer School - This is an extension from this year’s special appropriation to assist students requiring addition summer instruction to master statewide standards. Full Day Kindergarten - This also is an extension of special appropriation for districts to offer full day kindergarten programs in

12 Can Wyoming Afford to Invest?

13 Recap of Legislative Proposal $45.2 Million to Increase Salaries $33.3 Million for Health Insurance $13.5 Million External Cost Adjustment $ 4.5 Million Summer School Funding $ 5.0 Million Full Day Kindergarten $101.5 Million Total Funding Increase

14 How much will this proposal cost the Wyoming taxpayer? This proposal will not cost the Wyoming taxpayer one additional dollar! Current projections indicate a large surplus in School Foundation Program in Future taxes will not be raised as a result of this proposal. Sufficient revenue to support this increase will continue to flow into the program in future years.

15 Why Is This Necessary? Wyoming average teacher salaries have dropped in ranking from 6 th in the nation 20 years ago to 36 th nationally in The cost of employee health insurance to school districts exceeds the School Foundation funding provided by over $2500 per employee! Revenue estimates project these proposals can be funded with School Foundation revenue for and leave a surplus of $221.5 million!

16 Support Education in Wyoming Tell the Legislature to act now and avoid a crisis in education! Support the Wyoming Education Coalition Legislative Proposal