Bill > SF0173

This bill establishes the Wyoming Educational Bankruptcy Act, which creates a mechanism for placing underperforming school districts into a special administrative status when they consistently fail to meet academic performance standards. Under the act, a school district can be declared "educationally bankrupt" if 60% or more of third-grade students score basic or below in English language arts, 50% or more of eighth-grade students score basic or below in mathematics, and 25% or more of tenth-grade students score below basic in English, math, and science assessments. Parents can initiate the process by gathering signatures from at least 12.5% of enrolled students, or the state superintendent of public instruction can petition the district court directly. If a district is found to be educationally bankrupt, a court-appointed trustee will be empowered to remove the school superintendent and local school board's management authority, potentially appoint a new advisory board, and take other administrative actions to improve student performance. The bill limits the number of districts that can be placed in educational bankruptcy to no more than six statewide, with a maximum of three per year. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to prevent assessment tampering and allows the state board of education to revoke teacher certifications for fraudulent practices related to statewide assessments.

Education

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0173