Opinion ID: 2524503
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Seniority Adjustment

Text: [ถ 31] Wyo. Stat. Ann. ง 21-13-323 (LEXIS 1999) provides an adjustment for teacher seniority based on the aggregate years of experience the teachers in the district have for the prior school year multiplied by the statewide average annual increase in salary for the designated base year of 1996-97. The school districts contend this adjustment does not reflect the actual cost for the district, which is correct. However, the trial court concluded that every district was treated the same and subjected to the same fiscal controls and the seniority adjustment did not violate the constitutional restrictions. [ถ 32] No adjustments are made for seniority for classified and administrative staff. The trial court concluded these items should be dealt with like all components which will experience inflation, recognizing at some point unadjusted funding will prevent the districts from fulfilling the constitutional mandate but that point had not yet been reached.