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

Heading: School District Operations

Text: [ถ 70] Costs of maintenance and operation, which include utility costs, are incorporated in the model based upon 1996-97 statewide averages per pupil relying again upon past expenditures by Wyoming districts. MAP recognized that a better estimate of this cost component could be achieved through a system based on the age and condition of the district's buildings rather than enrollment and suggested that a combination of per pupil costs and square footage would be the most accurate manner to approximate actual costs. However, MAP concluded that reliable information upon which to calculate such an adjustment was not available. [23] It recommended the data be collected and in the interim an average per pupil number be utilized because it is unlikely that the proposed formula will work an undue hardship on school districts for the period of time required to gather the necessary information. If there is one truth we have learned throughout the history of the educational funding issue, it is that we cannot predict how long it will take for the legislature to correct disparities. On its face, this component is not based upon the real and necessary costs of maintenance and operation of the state's schools. Many of these costs, utilities in particular, are not subject to the direct control of the districts and are unavoidable. Other programs should not suffer in order for districts to cover these costs. We reverse the trial court's decision and hold this component must be adjusted either by development of a formula which uses enrollment measured by ADM, building square footage, and number of buildings in the district or by reimbursement of actual costs subject to state oversight. [24] This change shall be implemented no later than July 1, 2002.