Opinion ID: 2524503
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: External Cost Adjustment[7]

Text: [ถ 22] The MAP models used cost data based on the 1996-97 school year. The school districts contend the model was outdated from the beginning, and the state contends other inclusions in the budget, which were not required by the cost-based model, offset any shortcoming. [8] [ถ 23] Since the model is based on data from past years, the trial court recognized inflationary cost increases will, at some point, cause funding levels to become unconstitutionally inadequate. The legislature addressed this problem in Wyo. Stat. Ann. ง 21-13-309(r) (LEXIS Supp.2000), which provides: (r) The joint appropriations interim committee shall submit a recommendation to the legislature and governor, not later than November 1 of each year, regarding whether an external cost adjustment should be made, and if so, the amount of the adjustment. Neither the legislature nor the governor is required to act on such a recommendation. The joint appropriations interim committee recommended that the school finance formula for school year 2000-2001 be adjusted 1.3 percent for new inflation. The adjustment was adopted pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. ง 21-13-309(o)(i)(A) (LEXIS Supp.2000), but the provision specifically excluded any inflation adjustment for the years preceding the 2000-2001 school year. See ง 21-13-309(o)(i)(A)(II). The trial court recognized that at some point the failure to adjust for inflation would cause schools to be unable to deliver the full basket, but concluded that point had not yet been reached.