CHEYENNE, Wyoming — The Wyoming School Facilities Commission recently found itself under the spotlight as it presented a $10 million budget request to the Legislature’s Select Committee on School Facilities.
The funds are earmarked for safety and security enhancements in schools across the state. However, commissioners were pressed to justify the budget, which is intended for the 2027-28 biennium, reports Wyoming News Now.
Wyoming’s $10 Million School Security Budget Proposal Explained
The proposed budget allocation includes $8 million distributed based on school enrollment, and $2 million designated for securing vestibules and vehicle barricades. The commission’s request follows detailed submissions from 36 school districts, outlining their safety needs.
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To fully support the top priorities of these districts, an estimated $30,203,450 would be required, far exceeding the current request.
Districts’ Top Priorities for School Safety Enhancements
The most pressing need identified by the districts involves upgrades to video camera systems, a priority for 15 districts. Additionally, access control systems and security vestibules — double-door systems for controlled access — were highlighted as crucial by eight districts each. Notably, 23 districts have expressed the need for at least one secure vestibule.
Other areas of concern include communication systems, both within individual schools and for district-wide notifications, as well as barricades, door locks, safety glass, and backup power systems.
These requests align with the Wyoming School Facilities Department’s Security Assessment Reference Guide, underscoring the importance of these enhancements.
Future Implications for Wyoming’s School Safety Budget
Commissioners expressed mixed feelings about increasing their budget request to $30 million to meet the districts’ needs fully. However, they unanimously agreed that the Select Committee should be made aware of the districts’ comprehensive requests.
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The commission’s request comes at a critical time, as school safety remains a national concern. While the current budget proposal may not cover all the identified needs, it represents a significant step towards enhancing security measures in Wyoming schools.
As the Select Committee reviews the budget, the commission’s detailed data from the districts will play a pivotal role in shaping future developments and potentially increasing funding to meet the growing security demands.
