As Chairman of the Select Committee for School Facilities, it is my responsibility to provide a factual perspective on the recent comments circulating on social media regarding the Legislative branch's involvement in the contentious issue concerning Cheyenne’s Most Cost Effective Remedy (MCER) study.
Firstly, I would like to emphasize that I have been anticipating this study for nearly a year, as state law mandates that an MCER be conducted prior to the construction of new schools. It is crucial to present the key facts surrounding this situation comprehensively.
The MCER was executed in collaboration with school district and state personnel from the outset. Claims suggesting that this study and proposed outcomes were unexpected for the Board are unfounded.
This MCER recommendation was rooted in a proposed action item that was brought to the Board over a year ago. The funding to support the construction of proposed 5-6 and two K-4 schools on the south side of Cheyenne was secured, alongside plans to take up to six existing schools offline during this process.
The total estimated expenditure for this initiative is nearly $100 million. LCSD#1 has a well-structured plan designed to save state resources while addressing the needs of roughly one-third of the student population that has been underserved in recent years.
Secondly, the state requires this type of study to ensure that proposed school expansions align with the actual needs of the district. For tangible evidence, I encourage you to drive by Natrona County High School to understand the necessity of such evaluations.
I believe it is essential to acknowledge the positive outcomes anticipated from this remedy. Over $100 million will be invested in new schools and will primarily benefit the south side of Cheyenne.
This transition not only promises significant savings for the state by optimally consolidating school facilities but also addresses the imperative need for modern learning environments. The schools being phased out average over 50 years in age, and it is critical that we provide students and educators with facilities equipped to meet modern and effective educational demands.
The legislature has faced challenges in consistently supporting public education over the past decade, that is no secret.
We are currently addressing issues stemming from more than 50 years of litigation surrounding state school funding.
Should the legislature allocate resources while expecting that all schools on the closure list remain operational, we would likely encounter renewed litigation from parents and district officials, regarding inadequate learning environments and safety concerns in facilities that no longer meet modern standards.
I have dedicated considerable effort to securing funding for our district, particularly for the south side of Cheyenne, where no new schools have been constructed in over a decade.
While I understand the frustration of those affected by the closure of nearby schools, it is important to recognize that similar discussions have occurred in other districts, including Natrona County School District, which underwent a comparable process nearly four years ago.
I hope this message clarifies some of the complexities surrounding this issue and provides insight into the passionate discussions taking place in our community. While I may not have all the answers, I welcome the opportunity to discuss the legislative role in this process further. Please feel free to reach out to me at 307-630-0582.
Rep. Landon Brown
Chairman, Select Committee on School Facilities
