Senate committee backs bill raising school maintenance rates, cites aging buildings and funding shortfalls
January 17, 2025 | Education Committee, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Senate Education Committee on Jan. 17 voted to pass Senate File 34, a bill that would increase the state formulas that provide routine and major maintenance funding to Wyoming school districts.
Senator Landon, sponsor from the select committee on school facilities, told the committee the state has “over 25,000,000 square feet of school facilities” and that underfunding maintenance now will increase replacement costs later. Director Dale Matholme of the State Construction Department told the committee the bill raises routine maintenance and major maintenance multipliers to better match study recommendations and life-cycle needs.
The bill would move the routine-maintenance multiplier from roughly 1.15% to about 1.35% and the major-maintenance multiplier from about 2.0% to 2.5% of the replacement-value basis used in the formula. “If we continue to defer maintenance at the 2% … the lifespan of the buildings, we’re probably cutting short the life expectancy of a building by about 2 years,” Director Matholme said, citing earlier consultant studies. He added that shortening building lifespans increases capital-construction costs over time.
Why it matters: Committee members and the director said the state’s current approach has left large, older schools with excess square footage and insufficient maintenance funding. Matholme and Senator Landon said that several high-profile replacements — Rock Springs High School and Campbell County High School — have roughly 100,000 square feet of “excess capacity,” which increases the cost pressure when replacements become necessary.
Funding specifics discussed at the hearing included a $38 million first-year appropriation tied to the formula changes, with staff noting the number would grow in subsequent years as the replacement-value basis and other factors are trued up. Matholme said the biennial major-maintenance total would be roughly $178 million under the proposal. The bill also includes a $5.5 million increase earmarked for routine maintenance passed through block grants, noted during testimony.
Committee members pressed for oversight and accountability after a senator raised unverified rumors that some districts might divert maintenance money. Matholme said the State Construction Department distributes major-maintenance payments directly and requires districts to submit a 680 report and project plans before spending on larger remodels; project managers review and approve eligible uses. He said the office tracks annual spending and requires districts to justify use of funds for larger remodeling projects.
Public comment included a brief statement from Nick Bellack of the Wyoming School Boards Association urging support, saying properly funded maintenance “is of paramount importance” to preserve assets and extend building life.
The committee voted to report the bill “do pass.” Roll call recorded five ayes: Senator Bridal, Senator Olson, Senator Rothfuss, Senator Scott and Chairwoman Schueller.
What’s next: With committee approval, the bill will move to the full Senate for further consideration.
Senator Landon, sponsor from the select committee on school facilities, told the committee the state has “over 25,000,000 square feet of school facilities” and that underfunding maintenance now will increase replacement costs later. Director Dale Matholme of the State Construction Department told the committee the bill raises routine maintenance and major maintenance multipliers to better match study recommendations and life-cycle needs.
The bill would move the routine-maintenance multiplier from roughly 1.15% to about 1.35% and the major-maintenance multiplier from about 2.0% to 2.5% of the replacement-value basis used in the formula. “If we continue to defer maintenance at the 2% … the lifespan of the buildings, we’re probably cutting short the life expectancy of a building by about 2 years,” Director Matholme said, citing earlier consultant studies. He added that shortening building lifespans increases capital-construction costs over time.
Why it matters: Committee members and the director said the state’s current approach has left large, older schools with excess square footage and insufficient maintenance funding. Matholme and Senator Landon said that several high-profile replacements — Rock Springs High School and Campbell County High School — have roughly 100,000 square feet of “excess capacity,” which increases the cost pressure when replacements become necessary.
Funding specifics discussed at the hearing included a $38 million first-year appropriation tied to the formula changes, with staff noting the number would grow in subsequent years as the replacement-value basis and other factors are trued up. Matholme said the biennial major-maintenance total would be roughly $178 million under the proposal. The bill also includes a $5.5 million increase earmarked for routine maintenance passed through block grants, noted during testimony.
Committee members pressed for oversight and accountability after a senator raised unverified rumors that some districts might divert maintenance money. Matholme said the State Construction Department distributes major-maintenance payments directly and requires districts to submit a 680 report and project plans before spending on larger remodels; project managers review and approve eligible uses. He said the office tracks annual spending and requires districts to justify use of funds for larger remodeling projects.
Public comment included a brief statement from Nick Bellack of the Wyoming School Boards Association urging support, saying properly funded maintenance “is of paramount importance” to preserve assets and extend building life.
The committee voted to report the bill “do pass.” Roll call recorded five ayes: Senator Bridal, Senator Olson, Senator Rothfuss, Senator Scott and Chairwoman Schueller.
What’s next: With committee approval, the bill will move to the full Senate for further consideration.
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