Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming is getting more money from the federal government to improve its lowest-achieving schools. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced yesterday that Wyoming will get $1.1 million in 2013. It's the third year the state has gotten a grant from the department's School Improvement Grant Program.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — An interim legislative committee is studying how to improve school security in Wyoming. The Associated Press reported yesterday that it's looking at training, safer building and school resource officers. Gov. Matt Mead asked the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to start the group.

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — The Campbell County School District is seeking a waiver for the second straight year under the state's 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio rule for grades K-3. The state Legislature approved the standard in 2011, requiring schools to have classroom ratios of one teacher per 16 students in kindergarten through third grade. The law allows districts to seek waivers based on specific criteria if it couldn't meet the ratio. Twenty districts received waivers last year.

PINEDALE, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service plans to close the Fremont Lake Campground and Upper Fremont Lake Boat Launch Site north on the Pinedale Ranger District this summer season to allow for reconstruction. Plans call for construction of improved roads to allow two-way traffic to access the Upper Fremont Boat Site as well as a new boat ramp and dock. Work is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.