Wyoming Panel’s Decision to Increase Classroom Capacity Criticized
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The recent decision by the state School Facilities Commission to increase classroom capacity for younger students in Wyoming is drawing criticism.
State Democratic Sen. Chris Rothfuss, of Laramie, says the commission's action took the power to drive education policy out of the Legislature's hands.
The commission's decision changed the standard size of classrooms to accommodate up to 25 students. The Legislature allows districts to set student-teacher ratio for kindergartners through third-graders at 16 students to one teacher. The Legislature last session rejected at least two bills that would have increased class sizes.
Rothfuss says the commission was trying to dictate policy on class sizes.
Facilities Commission chairman Bryan Monteith says the decision was based on maximizing space and wasn't an attempt to dictate policy.