Wyoming State Board of Education

Since its formation over 100 years ago, the Wyoming State Board of Education has been a consistent and stabilizing force for the public school system. Even as responsibilities have expanded in volume and importance, the board continues to maintain its focus on enhancing student outcomes through steady, nonpartisan policy making.

Created by the Wyoming legislature in 1917, it was a time of great ferment throughout the country. The U.S. Senate was contemplating entering World War I, and Wyoming had been a state for only 27 years. John B. Kendrick, cattleman and politician from Sheridan, Wyoming, was governor. Colonel “Buffalo Bill” Cody also died that winter, and Governor Kendrick delivered the eulogy. The state legislature was considering the adoption of a state flag and state flower. They also took up the hotly debated issue of prohibition, which they rejected, despite its approval at the federal level.

New School Code legislation was perhaps the most important thing the Wyoming legislature considered that winter. Drafted following a comprehensive, statewide survey designed to investigate the real needs of the public school system, it served as the catalyst for a complete revision of the existing code.

New provisions included the establishment of a nonpartisan Wyoming State Board of Education, to serve in an advisory capacity to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The board was also given all necessary powers to work with the Federal Board of Vocational Education to promote education in agriculture, trades and industries in an effort to prepare teachers of vocational subjects. The New School Code further revised standards for curriculum, teacher certification, school attendance and school buildings. (wyoshpo.state.wy.us/Schools/History/Progressive.aspx)

The New School Code bill was adopted without opposition on February 17 and signed by Governor Kendrick on February 21, 1917. In 1919, the Fifteenth State Legislature expanded and more clearly defined the board’s responsibilities, including general oversight of vocational or other special schools receiving state aid; prescription of standards regulating the general course of study for elementary and high schools, and for any other institution which receives state aid; regulation of construction and site selection of school houses; supervision of the examination of superintendents and teachers for the public schools; and cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education regarding the examination and instruction of children with special needs. “The board is entrusted with these and other important duties prescribed by law.” (wyoarchives.state. wy.us/pdf/WyomingBlueBookTwo.pdf p. 144)

Until 1959, the volunteer board was supported by a paid Commissioner of Education. The legislature later reinstated funding for a professional staff member to help the board fulfill its duties and maintain an independent point of view.

Education reform gained momentum in the 90s, and the State Board of Education became statutorily required to consider and implement additional elements of new education laws. In 2011, the legislature enacted the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act (WAEA), and the board took on new components, including convening the Professional Judgment Panel (PJP) and overseeing the development and deployment of a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of support, managing expanded accreditation requirements, and determining graduation requirements, among other things. In 2015, the U.S. Congress also passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); cementing an even greater need for active, nonpartisan state boards across the nation.

The Wyoming State Board of Education is mainly seated by 11 volunteer regional representatives, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for staggered six-year terms. There are currently three additional ex-officio members including the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Executive Director of the Wyoming Community College Commission, and the President of the University of Wyoming, or their designees.

State Board composition ensures broad stakeholder representation; members begin with an understanding of community concerns and ideas, and they continue the conversation throughout their tenure on the board. Citizens and partners in education have direct access to board members and are invited to offer input at any time.

Wyoming’s constitution guarantees all students equal access to a quality education, and the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act (WAEA) ensures that schools, educators, and leaders are held to consistent standards aimed at improving performance. Under this law, traditional and alternative schools receive annual performance ratings based on multiple indicators such as student growth, achievement, equity, English language proficiency, graduation rates, and postsecondary readiness. Alternative schools also consider climate and engagement. The State Board of Education develops accountability rules and makes final district and school accountability determinations. The WDE provides professional development, school improvement planning, technical assistance, and additional resources for schools that are partially or not meeting expectations.

The Wyoming State Board of Education establishes rules for state and district assessment systems. Assessments measure student proficiency and progress, support college and career readiness, and align with the Wyoming State Content and Performance Standards. These assessments include both statewide tests, locally developed evaluations, and serve as key tools in school accountability. The results help educators, students, and families identify areas for growth, personalize learning, and improve instruction and curriculum across the state.

The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) establishes the Wyoming State Content and Performance Standards across ten content areas. These standards ensure that all schools align their locally developed curricula with consistent statewide expectations, fostering a culture of achievement and preparing students for college and career success. 

Per W.S. 21-9-101(b) each school district within the state shall provide educational programs sufficient to meet uniform student content and performance standards at the level established by the state board of education. The state board ensures a standards review process that provides multiple opportunities for stakeholder input prior to approval. The Wyoming Department of Education oversees the standards review process established by the state board. 

Wyoming’s K–12 school districts are accredited annually by the Wyoming State Board of Education, in accordance with state law (W.S. 21-2-304(a)(ii)). This process ensures schools meet statewide standards for teaching, curriculum, and student success. In addition to the annual review, an on-site peer review is conducted every five years by the Wyoming Department of Education. The accreditation process is based on 24 established criteria and provides transparency and accountability, allowing stakeholders to see how well their local schools are performing. It also supports continuous improvement by helping districts identify and address areas in need of enhancement.