CHEYENNE — Some of Wyoming’s K-12 schools — including in Laramie County — may soon get a major upgrade.
The House Appropriations Committee has advanced House Bill 105, “K-12 school facilities appropriations-2,” which would allocate $390 million to the School Facilities Commission and the State Construction Department for school construction and maintenance during the 2027-28 biennium.
The proposal represents one of the largest single investments in Wyoming public school infrastructure in recent years. Lawmakers say the money would address aging buildings, safety upgrades, and long-delayed maintenance projects that districts have struggled to fund through local budgets alone. Schools in both urban and rural areas could be eligible for roof replacements, HVAC improvements, classroom expansions and modernization of career-technical education spaces.
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Carrie Haderlie is a freelance journalist who covers southeast Wyoming from her home near Saratoga. She has written for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Laramie Boomerang, Wyoming Business Report and several other publications for many years, including covering the Wyoming Legislature.
With committee approval secured, House Bill 105 now heads to the full House for debate. If passed, it will move to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to scrutinize how the School Facilities Commission prioritizes projects. Supporters argue that delaying the investment would only increase long-term costs, while some fiscal conservatives have signaled concerns about the size of the appropriation.
Education officials have long warned that dozens of Wyoming schools are nearing the end of their intended life spans. A recent assessment by the School Facilities Commission identified more than $700 million in unmet needs over the next decade. House Bill 105 would cover a significant portion of those requirements for the upcoming two-year budget cycle.
District leaders in Laramie County School Districts 1 and 2 have already submitted preliminary wish lists that include security vestibules, science lab renovations and replacement of outdated electrical systems. Rural districts are also seeking funds to stabilize enrollment swings and replace modular classrooms that were meant to be temporary decades ago.
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Construction advocates say the measure could provide a boost to Wyoming contractors and skilled trades. Large school projects typically generate local jobs and demand for materials sourced within the state. The State Construction Department would oversee bidding to ensure compliance with procurement rules and cost controls.
Opponents, however, have urged caution, noting that energy-driven revenue volatility can quickly alter the state’s financial outlook. Some lawmakers have suggested phasing projects over multiple bienniums rather than committing the full $390 million at once.
Parents and educators who testified before the Appropriations Committee described leaking roofs, overcrowded cafeterias and outdated accessibility features. Several said modern facilities are essential for recruiting teachers and preparing students for high-tech careers.
The School Facilities Commission is expected to release a prioritized project list later this spring, assuming the bill becomes law.
Originally reported by Carrie Haderlie Wyoming Tribune Eagle in Wyoming News.
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