Meet Unelected Wyoming

Education

Charter School Authorizing Board

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:

WS 21-3-302.2

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

Supervise and approve the operation of charter schools. Establish and maintain policies and practices for charter schools, and authorize an additional charter school.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

8

Appointed member term length:

4y

Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):

1

Next vacancy (year):
Member selection type:

Gov appt, confirmed by senate

Ex officio member details:
Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:

All appointed members of the board shall receive compensation, per diem and mileage for actual time spent in performance of their duties and traveling expenses while in attendance and going to and from board meetings in the same manner and amount as members of the Wyoming legislature.

Compensation amount:

$150 daily (based on 2,024 rules)

Reimbursements:

Mileage & Per Diem

Reimbursement details:

Same as state reimbursements

Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:

Each member appointed must be a resident of Wyoming and have experience and expertise in public or nonprofit governance, management or finance, public school leadership, assessment, curriculum or instruction or public education law.

General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):

5 years experience in education in WY

# Subgroup 2:

3

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

13

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:

1

How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

10

Mandatory meeting requirements:

biannually

Online public participation allowed?:

yes

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:

Provided in agenda

Source:

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

No

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The board oversees the creation and operation of charter schools by reviewing applications, authorizing schools, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. With recent legislative changes removing authorization caps, especially after July 1, 2,025, the board plays a crucial role in expanding charter school options while maintaining accountability and setting operational standards, working alongside local school districts.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:

WY Dept of Education

List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):

State Superintendent of Education

Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:
Associated agency:

WY Dept of Education

Associated agency budget FY25-26:

$389,960,671.00

Source:

Link

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link/

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link

By laws, regulations, and resolutions urls:

Link

Phone number(s):

307-777-7675


Community College Commission

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:

WS 21-18-201

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

To administer the program for state support for the community college system including distribution of amounts authorized by the Legislature; establish tuition rates for community colleges; and establishes the formula for distribution of state aid.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

9

Appointed member term length:

4y

Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:

2 term max

# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):

2,025

Member selection type:

Gov appt

Ex officio member details:

The governor and the state superintendent of public instruction are ex officio nonvoting members of the commission.

Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:
Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:

Mileage & Per Diem

Reimbursement details:

Same as state reimbursements

Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 4 (geographic):

No less than three (3) nor more than four (4) appointed members shall be from counties in which a community college district is located

# Subgroup 4:

3 or 4

Subgroup 5 (political party):

No more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the members shall be from the same political party

# Subgroup 5:
Subgroup 6 (other):

The governor and the state superintendent of public instruction are ex officio nonvoting members of the commission

# Subgroup 6:

2

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

5

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:

5

How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

5

Mandatory meeting requirements:

quarterly

Online public participation allowed?:

yes

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:

on website

Source:

Link

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

yes

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

Commissioners oversee community college advocacy and regulatory compliance, setting system priorities, approving budgets and tuition rates, allocating state funds, reviewing academic programs, prioritizing capital projects, and approving required reports to stakeholders.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:

$258,114,964.00

Associated agency:
Associated agency budget FY25-26:
Source:

Link

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link

Phone number(s):

(307) 777-7763


Early Childhood State Advisory Council

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:
Establishing law citation/number:

EO 2019-4

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

Create a strategic plan to design Wyoming's early childhood development efforts toward assisting families and enhancing opportunities for young children to succeed as citizens, accomplished by a collaboration between Wyoming communities, various levels of state and local government, nonprofit organizations, businesses health organizations, churches, and parents to provide integrated and comprehensive services for all families.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

27

Appointed member term length:

3y

Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):

2

Next vacancy (year):

2,025

Member selection type:

Gov appt

Ex officio member details:
Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:

none

Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:

Mileage & Per Diem

Reimbursement details:

Same as state reimbursements

Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):

The State Director of Head Start Collaboration; a WY legislator, a rep from Gov office, a rep from WY children's Trust Fund

# Subgroup 1:

4

Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):

A representative from the State agency responsible for child care; A representative from the State educational agency; A representative of local education agencies; A representative from the University of Wyoming; A representative from the Community Colleges; A representative of local providers of early childhood education and development services; A representative of local Head Start agencies, including migrant and seasonal programs and Indian Head Start programs; A representative of local early intervention programs and services; A representative of afterschool programs; A representative from the State agency responsible for health or mental health care; A representative of parents with young children; A representative of advocates for young children;

# Subgroup 2:

12

Subgroup 3 (racial, ethnic, minority, or community/group representation):

A representative of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe; A representative of the Northern Arapahoe Tribe; A representative responsible for programs under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;

# Subgroup 3:

3

Subgroup 6 (other):

A representative of private foundations with a funding emphasis on early childhood programs and services;

# Subgroup 6:

1

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

5

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

5

Mandatory meeting requirements:

other

Online public participation allowed?:

yes

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:

email [email protected].

Source:

Link.

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

no

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The council is responsible for conducting statewide needs assessments on early childhood programs, identifying coordination opportunities and barriers, developing recommendations for policy and practice improvements, collaborating with state agencies and stakeholders on grant implementation, and providing annual reports to the governor on the needs and impact for Wyoming's young children.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:

Dept Family Services

List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):

DFS, Governor

Does the board make regular recommendations to:

DFS, Governor

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:
Associated agency:

Dept Family Services

Associated agency budget FY25-26:

$324,703,720.00

Source:

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link.

Email:

[email protected]

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link.

Phone number(s):

307.777.7564


Education Commission of the States (aka Interstate Compact for Edu)

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:

(a) In addition to authority conferred on the commission by other provisions of the compact, the commission shall have authority to: (i) Collect, correlate, analyze and interpret information and data concerning educational needs and resources. (ii) Encourage and foster research in all aspects of education, but with special reference to the desirable scope of instruction, organization, administration, and instructional methods and standards employed or suitable for employment in public educational systems. (iii) Develop proposals for adequate financing of education as a whole and at each of its many levels. (iv) Conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this article in any instance where the commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this compact, utilizing fully the resources of national associations, regional compact organizations for higher education, and other agencies and institutions, both public and private. (v) Formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of public education as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials. (vi) Do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this compact.

Establishing law citation/number:

WS 21-16-301

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

An interstate compact to create a joint state voice for education and give states a broad array of options for improving K-12 and higher education.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

7

Appointed member term length:

indefinite

Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):
Member selection type:

Gov appt

Ex officio member details:
Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:
Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:
Reimbursement details:
Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):

Governor or designee, 1 state senator, 1 state representative

# Subgroup 1:

3

Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):

(4) others who are appointed by governor who reflect broadly the interests of the state government, higher education, the state education system, local education, lay and professional, public and nonpublic educational leadership. Of those appointees, one (1) shall be the head of a state agency or institution, designated by the governor, having responsibility for one (1) or more programs of public education.

# Subgroup 2:

4

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

1

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:
How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

1

Mandatory meeting requirements:

annual

Online public participation allowed?:

no

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:
Source:

Link/

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

no

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The commission is authorized to gather and analyze educational data, promote educational research, develop funding proposals, conduct or participate in research projects, formulate policy recommendations for public education improvement, and perform any other necessary administrative functions to fulfill its compact obligations.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:

$2,023 FY end $9,270,764 revenue, $11,539,071 expenses, $10,871,422 assets, $842,736 liabilities

Associated agency:
Associated agency budget FY25-26:
Source:

Link

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link/

Email:

Link/

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

annual reports: Link/


Military Interstate Childrens Compact Commission (MIC3)

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:

Through the Interstate Compact, MIC3 addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families.

Establishing law citation/number:

WS 21-24-108

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

Each member state of the interstate compact on students of military families is to create a state council to provide for the coordination among its state agencies of government, local education agencies and military installations concerning the state's participation in and compliance with the compact and interstate commission activities.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

11

Appointed member term length:
Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):
Member selection type:

Gov appt

Ex officio member details:

The compact commissioner and the military family education liaison designated herein shall be ex-officio members of the state council, unless either is already a full voting member of the state council

Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:
Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:

Mileage & Per Diem

Reimbursement details:
Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):

state superintendent of education, superintendent of a school district with a high concentration of military children, a representative from a military installation, one (1) representative each from the legislative and executive branches of government

# Subgroup 1:

5

Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):

military family education liaison for each member appointed to the commission

# Subgroup 2:

5

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

1

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:

3

How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

3

Mandatory meeting requirements:

annual

Online public participation allowed?:

yes

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
No
Online participation and meeting agenda details:

provided in agenda

Source:

Link/

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

yes

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission manages its operations and enforces the compact through rule-making, compliance measures, and resource management, including budgeting, staffing, and information sharing, to ensure the smooth transition of military children's education.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:
Associated agency:
Associated agency budget FY25-26:
Source:

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link/

Email:

[email protected]

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link/

Phone number(s):

307.771.2305


School Facilities Commission

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:

To partner with Wyoming school districts to ensure the efficient, flexible, and responsible flow of funds to build and maintain cost-effective, adequate and equitable school facilities that best serve the needs of Wyoming students.

Establishing law citation/number:

WS 21-15-113

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

ensure adequate and equitable K-12 educational facilities throughout the state, aided by the School Facilities Department; the commissions works to facilitate: implementation of policies, guidelines, and standards adopted by the Commission; helping districts develop comprehensive, long range facility plans; maintaining a school facilities database comprised of building and facility specific information; and many other duties.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

8

Appointed member term length:

4y

Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):

2,025

Member selection type:

Gov appt w/Senate confirmation

Ex officio member details:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall serve in an Ex-Officio, non-voting capacity;

Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:

paid while working on commission business only

Compensation amount:

$125/day

Reimbursements:

Mileage & Per Diem

Reimbursement details:

Same as state reimbursements

Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):

The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall serve in an Ex-Officio, non-voting capacity

# Subgroup 1:

1

Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):

building and facility engineering, construction and operations; building design and specifications; estimating, bidding and building construction; school district administration

# Subgroup 2:

4

Subgroup 4 (geographic):

(1) member appointed from each of the seven (7) appointment districts designated in 9-1-218(b)

# Subgroup 4:

7

Subgroup 5 (political party):

Not more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the appointed members shall be of the same political party.

# Subgroup 5:

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

9

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:

5

How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

7

Mandatory meeting requirements:

quarterly

Online public participation allowed?:

yes

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:

Provided online with agenda

Source:

Link

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

yes

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The commission will stablish statewide standards for school building design and construction, approve school construction projects, and distribute state funding for these projects. The Commission also plays a role in overseeing the maintenance and renovation of existing school facilities. They work closely with school districts to assess facility needs, develop long-range plans, and ensure that school buildings are safe, functional, and conducive to learning.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:

School Facilities Division, State Construction Dept

List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:
Associated agency:

School Facilities Division of State Contruction Dept

Associated agency budget FY25-26:

$343,616,366.00

Source:

Link

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link

Email:

[email protected]

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link

By laws, regulations, and resolutions urls:

Link

Phone number(s):

307-777-8670


University of Wyoming Board of Trustees

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:

As Wyoming’s university, we unlock the extraordinary in every person through education, research, innovation, engagement, and service.

Establishing law citation/number:

WS 21-17-201

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

Assesses all the powers necessary or convenient to accomplish the objects and perform the duties prescribed by law, and shall have custody of the books, records, buildings and all other property of the university. The Board of Trustees shall prescribe rules for the government of the University and all its branches, elect the requisite officers, professors, instructors, and employees, a director of finance and budget, and a superintendent of buildings and grounds.

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

17

Appointed member term length:

6y

Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):

1

Next vacancy (year):

2,025

Member selection type:

Gov appt w/Senate confirmation

Ex officio member details:

(i) governor; (ii) president of the University; (iii) state superintendent of public instruction; and (iv) president of the Associated Students of the University are Ex-Officio members, having the right to speak, but not to vote.

Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:
Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:
Reimbursement details:
Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 1 (public position or membership):

(i) governor; (ii) president of the University; (iii) state superintendent of public instruction; and (iv) president of the Associated Students of the University are Ex-Officio members

# Subgroup 1:

4

Subgroup 4 (geographic):

At least one (1) trustee shall be appointed from each appointment district persuant to W.S. 9-1-218. No two (2) members may be residents of the same county.

# Subgroup 4:

12

Subgroup 5 (political party):

Not more than 75% of the commission shall represent the same political party

# Subgroup 5:

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

12

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:

6

How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

12

Mandatory meeting requirements:

monthly

Online public participation allowed?:

yes

Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
Yes
Online participation and meeting agenda details:
Source:

Link/

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

yes

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The board is responsible for setting policies, managing finances, appointing the university president, and overseeing academic programs. The board is responsible for ensuring the university's mission is fulfilled, which entails managing all aspects of the university's resources, including physical facilities, and representing the university's interests to the state and public. They are also empowered to establish rules and regulations for the university's operation

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:

University of Wyoming

List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:
Associated agency:

University of Wyoming

Associated agency budget FY25-26:

$468,394,328.00

Source:

Link

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link/

Email:

[email protected]

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link

By laws, regulations, and resolutions urls:

Link

Phone number(s):

307-766-4121


Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)

Basic board information and history

Category:
Mission statement:

WICHE works collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West. By promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy, WICHE strengthens higher education’s contributions to the region’s social, economic, and civic life.

Establishing law citation/number:

Interstate Compact & WS 21-16-201

Broad legal authority or intention statement:

Created to provide access to educational programs through interstate cooperation. The states agree to cooperatively provide acceptable, efficient educational facilities to meet the needs of the region and of the residents of the states

#, term, selection, etc

Total # of members:

3

Appointed member term length:
Are there term limits?:
Yes
Term limit and length details:
# of vacancies (as of Nov 2024):
Next vacancy (year):

2,025

Member selection type:

Gov Appt

Ex officio member details:
Source:

Link

Salary, benefits, barriers

Full time or part time:

Part Time

Compensation type:

none

Compensation amount:
Reimbursements:

actual & necessary expenses

Reimbursement details:

from funds of commission

Travel required:

Qualifications applied to all members

General Education qualifications:
General Expertise/Representation qualifications:
General qualifications (other):

WY residents

Qualifications applied to certain seats or a subset

Subgroup 2 (industry/field representation):

Educator engaged in the field of higher education

# Subgroup 2:

1

Subgroup 4 (geographic):

WY residents

# Subgroup 4:

2

Meetings, accessibility, public feedback, etc

# of meetings in 2024:

2

# of in-person member meetings held in 2024:

2

How many months of 2024 had at least one meeting:

2

Mandatory meeting requirements:

annual

Online public participation allowed?:
Can public claim or sign up for agenda time in advance?:
No
Online participation and meeting agenda details:
Source:

Link

Duties, areas of responsibility, powers, reporting

Can the board pass regulations/rules?:

no

What does the constitution or statute explicitly give the board control over broadly?:

The commission facilitates regional cooperation in higher education among western states. It enables resource sharing, particularly in specialized fields, and increases student access through tuition-reduction and exchange programs. WICHE conducts research, provides policy recommendations, and serves as an information exchange for best practices in higher education.

Are there agencies above this board in the state gov. hierarchy or organization?:
List agencies or offices this board meets with regularly (a minimum of once per year):
Does the board make regular recommendations to:

Budget and staff

FY25-26 board budget:
Associated agency:
Associated agency budget FY25-26:
Source:

Contact, meeting and res. links, by laws

Website home page:

Link/

Email:

[email protected]

Board meetings, minutes, and agendas:

Link

Phone number(s):

303.541.0204