With the conclusion of the 2026 Wyoming Legislature there was school recalibration. This endeavored to solve what had been what was determined to be an underfunded school model based on the state constitution. However, the “silo” model chosen by legislators may have protected raises for certified educators, but it also created a spirited discussion about activities funding, where it will come from and why it will disproportionately affect some schools more than others. Cokeville for example, is one of the high schools in the eye of the storm as a small school as part of a larger district. As a result, the CHS activities are facing huge cuts to their budget.

Kenneth Dietz, Principal for Cokeville Schools, recently told the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration that “this legislation created a $130,000 hole in Cokeville activities that would have killed all activities in Cokeville in a single year.” 

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The Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) also caught the interest of many in the state when they released a letter noting potential cuts or changes to activities in order to make the numbers work. 

In all cases it has provided a topic of discussion. In some cases it has created online chaos and even in others there have been programs that have been terminated. Sublette County School District #1 decided to cut a very successful golf program in last month’s meeting, one example of how serious the topic is for many. For LCSD#2, there are no cuts coming for now and the discussion to do so will be more based on what happens in the next year, including the 2027 Wyoming Legislature. 

“We’re not making any decisions right now,” Superintendent Matt Erickson told SVI Media. “We are not even increasing activity fees. Our board has been gracious enough to keep things as they are and use cash reserves for a year if needs be. We are working hard behind the scenes and trying to work through the silo situation.”

There have been promises from some elected officials to fix the problem as well as others who feel a year of tinkering will bring about the desired results. 

“We have some commitments from some in the legislature to get things turned around,” Erickson continued. “So I think we’re going to be alright for this year. It will be business as usual for LCSD#2. Next year we will make good, educated decisions after the legislative session. We believe activities and athletics are critical to student success.”

Some sports in particular such as soccer, skiing and indoor track have been in the crosshairs of early discussion statewide. Erickson noted that the three high schools in the district, Star Valley, Cokeville and Swift Creek have all been examined as part of the discussion.  

“We’ve put together the three schools as to what each activity costs but that’s more of an educational thing,” Erickson explained. “For example, at SVHS, 52-74% of the various activities costs are from coaching stipends and benefits. In some sports the majority of the costs are from coaching stipends and with others it’s equipment and officials. We know what each activity costs but there’s been no discussion as to cutting any activity.”