Preparing for the 2021-22 School Year

Wyoming Department of Education > Superintendent's Update > Preparing for the 2021-22 School Year

Dear Superintendents,

There are a few updates and several memos this week as we all prepare and meet the challenges of the 2021-22 school year. I ask that you preview the memos prior to the public release on Monday and distribute them to the intended audience, e.g. CTE teacher orientation goes to teachers, principals, and CTE coordinators.

Finally, the U.S. Senate approved a major bipartisan infrastructure package by a vote of 69-30 this week. The legislation approved does not have a strong focus on K-12 education but there are a number of education-related provisions included that I’ll be keeping my eye on (especially broadband):

  • $500 million to support energy-efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities;
  • $500 million to support increasing transportation energy efficiency for school buses and mass transit, in addition to other vehicles;
  • $200 million to support voluntary testing or compliance monitoring for and remediation of lead contamination in drinking water at schools and child care programs;
  • $5 billion (FY22-FY26) to support a Clean School Bus Program;
  • $42.45 billion to establish a Broadband Access, Equity and Deployment program (not education-specific, but major implications for K-12 students and families).

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature