During the 2024 session, the Wyoming Legislature appropriated $10 million to establish a two year Mental Health Service grant program. The WDE intends to distribute $5 million of the appropriation for the 2024-25 school year. Grant funding will be distributed to each school district and state-authorized charter school operating during the 2024-25 school year on a proportional basis. Any amounts calculated for districts that decline to participate in the grant will be allocated to participating districts.
The WDE anticipates utilization of these grant funds for three primary areas, direct services or personnel to deliver direct services, funding curriculum or other materials, and implementing various mental health programs.
Funding is based on each participating school’s funding model average daily membership (ADM) for school years 2024–25 and 2025–26. The WDE has established emergency rules and developed a new WDE718 data collection to meet the requirements of the legislation. The form is found on the Forms Inventory web page by expanding the WDE718 and navigating to the Documents tab. Each grant recipient shall report to the WDE:
- The expenditure of the amounts awarded.
- The number of students that received services.
- The impact of services offered through the grant.
Districts should fully expend grant funds by June 30 each year. Unexpended funds for year one must be returned to the WDE by July 31, 2025. Unexpended funds for year two must be returned to the WDE by July 31, 2026.
Additional details and dates for informational sessions will be forthcoming.
For more information, contact Dustin Brown, Education Consultant – Court Ordered and Medical Necessary Placement of Students, at dustin.brown1@wyo.gov or 307-631-5377.
