Cheyenne, Wyo - The LCSD#1 Board of Trustees is releasing a statement following the community's reaction to its recent most cost-effective remedy (MCER) study. The statement reads as follows:
Laramie County School District #1 and the Board of Trustees appreciate the ongoing concern and conversation regarding the future of our school buildings. However, we feel it is necessary to address some of the recent comments aimed at certain district administrators' roles in the recently completed MCER study.
Laramie County School District #1 has had conversations – both internally and externally – for years regarding our district facilities. While we understand that some in the community were surprised and upset about the recommendation to build four new elementary schools while closing eight smaller, aging schools over the next decade, we believe that the ire and negativity directed at those that took part in the MCER on behalf of the district is unfair and misplaced.
To begin, the board would point out that district staff have made numerous presentations over the years to the Board of Trustees, community members, and others to help garner awareness of the district’s facility funding needs and plans to consolidate many of its aging facilities. In recent years, these presentations have been on the 2019 and 2023 LCSD1 Long Range Facility Plans (also published on the School Construction Department’s website), as well as the district's own MCER completed by Plan One Architects (originally developed in 2019, and updated in 2021, 2022, and 2023), all of which contain recommendations related to consolidating facilities. In particular, the Plan One MCER identified District priorities of continuing the 5-6 grade configuration model and phasing out older buildings to reduce the District's major maintenance burden, relieve staffing issues, and consolidate design remedies. Specifically within this plan, the district discussed a need for three new buildings in the South Triad. This would have included the replacement of Arp and Cole and the building of a 5-6 school with the closure of Hebard, Fairview, Lebhart, and Bain. These Board approved priorities were brought forward by district staff to the most recent state-funded MCER.
Further, the Board would like to dispel the narrative that it was not informed or provided updates as the MCER proceeded. The Board received updates throughout the MCER process about the different types of remedies being considered. However, many of the trustees were surprised at the final decision that was brought forward that was broader and presented as an all or nothing option in order to receive the funding for the much-needed buildings. While administration was involved in many conversations throughout the process, ultimately it was the responsibility of the state’s third-party consultant to determine the most cost-effective remedy.
The Board and administration did not receive the final report on the MCER, and were not aware of the consultant’s ultimate recommendation, until the end of the process. Once received, it was immediately posted on the district’s website for public review.
The board firmly supports our district staff and the role they played in the MCER study. It is vital to clarify that there was no collusion or ulterior motives influencing the outcome. Every step taken was aimed at addressing the challenges faced by our district and finding viable, fiscally responsible solutions.
As a Board, we understand the impact these changes will have on our students, families, and community at large. We pledge to work with those affected to navigate these changes as we move forward. The Board is committed to ensuring that all LCSD#1 students receive the support and education they deserve.
