District overview
Sheridan County School District #2
How Sheridan County School District #2 is funded and governed, and what it is working on
How is this district funded?
Like other Wyoming districts, SCSD2 is funded mainly through the state's School Foundation Program. The state guarantees each district an amount set by its funding model. Local property taxes collected through the county count toward that guarantee, and the state pays the rest. In 2026 the Legislature passed Senate File 0081, the first full recalibration of the model in 21 years. It turned much of the old flexible block grant into restricted categorical funding, so the board now has less freedom to move money between programs.
Enrollment drives revenue
State funding follows average daily membership (ADM). The 2026-27 budget projects an ADM of 3,330.42, down 24.459 from the year before, after enrollment fell by 123.12 students over FY25 and FY26.
An 'instructional silo' restricts spending
Under SF0081, $23.21 million of the general fund is an instructional silo. It can pay only salaries, Social Security, Medicare and workers' compensation for listed instructional positions, which covers 327 employees.
Activities and buildings were squeezed
Activities funding fell by $254,688 for 2026-27. From July 1, 2026, foundation money can no longer be used for major maintenance or capital projects. Before that date, the board moved its $2.24 million 'Pre-97' local reserve.
Major maintenance and capital projects get separate state money
Large building work, such as the high school dust collection system and the planned roof repairs, is paid with state major maintenance or capital construction money rather than the operating budget.
The district still ended 2025-26 with healthy fund balances. The third-quarter report showed a $23.7 million general fund balance before year-end spending. The new restrictions limit flexibility, but they do not by themselves mean the district faces a deficit.
Where the district stands
Up $7,911,473.65 from $72,500,944.14 in 2025-26. Adopted July 13, 2026.
The main operating fund. It is paid for by the state foundation guarantee plus county property taxes.
Down 24.459 from the prior year.
Context calculation: $64,133,219 ÷ 3,330.42 ADM. Covers operating costs districtwide, not a per-school allocation, and leaves out other funds such as major maintenance, food service and grants.
Caused by SF81. The state estimates a $3.8 million (8.3%) cut statewide.
NCES Common Core of Data directory: seven elementary schools, Sheridan Junior High, The Wright Place middle school, Sheridan High and John C. Schiffer Collaborative School.
November 3, 2025 through October 5, 2026, including work sessions and roundtables. Minutes were collected for 21 of them; the October 5, 2026 minutes were not yet posted.
Major projects
Superintendent transition
CompleteScott Stults retired at the end of 2025-26. After a nationwide search, the board appointed Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Adsit, who has led the district since June 30, 2026.
- Board approved a search consultant
- Rebecca Adsit appointed unanimously
- Superintendent contract took effect
Funding
Search consultant (Crafted Consulting) approved at up to $7,500 on December 8, 2025.
Woodland Park Elementary exterior panel replacement
Contract awarded; construction began 2026Exterior panels that were installed improperly when the school was built in 2009 are being replaced, and the district is exploring recovering the costs.
- Contract tabled for legal advice
- $1,122,831.57 awarded to Summit Sealants
- Planned construction start
Funding
Major maintenance
Sheridan High School woodshop dust collection system
Under construction (summer 2026 update)Replacement of the career and technical education woodshop dust collection system.
- $974,345 contract to O'Dell Construction approved
- Summer facilities update reported work in progress
Funding
State funding of $1,533,831
Greenhouse complex
ApprovedA greenhouse complex built by O'Dell Construction.
- Contract approved
Funding
Depreciation reserves (moved from major maintenance by budget amendment)
Sheridan Junior High and Sagebrush Elementary roof repairs
Proposed (design contract on the October 5, 2026 agenda)Design work for roof repairs at two schools, with construction planned for summer 2027.
- Design contract on the agenda
- Construction planned for summer 2027
Funding
State money (design fee proposal from Arete Design Group)
State activities funding fix
Pending at the LegislatureAfter SF81 cut district activities funding by $254,688, a state working group is drafting a 'base-plus-ADM' funding model for activities.
- Board briefed on the cut and the working group
Funding
State
Recent news
Based on NCES identity data, the district's official website, and a chronological review of 154 collected board records (agendas, packets, packet items and approved minutes) from November 3, 2025 through October 5, 2026.
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