Eliminates continuing contract tenure status for teachers in Wyoming and modifies hearing procedures for teacher suspension, dismissal, and termination.
- Removes continuing contract status from Wyoming teacher employment law and establishes that all teachers operate under annual or limited-term contracts (probationary teachers on one-year contracts, nonprobationary teachers on up to four-year contracts). (W.S. 21-7-104(a), W.S. 21-7-105(a), W.S. 21-7-109)
- Defines probationary teachers as those employed for less than three consecutive school years and establishes that probationary teachers may be terminated for any reason not specifically prohibited by law, without limitation to specific grounds. (W.S. 21-7-102(a)(x), W.S. 21-7-105(b))
- Allows nonprobationary teachers to be terminated for any reason not specifically prohibited by law before the offer and acceptance of an additional contract. (W.S. 21-7-106(a))
- For nonprobationary teachers receiving termination notice, establishes a limited hearing before the school board (rather than an independent hearing officer) with no formal contested case procedures, written evidence only, no oral testimony, and the board determining whether termination is based on stated reasons. (W.S. 21-7-110(h), W.S. 21-7-110(j), W.S. 21-7-110(k), W.S. 21-7-110(m))
- For teachers subject to dismissal or suspension without pay, establishes a hearing before an independent hearing officer through the office of administrative hearings with contested case procedures, requiring the superintendent to prove the grounds for suspension or dismissal. (W.S. 21-7-110(c), W.S. 21-7-110(d), W.S. 21-7-110(e))
- Requires the board to issue a written order within 20 days after a hearing, with reasons if the board overrides a hearing officer's recommendation for retention, and allows appeals to district court under the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. (W.S. 21-7-110(g), W.S. 21-7-110(m), W.S. 21-7-110(n))
- Establishes that the hearing process and limited hearing right does not create a property right in employment and clarifies that suspension with pay does not entitle a teacher to a hearing. (Section 3, W.S. 21-7-110(p))
