Cost Unknown For New Education Director - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

Cost Unknown For New Education Director

Governor Matt Mead says he's not sure how much it's going to cost to hire a director for the Wyoming Department of Education.

"It's a great question. There will be a cost to hiring a director and I told the Board of Education I'm not sure what the appropriate amount is" says the Governor. "We are going to find one of the best people available and that may be expensive. It may be up there with some of our highest paid directors."

Besides the cost of the new director, Cindy Hill, Superintendent of Public Instruction, says she needs a bigger budget.

According to Governor Mead, her office currently has a budget of $2.6 million. Hill is asking for about $6.2 million.

Because of a new law much of her power has been given to the new director position. Still, she's adamant about getting additional funding. "When we're working with 90,990 students, 349 schools, hundreds of school board members, we have responsibilities that require resources" she says.

Governor Mead hasn't commented on her proposal. It's clear he thinks $6.2 million is steep.

Once the Governor gives his comments to Hill and the Legislature, it's up to the Legislature to approve or vote down the proposal.