Sheridan College Outlines Financial Plan for the 2025-26 Fiscal Period
In a significant development affecting community colleges in Wyoming, including Sheridan College, a proposed recalibration in federal funding threatens to cause cuts and withholding of adult education and related program funds.
The federal government has paused approximately $716 million in adult education program funding, a sum that community colleges heavily rely on to provide these services. This funding gap is causing serious concern among college leaders, who are bracing for the possibility of staff cuts, reduced services, and the search for alternative funding sources. Adult education is considered a core mission of community colleges, and losing this support could hinder their ability to serve adult learners effectively.
While there isn't direct, detailed information specifically about Sheridan College, as a community college in Wyoming, it is likely that the institution would share in these challenges due to the statewide impact.
Another notable development affecting Wyoming’s community-centered education programs is the recent elimination of federal SNAP-Ed funding, which supports nutrition education programs statewide. This cut, resulting from the Trump administration’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," goes into effect September 30, 2025, and will eliminate 21 jobs and $1.8 million in funding. The program's termination will also result in lost educational outreach and partnerships with hundreds of community organizations that support food and nutrition security. Although SNAP-Ed is a distinct program from community college adult education funding, the loss further stresses the education and support infrastructure in Wyoming communities.
Despite these challenges, Sheridan College has approved an operating budget of nearly $38.2 million for the new fiscal year, reflecting a 17.2% decrease in local property taxes collected. The budget also includes a $990-thousand surplus. College President Dr. Walter Tribley suggests that the College is currently in a financially stable position.
The budget allocates approximately 63% of the operating expenses for salaries. Employees earning more than $100-thousand per year will receive a 1% increase in salary, while those earning less than $100-thousand will receive a 3% increase. The College's Science Center will also receive funds for remodel and addition.
However, Dr. Tribley predicts a potential decrease in funding in the near future, primarily due to recalibration at the state level and changes to property taxes. Less funding may become available through the state and property tax mechanisms in the future. The College is preparing for potential financial challenges in the future by maintaining a fiscal conservative position.
In conclusion, the proposed recalibration primarily consists of significant federal funding cuts and withheld funds for adult education programs in Wyoming, which directly affect community colleges by forcing potential reductions in program offerings, personnel, and services crucial to adult learners. Sheridan College, as part of the Wyoming community college system, stands to be impacted by these funding changes, which compound challenges already faced by other educational programs such as SNAP-Ed.
The federal government's pause on $716 million in adult education program funding, a vital resource for community colleges like Sheridan College, could lead to staff cuts, reduced services, and the need for alternative funding sources. Aware that the institution may face similar challenges, Sheridan College is currently exploring finance options, such as self-development and investment opportunities, to bolster its education-and-self-development initiatives.
