Rock Springs schools let 30 unlicensed staff run special ed, state finds
A Wyoming Department of Education special monitoring review of Sweetwater County School District No. 1 in Rock Springs, finalized June 8, 2026, found the district out of compliance with federal special education law in four of five areas. Investigators found 30 unlicensed teachers or providers working in special education without adequate supervision; 26% of reviewed files showed services delivered by uncredentialed staff, 60% showed services not delivered as students' IEPs required, and 47% showed parents denied meaningful participation. The report said staff were terrified of backlash for disagreeing with administrators. The district objected to the draft; WDE rejected the objections and ordered corrective action within a year. In September the board put Superintendent Joseph Libby on paid leave without public explanation, and in October the CFO resigned.
A state investigation into Sweetwater County School District No. 1's special education program found it out of compliance in four of five major areas reviewed.
The departures come amid a tumultuous stretch for the Rock Springs-based school district, which placed Superintendent Joe Libby on paid administrative leave last month and eliminated the assistant superintendent position.
The District employed and utilized 30 unlicensed teachers or providers in special education, permitting them to work autonomously in contravention of IDEA’s personnel requirements and contrary to limitations placed on unlicensed personnel by PTSB.
Board chair Cole Wright said the district received the report and is reviewing its findings and recommendations.
Contacted — no response by publication. This space stays open; any statement is added here in full.
Arnoldi and district counsel submitted objections to the draft report's procedures and findings.
No outcome recorded yet.