End of Session Update
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 1, 2024
As the 2023-25 legislative session has ended, Governor Evers has signed and vetoed numerous bills that would impact school districts. The topics of bills range in topic from raising safety standards, broadening a tech-ed grant program, educator licensing, changes to certain aspects of Act 20 training and screener requirements, and numerous stocking medication bills. He also issued a veto on the following bills:
SB 549, which would have required schools to admit certain federally charted youth organizations once a year for recruiting purposes. (veto message)
SB 335/AB 342 Relating to: allowing school boards to employ a school district administrator who is not licensed by the department of public instruction.
SB 489/AB 510 Relating to: rights reserved to a parent or guardian of a child.
SB 608/AB 640 Relating to: a license to teach based on working as a paraprofessional in a school district.
SB 688/AB 723 Relating to: local government competitive bidding thresholds and requiring school districts to utilize competitive bidding.
Governor Evers signed the following bills:
| Act Number | Enacted Date: | Description (from Wheeler Report) / Subject |
| 2023 Act 160 | 3/21/2024 | Driver Education Instruction related to Work Zone Safety |
| 2023 Act 165 | 3/21/2024 | Technical education equipment grants, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and making an appropriation |
| 2023 Act 192 | 3/22/2023 | Mandatory early literacy professional development (related to 2023 Act 20). Expands training opportunities to meet current law standards and makes the first of the three required literacy screenings (required under Act 20), optional in the 2024-25 school year. |
| 2023 Act 193 | 3/22/2023 | Ready-to-use glucagon rescue therapies in schools. This is not a mandate but it allows undesignated glucagon, used to treat individuals with known Type 1 diabetes, to be prescribed by a physician, advanced nurse prescriber, or physician assistant to a school district or public school, independent charter school, private school, or Tribal school in the name of the school rather than a specific pupil. |
| 2023 Act 194 | 3/23/2024 | Maintaining a supply of usable opioid antagonist at a school; Provides civil immunity for schools and school personnel for administering an opioid antagonist in a school setting if the antagonist is stocked at a school. |
| 2023 Act 195 | 3/22/2023 | The supply and use of short-acting bronchodilators on school premises or at a school-sponsored event |
| 2023 Act 196 | 3/22/2023 | Modify PI 34 rules for Tier I license to allow marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to also serve as mental health practitioners in the school system. This license would not allow the individual to work as a school social worker or school counselor, who are separately licensed. |
| 2023 Act 197 | 3/22/2023 | A modification was made so that ABCTE could continue to operate in this state and participants in the program can gain licensure as previously prescribed in law. |
| 2023 Act 198 | 3/22/2024 | The definition of “strip search” for the purpose of the prohibition against strip-searching a pupil. Redefines the terms “strip search” and “private area” to include undergarments to further protect students from any official, employee, or agent of any school or school district conducting strip searches. |
| 2023 Act 200 | 3/22/2023 | Sexual misconduct against a pupil by a school staff |
| 2023 Act 240 | Provides additional funding for the Office of School Safety at DOJ allowing them to maintain staffing and services through the debate on the next budget. |
A complete list of bills will be sent at the end of this week. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Start Date Rule Comment Period
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 22, 2024
Good Morning,
As a reminder, although the legislative session has concluded for the remainder of 2024, the work to provide additional flexibility around the start date has not ended. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) recently opened the School Start Date rule that governs the issuance of start date waivers. The goal is to provide clearer guidance around the waiver process and additional flexibility for school districts when applying for a waiver. I strongly encourage everyone to email comments to adminrules@dpi.wi.gov or submit comments using the online form to express your support of granting schools additional flexibility and more strongly supporting the ability for locally elected boards to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students and the community.
Please remember that you can work with your school leadership teams to generate multiple emails to the above address or link in support of allowing additional flexibility. Emails can be very simply constructed, or you can use the opportunity to highlight specific reasons that your school district would benefit from additional flexibility. Comments in favor of ch. PI 27 changes must be submitted by March 25, 2024. Below are sample talking points you and others can use to craft a short email:
- The proposed rule provides a more flexible process for school boards to follow when seeking to adjust their school calendars to better meet the academic and local needs of their respective districts. Without additional rule changes to ch. PI 27 school boards are incredibly limited by the current criteria by which they may request an exemption to the school start date.
- Locally elected school boards should be granted greater flexibility in determining the start date for their district, so they are best able to meet the needs of their students.
- Many school districts are working together cooperatively to expand academic opportunities for their students by collaborating with other districts, universities, and technical colleges to provide dual or concurrent enrollment. Having the flexibility to determine their start date locally allows for greater expansion of these opportunities through the alignment of calendars.
The rule is specifically amended to allow for an early start date for updated purposes that better represent the needs of our students, families, and schools. Specifically, SECTION 4. PI 27.03 (5) (f) and (6) (am) are created to read:
PI 27.03 (5) (f) A determination by the school board that an earlier commencement date will improve student achievement across content areas or address academic needs, which includes any of the following:
1. Student graduation rates.
2. Reading proficiency, as measured by reading readiness scores, and mathematics proficiency.
3. Student attendance or absenteeism.
4. Coordination between universities, technical colleges, and school districts related to dual or concurrent enrollment.
5. Mental health of students and staff.
6. Recruitment and retention of the educator workforce.
7. Coordination between one or more school districts related to educational programming.
Additional changes include:
(6) (am) If a request is made after the March 1 deadline under sub. (3) (b), and the department determines the request was not made as a direct result of the unforeseen event cited in the request, the department shall determine that an extraordinary reason does not exist.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have – if you wish to view the entire text of the proposed changes please use this link.
Topics: SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
April 2nd Referendum Questions
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 15, 2024
The Spring Election/Presidential Primary on April 2nd, is quickly approaching. In addition to school board races, SAA is closely monitoring the 91 questions for school district referendums taking place in 85 districts across the state. The number of questions is slightly higher than in the prior year. Below is a list of the questions:
School Referendum – Issue Debt
| Abbotsford School District | $ 17,000,000.00 | Debt Referendum |
| Algoma School District | $ 10,050,000.00 | Improvements to District buildings and grounds including safety, security and energy efficiency upgrades. Improvements to elementary school plumbing, roof and playground surface replacements. Renovating and remodeling middle/high school classrooms and support areas, restrooms, parking lot replacement, track resurfacing, window and door replacements. Renovating the Performing Arts Center audio, lighting and acoustical ceiling. |
| Boyceville Community School District | $ 18,000,000.00 | Paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide building systems, infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements; remodeling, safety, security and site improvements at the Elementary and Middle/High Schools; technology updates; improvements to the bus garage; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment, including school buses/vehicles. |
| Brodhead School District | $ 17,485,000.00 | Resolution Authorizing General Obligation Bonds In An Amount Not To Exceed $17,485,000. |
| Cadott Community School District | $ 25,400,000.00 | Public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement projects |
| Drummond Area School District | $ 29,980,000.00 | CTE/Tech Ed addition and remodel. HVAC and electrical system upgrade and replacement. Exterior building envelope repair and site repair to prevent flooding. Remodel areas throughout the building to update the educational spaces and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — restrooms included. Creation of a secure entrance to control visitor access. Furniture, fixtures and equipment. |
| Ellsworth Community School District | $ 25,445,000.00 | School facility improvement projects at the Middle and High Schools consisting of: construction of additions and renovations, including for physical education, fitness, career and technical education spaces: capital maintenance, building infrastructure, systems and site improvements: and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| Hamilton School District | $ 25,000,000.00 | District-wide safety and site improvements, building updates and capital maintenance; renovations, including for technical education, science and art classrooms at Hamilton High School and construction of an addition to the cafeteria/commons area; renovations at Templeton Middle School; renovations and construction of an addition at Lannon Elementary School; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| Herman-Neosho-Rubicon School District | $ 23,000,000.00 | Shall the Herman-Neosho-Rubicon School District, Dodge and Washington Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $23,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of additions, renovations, building infrastructure and site improvements, and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment to create a single campus at the current intermediate site? |
| Hustisford School District | $ 5,300,000.00 | School facility improvement project consisting of MSHS Roof Replacement; HVAC maintenance and improvements at JHE & MSHS. |
| Iola-Scandinavia School District | $ 2,300,000.00 | Referendum to issue debt for school safety and building updates |
| Lake Country School District | $ 9,500,000.00 | General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide safety, security, building systems, parking lot, and technology infrastructure improvements. |
| Marshall School District | $ 5,000,000.00 | Seek permission to exceed the revenue limit for capital improvement projects including district-wide safe and secure school entrance improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility updates; capital maintenance improvements, including roof and window replacements at Marshall Elementary School; a bathroom/concessions building at District athletic facilities; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| Merrill Area School District | $ 16,000,000.00 | District wide school building and facility improvement |
| Mukwonago School District | $ 102,300,000.00 | Construction of a new middle school and elementary renovations for 4k classrooms |
| New Richmond School District | $ 113,700,000.00 | Shall the School District of New Richmond, St. Croix County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $113,700,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of additions and renovations at Starr and Paperjack Elementary Schools and the Middle School; district-wide safety and capacity, building infrastructure and site improvements; and acquisition of associated furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| North Lakeland School District | $ 5,700,000.00 | Repair aging building systems, interiors, exteriors and improve safety and security |
| Osceola School District | $ 38,115,000.00 | Addition to the Intermediate School |
| Rhinelander School District | $ 26,000,000.00 | Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project. |
| Rib Lake School District | $ 19,500,000.00 | District-wide building maintenance, building infrastructure and site improvements along with construction of additional connecting the middle and high schools, a safe secure entrance and a replacement gymnasium and renovations in the middle and high schools for academic spaces, band and choir spaces, technical education area, kitchen and cafeteria, office and fitness center. |
| Richland School District | $ 27,160,000.00 | Shall the Richland School District, Richland County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $27,160,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide safety, security and site improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance updates; remodeling and upgrades to District technical education space; roofing improvements at the High School; district-wide capital maintenance, infrastructure and HVAC improvements, including adding air conditioning to the school buildings where needed; auditorium upgrades; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| River Valley School District | $ 14,500,000.00 | Issue debt for a school building project at the High School consisting of: construction of a performing arts center addition and a safe and secure entrance; remodeling and ADA compliance updates, including to the performing arts commons and stage areas; site improvements and other associated work; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| River Valley School District | $ 19,500,000.00 | Issue debt to create a single River Valley School District campus; building infrastructure, site improvements, ADA accessibility updates and other associated work; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| Pewaukee School District | $ 28,500,000.00 | Career & Technical Education High School additions & renovations, district wide capital maintenance |
| Port Edwards School District | $ 7,300,000.00 | $7,300,000 Capital Referendum |
| Shawano School District | $ 54,500,000.00 | Facilities Improvement Project |
| Stanley-Boyd Area School District | $ 23,000,000.00 | School building and facility improvements consisting of: Gymnasium, locker rooms and commons, relocation of district office. |
School Referendum – Recurring Referendum
| Barneveld School District | $ 1,000,000.00 | Operating Costs and Maintenance |
| Birchwood School District | $ 2,600,000.00 | Operational referendum to cover ongoing expenses. |
| Edgerton School District | $ 3,500,000.00 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $3,500,000 FOR RECURRING PURPOSES |
| Hamilton School District | $ 7,600,000.00 | Exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $7,600,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including to maintain current class sizes, staffing levels, academic programs, course offerings and services. |
| Highland School District | $ 600,000.00 | Exceed the revenue limit, by $600,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
| Johnson Creek School District | $ 3,000,000.00 | Shall the School District of Johnson Creek, Jefferson County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $3,000,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, for recurring purposes to maintain ongoing operational expenses, technology, safety, and educational programming? |
| Juda School District | $ 500,000.00 | The District is seeking a $500,000 recurring operational referendum. |
| Kickapoo Area School District | $ 1,600,000.00 | To exceed revenue limit for recurring purposes consisting of maintain existing educational programs and services. |
| Lake Geneva J1 School District | $ 3,000,000.00 | $3,000,000 RR |
| McFarland School District | $ 10,600,000.00 | 5yr Recurring Referendum to exceed Revenue Cap for additional revenues to be used to maintain 4K-Grade 12 instruction. $3,700,000 on a recurring basis, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, $1,500,000 on a recurring basis, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, $1,700,000 on a recurring basis, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, $1,800,000 on a recurring basis, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, and $1,900,000 on a recurring basis, beginning with the 2028-2029 school year |
| Milwaukee School District | $ 252,000,000.00 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR RECURRING PURPOSES |
| North Lakeland School District | $ 550,000.00 | To maintain current programming and educational excellence |
| Parkview School District | $ 2,294,125.00 | Operational Recurring |
| Potosi School District | $ 700,000.00 | Exceed Revenue Limit on a Recurring Basis beginning 2024-2025 |
| Prentice School District | $ 1,800,000.00 | District Operations, student programming, facility maintenance and staff salaries and benefits |
| Prescott School District | $ 1,200,000.00 | requesting authorization to exceed the revenue limit |
| River Ridge School District | $ 6,500,000.00 | Referendum to authorize exceeding Revenue Limit for $1,250,000 recurring and by an additional $250,000 thereafter in the next 3 years purposes consisting of operational costs to maintain instructional programs, staffing, technology, and Facilities Management |
| Stevens Point Area Public School District | $ 14,000,000.00 | Maintain general operations |
| Stoughton Area School District | $ 6,100,000.00 | To exceed the revenue limit for operational needs. |
School Referendum – Non-Recurring Referendum
| Beloit School District | $ 27,000,000.00 | Seeking voter authority to exceed the revenue limits by $9,000,000 per year, non-recurring, for the 2024-25, 2025-26 & 2026-27 school years for operational purposes. |
| Brighton #1 School District | $ 950,000.00 | Operational Referendum 2024-2025 , 2025-2026 , 2026-2027 |
| Bristol #1 School District | $ 1,400,000.00 | 2-year non-recurring Operational Referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $700,000 per year beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year consisting of expenses to maintain operations, facility maintenance and to update curriculum and educational programming. |
| Cambria-Friesland School District | $ 7,500,000.00 | To exceed the revenue limit for non-recurring purposes for the purpose of meeting operational expenses. |
| Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District | $ 7,500,000.00 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $2,500,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| Cuba City School District | $ 7,100,000.00 | Non-recurring Referendum for 4 years |
| De Pere School District | $ 23,750,000.00 | Resolution authorizing the School District of De Pere Budget to exceed revenue limit by $4,750,000 per year for five years for non-recurring purposes |
| De Soto Area School District | $ 4,800,000.00 | Non-recurring $1,200,000 per year for 2024-25 through 2027-2028 for maintaining education and operational services. |
| Drummond Area School District | $ 4,800,000.00 | Current programs and services for students. 18 students:1 teacher ratio, especially at the elementary levels. Course offerings (such as career & tech ed, agriculture, fine arts, Spanish, and more). |
| Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District | $ 7,000,000.00 | 4-year, $7,000,000 for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and general maintenance expenses |
| Evansville Community School District | $ 22,300,000.00 | Five year referendum for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including to maintain current class sizes, to provide student resources, to maintain educational programming, salaries, and benefits, and to address facility maintenance |
| Fort Atkinson School District | $ 19,500,000.00 | Non-recurring referendum for $6,500,000 per year for 3 years (FY25-27) |
| Frederic School District | $ 4,280,000.00 | Exceed the revenue limit by an amount not to exceed $1,070,000 on a non-recurring basis for four years beginning with the 2024-25 school year for operational expenses, staffing and maintenance costs. |
| Green Lake School District | $ 7,400,000.00 | For non-recurring purposes consisting of operational costs to maintain instruction programs, staffing, technology and facilities. |
| Greendale School District | $ 12,500,000.00 | Non-Recurring Operational Referendum for operational and maintenance expenses of $2,500,000 per year for five years. |
| Greenwood School District | $ 5,100,000.00 | a 4 year operational referendum for non-recurring purposes. |
| Jefferson School District | $ 8,400,000.00 | Exceed revenue limit by $2,100,000 a year for 4 years on a non-recurring basis for operational needs |
| Lake Country School District | $ 7,200,000.00 | Exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $7,200,000 over 7 years for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses, including but not limited to maintaining curriculum programs and services. |
| Luck School District | $ 2,500,000.00 | Purposes consisting of maintaining current levels of educational programming and operational costs. |
| Luxemburg-Casco School District | $ 5,400,000.00 | Exceed the revenue limit for years for operational expenses |
| Mauston School District | $ 9,000,000.00 | Operational expenses, including for staff salary and benefits, to maintain class sizes and caseloads, to maintain technology and infrastructure, to maintain academic programs and to address behavior and mental health support. |
| Mellen School District | $ 1,500,000.00 | 3 year non-recurring operational referendum for $500,000 for each year ($500,000 in 2024-2025, $500,000 in 2025-2026 and $500,000 in 2026-2027), for a total of $1,500,000.00. |
| Mercer School District | $ 4,000,000.00 | A nonrecurring levy in the amount of $800,000.00 per year beginning with the 2024-2025 school year through the 2028-2029 school year for nonrecurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses; which includes staffing costs, instructional materials, deferred maintenance, and facility upkeep. |
| North Lake School District | $ 3,400,000.00 | Referendum to Exceed the Revenue Limit for Four Years for Non-Recurring Purposes |
| Northern Ozaukee School District | $ 6,800,000.00 | To exceed revenue limit for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including to maintain current educational programs, services, and facilities. |
| Osseo-Fairchild School District | $ 8,800,000.00 | To Exceed Revenue Limit for Four Years for Non-Recurring Purposes |
| Platteville School District | $ 10,500,000.00 | Five-year Non-recurring operational referendum to maintain educational programs and operations of the District. |
| Port Edwards School District | $ 4,250,000.00 | $850,000 Non-Recurring for 5 Years |
| Richland School District | $ 9,800,000.00 | Shall the Richland School District, Richland County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $2,300,000 for the 2024- 2025 school year, by $2,400,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, by $2,500,000 for the 2026-2027 school year and by $2,600,000 for the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to ongoing educational programming, to pay compensation, and to sustain District operations? |
| Seymour Community School District | $ 15,000,000.00 | 3 Year non recurring referendum |
| South Milwaukee School District | $ 10,000,000.00 | 5 year non-recurring referendum for recurring costs / staff retention, safety/security, k-12 articulated pathways, and technology |
| Southwestern Wisconsin School District | $ 3,000,000.00 | The Southwestern Wisconsin Community School District is asking for authority to exceed the revenue caps for operational purposes. |
| Sparta Area School District | $ 1,500,000.00 | For operational expenses including for maintenance, safety, security, technology, staff compensation and benefits. |
| Thorp School District | $ 3,600,000.00 | Operational costs that will include programming needs, resources, staffing and low cost maintenance needs. |
| Tomorrow River School District | $ 2,700,000.00 | Exceed revenue limit by $900,000 for each of three years for non-recurring purposes. |
| Valders Area School District | $ 3,900,000.00 | Operational expenses related to SRO, Math Interventionist, English Language Coord; technology upgrades; support for student behavior. |
| Walworth J1 School District | $ 3,960,000.00 | a non-recurring four year referendum of $990,000 in 2024-2025, $990,000 in 2025-2026, $990,000 in 2026-2027, and $990,000 in 2027-2028. |
| Washington-Caldwell School District | $ 1,800,000.00 | $450,000 for 4 years, beginning with 2024-25 for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
| Waterford Graded J1 School District | $ 20,000,000.00 | Exceed revenue limit by $4,000,000 for five years. |
| Westby Area School District | $ 3,600,000.00 | Exceed Revenue Limit to sustain educational programs and to operate the District |
| Williams Bay School District | $ 4,500,000.00 | Operational |
| Wisconsin Heights School District | $ 12,800,000.00 | Four year non-recurring purpose – Exceed Revenue cap for general operating costs. |
Topics: CapitolReports, Legislative Action, SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Joint Finance Committee Action & Final Day of Session
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 12, 2024
ACT 20 Update
Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Finance rejected the DPI list of 11 recommendations for the new Wisconsin reading curriculum. Instead, JFC went with a much shorter list that had been approved by the Early Literacy Curriculum Council (ELCC). The curricula selected by the ELCC are Core Knowledge Language Arts K-3, Our EL Education Language Arts, Wit and Wisdom with Pk-3 Reading Curriculum, and Bookworms Reading and Writing K-3.
It is important to note that Act 20 does not mandate that districts choose from the curriculum list approved by the ELCC and JFC – if a district does, they can apply for grant funding to pay for a portion of the cost. It remains unclear how much of the $50 million provided under Act 20 would be allocated to the purchase of approved curriculum vs. other approved areas of expenditure under Act 20 including providing funding for reading coaches and a DPI appointee to oversee the implementation of Act 20.
2023-25 Session Wrap Up
Today the Senate is meeting in what will be the last floor session of the 2023-25 legislative session. We are closely watching SB 990, which is a trailer bill to Act 20 and provides an extension of the implementation timeline for the reading assessment to be administered, and AB 1050 which provides the ongoing funding for the Office of School Safety to continue its current operation and service levels until the next budget can be passed. All bills will be sent to Governor Evers by April 4, 2024, for his signature or veto.
Please stay tuned – updated district maps will be forthcoming as they relate to the new district boundaries that will be in place for the legislature during the fall election cycle.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Topics: CapitolReports, Legislative Action, SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Joint Finance Committee Scheduled to Meet on Act 20 Curricula
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 8, 2024
The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) is meeting on Monday (March 11, 2024) at 11:01am to discuss the provision in 2023 Act 20 on early literacy curricula. A member of JFC objected to the list of 11 curricula DPI submitted that they indicated meet the Act 20 requirements. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau prepared a comprehensive background paper, including the list of curricula, which can be found here.
The LFB paper includes alternatives members could choose from including approving the 11 submitted by the DPI, the four approved by the council, the three that were approved by both, or outright deny the request. The JFC is not bound to select one of those alternatives, however. Whatever the outcome, schools are not required to use curricula from the finalized list of recommendations, but there is an opportunity to have some of the cost reimbursed by the state if a school decides to choose one from the list.
JFC has not yet noticed a meeting to release the remaining funds DPI has requested to implement 2023 Act 20. An update will be provided if a meeting is subsequently scheduled by JFC to release the remaining allocation of $49,672,600.
Additionally, as the 2023-25 legislative session is coming to an end, the Senate has yet to set their calendar for what is expected to be the last day of their regular calendar next week. A notification will be provided when the Senate finalizes their calendar.
Topics: CapitolReports, Legislative Action, SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »