Subsidized COBRA Coverage Now Available to Certain Individuals
By John Forester | April 14, 2021
From The Legal Side . . .
In its most recent School Law FYI, the BoardmanClark Law Firm focuses on new obligations placed on group health plan sponsors (which in many situations are employers) created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 with respect to federal COBRA and state health insurance continuation laws.
The SAA regularly receives these legal updates and we believe this is valuable information for SAA members. We are distributing this update to SAA members with the permission of the BoardmanClark Law Firm. The information in this update is no substitute for consulting with your district legal counsel, and we encourage you to do so.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update, SAA Legal Side | No Comments »
Responding to Requests Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law
By John Forester | April 14, 2021
From The Legal Side . . .
Many Wisconsin school districts have been receiving requests for information or records from individuals and groups under the Wisconsin Public Records law related to district decisions made in light of COVID-19. In a recent School Law FYI, the BoardmanClark Law Firm focuses on considerations for school districts when responding to these requests for information.
The SAA regularly receives these legal updates and we believe this is valuable information for SAA members. We are distributing this update to SAA members with the permission of the BoardmanClark Law Firm. The information in this update is no substitute for consulting with your district legal counsel, and we encourage you to do so.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update, SAA Legal Side | No Comments »
Virtual JFC Hearing Details
By John Forester | April 13, 2021
From The Wheeler Report . . .
Joint Finance co-chairs Sen. Marklein and Rep. Born announced the registration information for the virtual JFC hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 28.
- Registration will open on Monday, April 19 at 10 am. https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments/virtual/
- Registration will close on Monday, April 26 at 5 pm.
- Registrations are first come first save basis.
- Registrant must be a resident of Wisconsin.
- Advocacy organizations are asked to limit sign-up to two people per organization
- The hearing will be on WisconsinEye.
- Comments may be emailed to budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov or filling out the online form at https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Notes from JFC Hearing
By John Forester | April 12, 2021
Last Friday, April 9th, the Joint Finance Committee held it’s first of four public hearings on the 2021-23 state budget bill in Whitewater. The SAA was well-represented with the following school superintendents providing testimony: Patrick Rau (Peshtigo), Aaron Sadoff (North Fond du Lac), Steve Salerno (Mount Horeb), Phil Tubbs (Weyauwega), Tim Raymond (Cambria-Friesland). Chief Financial Officer John Gahan (Pewaukee) also provided testimony. Many thanks to these SAA members for their leadership.
For those of you planning to testify at one of the in-person hearings, here are my suggestions:
- Get there early. I know the hearings don’t start until 10:00 a.m., but if you wish to speak before 1:00 p.m. get there by 7:30 a.m. or earlier. Registration is first come, first served.
- You will only have 2 minutes to testify. Groups of three or more will receive five minutes to testify. There will likely be no questions from legislators.
- Bring 1 hard copy of your testimony with your full contact information on it for the committee members.
- Use the information below in the SAA’s recent Budget Alert and the SAA Legislative Agenda to stay on message. It is very important for us to stay focused.
SAA Budget Alert
SAA Legislative Agenda
Once again, we need a strong showing at the JFC budget hearings. If you have questions about testifying please call me at 608-242-1370.
Here are the upcoming hearing locations and times:
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)*
The Hodag Dome
School District of Rhinelander
665 Coolidge Avenue
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Thursday, April 22, 2021 (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)*
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Great Hall, Memorial Student Center
302 10th Avenue East
Menomonie, WI 54751
Public Parking Available in LOT #29
400 13th Avenue East
Menomonie, WI 54751
For more information on UW-Stout’s COVID-19 policies and guide to visiting campus, please visit https://www.uwstout.edu/community-visitors-0.
Hearing attendees must follow the COVID-19 safety protocols at each host facility, including wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Available seating may be limited due to social distancing guidelines. The process and arrangements for the virtual public hearing, to be held April 28th, are still being ironed out by Capitol staff. We will forward that information when it is available.
All public hearings will be streamed by WisconsinEye and can be viewed at WisEye.org/live.
*The Committee will conclude taking testimony at the time specified. Written comments can be emailed to the Committee at:
Budget.Comments@legis.wisconsin.gov
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments
or sent via U.S. mail to Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
SAA PAC Frequently Asked Questions
By John Forester | April 8, 2021
In 2003, the SAA Legislative Committee created SAA PAC, which is supported by members of all five SAA member associations, to strengthen the identity of the SAA and to improve the management of our combined political activities. The SAA Legislative Committee believes that SAA PAC is vitally important to our objective of establishing a comprehensive SAA giving program designed to strengthen our relationships with lawmakers and influence legislation.
What is SAA PAC?
SAA PAC is the SAA’s registered political action committee (PAC) in Wisconsin. A PAC is any political committee, other than a candidate committee or a political party committee, which receives contributions, distributes funds, or incurs obligations for the purpose of influencing the election or defeat of candidates to state or local office. SAA PAC funds are used for campaign contributions designed to help reelect “friends of public education,” strengthen our relationships with key legislators and, ultimately, to influence legislation. SAA PAC is the SAA’s primary campaign contribution vehicle.
How are SAA PAC funds distributed?
The SAA Executive Director develops a PAC contribution plan that conforms to the following SAA PAC contribution guidelines. This plan is subject to the approval of the SAA Board of Directors. It is also reviewed by the SAA Legislative Committee. The distribution of SAA PAC campaign contributions is largely limited to:
- Candidates with a proven record of support for public education and SAA positions on issues.
- Candidates with a strong vision for the future of public education.
- Selected members of the Senate and Assembly education committees.
- Members of the Joint Committee on Finance.
- Key legislators in positions of power.
- Each of the four legislative campaign committees controlled by leadership (i.e., Committee to Elect a Republican Senate) in equal amounts.
Are political contributions tax deductible?
No. (Sorry, but it’s the law.)
How do I contribute?
If you are interested in supporting the SAA PAC, please contact the SAA by email or by phone at 608-242-1370. The SAA also has a secure on-line credit card option for your SAA PAC contributions. Simply access the SAA website (www.wsaa.org) and hit the Donate Now button on the left-hand side of our home page.
Please note, the Wisconsin Elections Commission advises members to make online contributions from a personal electronic device and not on school servers!
Paid for by SAA Political Action Committee, Beth Holznagel, Treasurer
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Reminder: SAA Has An Online PAC Contribution Option
By John Forester | April 7, 2021
As what promises to be a very difficult 2021-23 state budget process begins to pick up speed, several SAA members have asked, “what is the easiest way to make a contribution to the SAA Political Action Committee (SAA PAC)”.
This is just a reminder to all SAA members that the SAA has developed a secure, online credit card option for your SAA PAC contributions. The option has been available for several years and was created at the suggestion of SAA members.
If you are interested in making a contribution, please go to the Donate Now button on the left-hand side of our home page.
Please note, the Wisconsin Elections Commission advises members to make online contributions from a personal electronic device and not on school servers!
Thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of Wisconsin school children. If you have any questions, please contact the SAA by email or by phone (608) 242-1370.
Paid for by SAA Political Action Committee, Beth Holznagel, Treasurer
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
School Referendum Results
By John Forester | April 7, 2021
From The Wheeler Report…
SCHOOL REFERENDUM FOR APRIL 6 SPRING ELECTION
|
District |
District Name | Total Amount | Type | Brief Description |
| 0091 | Alma Center
Passed |
$4,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | This referendum will address energy efficiency projects, capital maintenance improvements, as well as the completion of a new athletic stadium complex. |
| 0245 | Bangor
Passed |
$2,700,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Exceed the revenue cap by $900,000 per year for three years beginning with the 2022-2023 school year and ending with the 2024-2025 school year for non-recurring purposes. |
| 0308 | Barron Area
Passed |
$24,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER I AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,500,000. |
| 0308 | Barron Area
Failed |
$1,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER II AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,900,000 |
| 0427 | Benton
Passed |
$43,000.00 | Issue Debt | The money will be used for district building and site improvements and capital maintenance repairs. |
| 2240 | Black Hawk
Failed |
$14,225,000.00 | Issue Debt | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS – REMOVAL OF PORTION OF BUILDING AND NEW CONSTRUCTION |
| 0602 | Bonduel
Passed |
$12,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Shall the School District of Bonduel, Shawano County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide school facility improvement project consisting of: renovations, building infrastructure, security and site improvements, including classroom and ADA accessibility updates and HVAC improvements, and construction of an addition for a gymnasium and locker room at the Junior High/High School campus; remodeling for a secure entrance and building infrastructure improvements at the Elementary School; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| 0657 | Brighton #1
Failed |
$3,975,000.00 | Issue Debt | The debt issued will be to build a STEM lab, a new art/music room, renovate the library media center, add a special education suite, and improve the building site to have a separate bus drop off to improve student safety. |
| 0735 | Bruce
Passed |
$2,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Operating expenses |
| 0882 | Cambria-Friesland
Passed |
$5,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | To exceed the revenue limit for non-recurring purposes to maintain academic and educational programs, technology, and address facility needs. |
| 5054 | Central/Westosha UHS
Passed |
$39,600,000.00 | Issue Debt | The proposed solution focuses on four key areas: 1. Enhance Safety & Security — Modify the main entrance to better monitor and control visitor access; upgrade/add security cameras and exterior locks; and revise drop-off/pick-up traffic flow. 2. Upgrade Building Infrastructure — Replace lighting, flooring, ceilings, and walls; remove asbestos; replace sections of roof; and update plumbing, heating/ventilation, and electrical systems that have exceeded their useful life. 3. Modernize Educational Spaces — Create and renovate spaces to provide better access to technology, flexible furniture, small-group instruction spaces, and modern art, choir, and Family & Consumer Science areas. 4. Expand Activities & Arts Areas — Add a new gymnasium and cafeteria/commons and renovate the existing cafeteria to become an auditorium to support physical education, art programs, and community events. |
| 1260 | Cumberland
Failed |
$32,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | |
| 1295 | Darlington Community
Passed |
$9,500,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $1,900,000 Per Year for Five Years for Non-Recurring Purposes |
| 1540 | East Troy Community
Failed |
$8,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 for school wide maintenance and improvements. |
| 1540 | East Troy Community
Failed |
$8,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Non-recurring, five year referendum to exceed the revenue limits for operating purposes of maintaining existing programs and staffing. |
| 1561 | Edgar
Failed |
$800,000.00 | RR – 2021 | three-year for recurring purposes consisting of facility maintenance and operational expenses |
| 1582 | Elcho
Failed |
$4,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | General Operation and Maintenance expense |
| 1855 | Florence
Passed |
$5,450,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Referendum to exceed revenue cap for four years beginning FY2021-2022 |
| 2051 | Genoa City J2
Failed |
$2,100,000.00 | NR – 2021 | |
| 2233 | Grantsburg
Failed |
$17,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Close Nelson, Remodel Elem, Add few classrooms and gym to MS, HS office/entrance addition |
| 2233 | Grantsburg
Failed |
$4,235,000.00 | Issue Debt | Multi Purpose Gymnasium at High School |
| 2583 | Hortonville
Passed |
$41,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | The District will be completing renovations and additions at both Greenville Middle School and Hortonville High School. These projects will assist with growth and add appropriate and flexible space for current education needs. The project cost is $41.8M with no tax impact. |
| 2583 | Hortonville
Failed |
$12,200,000.00 | Issue Debt | Question #2 will ask voters to vote on an additional of a multipurpose facility at Hortonville High School for school and community use. The project cost is $12.2M with minimal tax impact ($22 per $100,000 of value). |
| 2605 | Howards Grove
Failed
|
$35,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Referendum for a new middle school and other capital improvements |
| 2604 | Howard-Suamico
Passed
|
$25,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statues, for a duration of five years beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 school year by an amount of $5,000,000 each year for non-recurring purposes consisting of reducing class sizes, employee compensation, and facility maintenance |
| 2604 | Howard-Suamico
Passed |
$98,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | issued pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $98,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building improvement project consisting of: renovations, including improvements to learning environments, safety and security improvements and construction of additions for new gymnasiums at Bay View Middle School and Forest Glen Elementary School; district-wide capital maintenance and building infrastructure improvements; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| 2625 | Hustisford
Failed |
$900,000.00 | NR – 2022 | To exceed revenue limit by $300,000 each year for three years (starting Fiscal Year 2022) |
| 2632 | Independence
Failed |
$2,100,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Exceed Revenue Limit by $700,000 per year for 3 years. |
| 5960 | Kickapoo Area
Passed |
$2,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | To pay the cost of a pool facility building and improvement project at the existing facillity. |
| 2842 | Kohler
Passed |
$17,550,000.00 | Issue Debt | District wide school facility improvement project. |
| 2842 | Kohler
Passed |
$2,590,000.00 | Issue Debt | Improvements to outdoor athletic facilities and related site improvements. |
| 2885 | Lake Geneva J1
Passed |
$750,000.00 | RR – 2021 | $750,000 rr consisting of ongoing operational expenses, technology, safety to maintain current educational programming? |
| 2884 | Lake Geneva-Genoa UHS
Passed |
$6,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | $6,000,000 paying cost of renovations, capital maintenance and updates at the school facilities and site |
| 2884 | Lake Geneva-Genoa UHS
Passed |
$750,000.00 | RR – 2021 | 750000 for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses, technology and safety upgrades and maintain current educational programming |
| 2961 | Lena
Passed |
$4,250,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Operational |
| 3213 | Luck
Passed |
$6,980,000.00 | Issue Debt | General Obligations Bonds |
| 3290 | Manitowoc
Passed |
$12,900,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Manitowoc Public School District is seeking approval from its tax payers for a non-recurring referendum to increase the revenue limit an additional 4.3 million dollars each year for the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 fiscal years. |
| 3409 | Medford Area
Failed |
$39,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Resolution Providing for a Referendum Election of the approval of an Initial resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $39,900,000 |
| 3682 | Monroe
Passed |
$5,600,000.00 | Issue Debt | School Facility Improvements at Northside Elementary School |
| 3934 | New Glarus
Passed |
$28,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Shall the School District of New Glarus, Green and Dane Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $28,900,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and improvement project consisting of: construction of a grade 4K-2 primary school; renovations, capital maintenance and building infrastructure improvements at the current Elementary School; renovations and a technical education/shop addition at the Middle School/High School; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| 2177 | Nicolet UHS
Passed |
$23,400,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Resolution authorizing the Nicolet Unified High School District budget to exceed revenue limit by $3.9 million for six years for non-recurring purposes. |
| 4067 | Oconto
Passed |
$13,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issuance of GO Bonds in an amount not to exceed $13,000,000 |
| 4067 | Oconto
Passed |
$4,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Exceed revenue cap by $800,000 for five years. |
| 4074 | Oconto Falls
Passed |
$4,400,000.00 | RR – 2021 | Excess revenues to be used to maintain current programs and services and to fund building maintenance, competitive staff compensation, expanded course offerings and additional building security improvements. |
| 4305 | Peshtigo
Failed |
$33,200,000.00 | Issue Debt | School building and facility improvement project at the Middle/High School. |
| 4305 | Peshtigo
Failed |
$1,825,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of additional athletic fields and related facilities, site improvements and acquisition of related equipment. |
| 4330 | Phelps
Passed |
$7,092,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Exceed revenue cap in the amount of 1,182,000.00 each year for 6 years. |
| 4627 | Randall J1
Passed |
$2,700,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $900,000 per year for the 2021-22 school year through the 2023-2024 school year. |
| 4760 | Reedsville
Failed |
$11,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | |
| 4851 | Richland
Failed |
$19,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,700,000 |
| 3850 | Riverdale
Passed (Very close) |
$7,910,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Resolution authorizing the school district budget to exceed revenue limit for nineteen years for non-recurring purposes. |
| 2422 | Saint Croix Central
Failed |
$22,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,500,000 |
| 2422 | Saint Croix Central
Failed |
$4,850,000.00 | RR – 2021 | RESOLUTION TO EXCEED REVENUE CAP COMMENCING WITH THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR |
| 5026 | Saint Francis
Passed |
$3,200,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Non-Recurring referendum to exceed revenue limit by $800,000 per year for operational purposes 2021-2022 through 2024-2025 |
| 5026 | Saint Francis
Passed |
$30,600,000.00 | Issue Debt | Referendum to issue debt in the amount of $30,600,000 for District-wide facilities additions and improvements. |
| 5138 | Seymour Community
Passed |
$6,550,000.00 | Issue Debt | Technology Education Addition and renovation as well as improvements to site at middle school and high school. |
| 5467 | Spencer
Failed |
$975,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $975,000 for the 2021-2022 School Year for Non-Recurring Purposes |
| 5754 | Tomahawk
Failed |
$13,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Beginning 2021-22 school year 3.25M per year non-recurring referendum ending 2024-2025. |
| 5780 | Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated
Failed |
$3,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR FIVE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 5992 | Wabeno Area
Passed |
$12,500,000.00 | NR – 2022 | |
| 6223 | Wausau
Passed |
$4,000,000.00 | RR – 2021 | To exceed the revenue limit by $4,000,000 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to maintaining educational programs and staffing, providing full pupil services teams at each elementary school, and other safety, operational, and maintenance expenses? |
| 6223 | Wausau
Failed |
$148,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue debt in the amount of $148,800,000 for district-wide safety and security, school modernization, building infrastructure, capital maintenance and site improvements; remodeling at the elementary, middle and high schools; construction of additions at Horace Mann and John Muir Middle Schools, West High School and Grant, Lincoln, Hawthorn Hills, Maine, Rib Mountain, Riverview, South Mountain and Stettin Elementary Schools; construction of a new School Forest Environmental Center; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| 6354 | Weston
Passed |
$3,900,000.00 | NR – 2021 | Referendum to authorize the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $975,000 for four years for Non-Recurring Purposes |
| 6354 | Weston
Passed |
$1,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Initial Resolution authorizing General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000. |
| 6678 | Wisconsin Dells
Failed |
$4,890,400.00 | RR – 2021 | To exceed the revenue limit for recurring purposes to maintain existing programs and services. |
| 0469 | Wisconsin Heights
Failed |
$7,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Add Auditorium to current MS/HS location |
| 6685 | Wisconsin Rapids
Passed |
$10,000,000.00 | NR – 2021 | To exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $2,000,000 per year for five years, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of technology and curriculum updates. |
| 6685 | Wisconsin Rapids
Passed |
$34,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | To issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of secure entrances at all schools; renovations to science classrooms, labs and other areas and construction of an addition for a new Library/Student Resource Center and main office at Lincoln High School; construction of an addition for a new gymnasium and renovations at Rudolph Elementary School (THINK Academy); capital maintenance and building infrastructure improvements; and acquisition of furnishings fixtures and equipment. |
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
JFC Begins Budget Process – DPI Agency Briefing
By John Forester | April 6, 2021
From The Wheeler Report…
Media Availability By Co-Chairs Prior To Hearing
JFC Co-chairs Sen. Marklein and Rep. Born held a media availability prior to the start of the JFC hearing today to discuss their thoughts on the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Workforce Development.
Marklein started the briefing with a discussion of Governor Evers’ 2021-23 budget proposal and how the budget as proposed would return the state to a deficit after eliminating the deficit over the past 10 -12 years. Marklein then went on to comment on how the federal funds coming into the state are impacting the state budget and the budgeting process. He said the state has received $12.4 billion not including the stimulus payments to individuals, the enhanced unemployment payments, and the enhanced FMAP payments. He was clear the federal funds will be taken into consideration as the budget committee moves forward.
Born began his comments with a discussion of the K-12 funding and the need for students to return to in-person classes. He also emphasized his commitment to providing choices for families in schooling options. Born then turned to the Department of Workforce Development and what he called a ‘failure’ of DWD to provide unemployment benefits.
Both co-chairs reiterated the impact the federal funds will have on the budget, and the desire they have for the Governor to allocate the federal funds so they can begin to see what needs still need to be met after the federal funds are distributed.
Department of Public Instruction
The Department of Public Instructions was the first agency to testify to the Joint Finance Committee on the 2021-23 state budget. In her testimony, DPI State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor said the federal government has appropriated $2.4 billion to K-12 schools in Wisconsin through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds which are available to be used through September 30, 2024. She was clear in her statement, “The receipt of these funds does not change the recommendations I made last fall to address the ongoing needs of schools. While these federal dollars will help our education system recover from the effects of the pandemic, they are one-time funds.”
Stanford Taylor said the state needs to return to its commitment of two-thirds funding for education. She discussed that the commitment was originally made by then Governor Tommy Thompson who she said made the commitment to equalize the financial resources available to school districts while decreasing the dependence on property taxes.
Stanford Taylor went on to discuss things her administration had worked to address opportunity caps (directly from her testimony):
- I called on school districts to examine their reading programs to include a greater focus on phonics and have backed this up in our reading standards and related professional supports to include a focus on phonics while having a discussion with diverse stakeholders regarding dyslexia.
- The DPI worked in partnership with public libraries and the Public Service Commission to expand and strengthen internet and broadband access to enhance remote learning, provide the resources students need to complete their homework assignments, and serve as a community hub for accessing information to bridge the digital access gap.
- The DPI worked with the USDA to provide more than 130 million meals since March of 2020 to children 18-years old and younger helping meet the immediate nutrition needs of students.
- The DPI competed for and was one of only six states to receive a federal grant award to aid in expanding priority areas in student mental health including: assisting high-need school districts in recruiting and retaining pupil services staff, such as school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists, to help reduce high student-to-pupil services ratios, as well as increase graduate training opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career as a school-based mental health professional.
Stanford Taylor discussed the achievement gap saying, “There is no simple solution, but rather a number of strategies that must focus on supporting the whole child.” From there she quickly shifted to discussing the special needs education in Wisconsin. She highlighted that the state currently reimburses only 28 cents of every dollar spent on special education, highlighting that the remaining funding requirements must be funded by the local school. The Governor’s budget proposed reimbursing costs at 45 percent in FY22 and 50 percent in the following year with sum sufficient appropriations. During questioning Stanford Taylor said special education funding was a top priority for schools across Wisconsin.
The need for mental health services was addressed during Stanford Taylor’s testimony when she said, “This is why I am asking for $28.5 million in first year of the budget and $30 million in the second year to expand state support for services beyond school social workers to include school psychologists, school counselors, and school nurses. In addition, other school professionals need to be trained to help address student mental health needs, which is why the DPI is also asking for $1 million over the biennium to expand training available to schools on bullying prevention, school violence prevention, and trauma-sensitive schools.”
When questioning by JFC members began it started with questions about DPI staff and who was working from home and who was working in the DPI office. It was asked when they planned to return DPI staff and Stanford Taylor said they will begin April 19.
Next came questions pertaining to in-person instruction of students, and Stanford Taylor was clear that those decisions are made at the local school level and not controlled by DPI.
Several questions came regarding school choice options in Wisconsin. Questions were asked about why the DPI budget request did not request changes to the school choice program, and the Governor’s budget proposed a “pause” to the choice program.
While most members recognized that the federal funds being distributed to schools were done through the Title I formula, meaning the state had no say over how the funds were sent to different districts, many members asked about equity for districts and how funding was being prepared for in future years as student enrollment was continuing to decline.
Stanford said in her tenure as State Superintendent DPI has put a focus on mental health services for schools and students, offering training and opportunities to help students rather than simply disciplining students. She went on to say while Superintendent the agency has focused on reading.
When asked about the legalization of marijuana, Stanford Taylor said she has not had a discussion with the Governor on the issue.
As to questions pertaining to in-person attendance, some were asked about the decline in student attendance and what guidance Stanford Taylor was giving to schools to go out and find those students and bring them back to the classroom. DPI and Stanford Taylor said it is an issue they are aware of and some of the federal funds are available for schools to use in addressing attendance issues going forward. While student attendance has been down during Covid, one DPI staff member said some of the decreased attendance appears to be due to declining enrollment, and that many 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds were not sent to kindergarten because of concerns by their parents. Stanford Taylor confirmed there are concerns about child abuse reporting going down because students are not in the classroom. Stanford Taylor said the child abuse issue is another reason behind her drive to ensure mental health training for teachers and staff as well as additional resources available for mental health demands in the schools.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Milwaukee Bucks, Brewers, Business Community Support Special Education Aid Increase
By John Forester | April 6, 2021
Check out this letter from numerous partners in the City of Milwaukee in support of increasing the current level of special education aid to reimburse 50 percent of aidable costs by the end of the 2021-23 biennium. The letter includes as signatories representatives from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Milwaukee business community and Milwaukee civic organizations. The letter was delivered to legislative leadership late last week.
Perhaps SAA members across the state could use this effort as a model with your local or area business community and civic organizations.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
LFB Memo Details Federal Funds Distribution to Wisconsin School Districts
By John Forester | April 6, 2021
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) is out with a new memo that details the distribution of federal ESSER and GEER funds to all Wisconsin school districts under the three federal coronavirus relief acts passed to date.
See the memo here.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »