Upcoming Education Committee Hearings

By Dee Pettack | May 19, 2023

Next week the Senate Committee on Education will hold a public hearing on Tuesday (05/23) on two pieces of legislation.

Senate Bill 115: Requirement to add one-half credit of personal financial literacy as a high school graduation.

Under current law, a school board may grant a high school diploma to a pupil only if the pupil meets specific statutory requirements, including earning a certain number of credits in various subjects in the high school grades.

eginning with pupils graduating in 2028, this bill requires that, to graduate high school, a pupil must earn at least one-half credit of personal financial literacy that includes financial mindset, education and employment, money management, saving and investing, credit and debt, and risk management and insurance.

Senate Bill 206:  Requirement to maintain usable opioid antagonist at a school in a standard first aid kit.

Under current law, school boards and governing bodies of private schools are required to supply a standard first aid kit for use in an emergency. Also under current law, certain school personnel, including employees and volunteers of public and private schools, are permitted to administer an opioid antagonist to a person who appears to be undergoing an opioid-related drug overdose.

This bill adds that school boards and governing bodies of private schools are required to ensure that each school maintains a usable supply of an opioid antagonist on site, in a place that is always accessible.

On Thursday (05/25) the Assembly Committee on Education will hold an executive session on two bills that were previously heard.  If the committee approves the proposals, they will move to the full Assembly for consideration.

Executive Session

The committee will hold a public hearing and take public comments on three additional proposals following the conclusion of the executive session.

Public Hearing

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Joint Finance Committee Update

By Dee Pettack | May 16, 2023

Joint Finance Committee update from Wispolitics.com:

The Joint Finance Committee resumes its work on the state budget today. The agenda includes Circuit Courts, the Supreme Court, District Attorneys and the Public Defender.

It’s the first committee meeting since the Legislative Fiscal Bureau released revised revenue projections yesterday.  The state is still projected to finish this fiscal year with a surplus of $6.9 billion rather than the $7.1 billion previously projected.  It’s also expected to see tax collections come in $1.6 billion higher over the 2023-25 biennium than the 2021-23 budget.

The committee will meet again on Thursday, the agenda includes the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Environmental Improvement Fund and the Department of Natural Resources.

See more on the LFB revenue projections here.

New Budget Resource:

WASBO developed a new resource, a video that provides an overview of Wisconsin school finance and what the outcomes of the 2023-25 state budget could mean for school districts and their ability to serve their schools and students.  It is our hope that this resource will help you and others as part of any outreach you are doing to educate your community and stakeholders about school finance in general and what might be coming up for your district related to the 2023-25 state budget. You can find the video here.

Budget Advocacy: 

In addition to the above resource, you can find links to talking points and sample testimony on the SAA website.  We continue to expect that education will be taken up later in the executive session process but stay tuned, the calendar will remain fluid and can change on a dime.

It is critically important that we use this time to continue to communicate the needs of our schools and students to not only your local legislators but also the members of the Joint Finance Committee.  We have heard positive feedback regarding the consensus around messaging our needs.  Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to email your legislators and the Joint Finance Committee.  I encourage you to keep up consistent communication during the portion of committee deliberations.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance in drafting communications to your legislator.

 

Joint Finance Member Emails

Rep.Born@legis.wisconsin.gov

Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.strobel@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.felzkowski@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.ballweg@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.testin@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.wimberger@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.johnson@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.roys@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.zimmerman@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.rodriguez@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.kurtz@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.dallman@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.goyke@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.mcguire@legis.wisconsin.gov

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Joint Finance Begins Executive Sessions

By Dee Pettack | May 2, 2023

The listening sessions held by the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) across the state concluded last week in Minocqua. Thank you so much to everyone who time from their busy schedules to attend or submit testimony.  In each hearing the support for K-12 public education was strong, our messages were consistent and the individual district stories were powerful.

We now move into the Executive Session portion of the budget where JFC will begin voting on different provisions of the state budget.  It is expected that public education will come up near the end of May.  We must continue to have consistent contact with local legislators and the members of JFC.  It is a critical time as decision makers begin to dedicate state resources to different priority areas.  Please consider contacting your legislator. Contact information for legislators can be found here by inserting your address in the box found at the top right corner of the page. The email addresses for Joint Finance members are listed below to aid in your communication as well as links to testimony that was provided to JFC by your colleagues.  If you have questions regarding your communication to your legislators, please don’t hesitate to contact me at dee.pettack@wsaa.org.   If you need to make sure you have updated and accurate data/facts to support your local story – review the resources that Anne Chapman, WASBO Research Director, has made available on the WASBO website and/or reach out to her directly at anne.chapman@wasbo.com for additional support.

JFC begins their Executive Sessions (voting) on this State Budget today beginning at 11am.  The committee will begin by acting on a motion that would remove 545 items (both fiscal and non-fiscal) Governor Evers included in his Executive Budget, the JFC will also vote on the following issue areas:

 

On Thursday, May 5th the committee will vote on the budgets of another dozen agencies including the Legislature, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and the Educational Communications Board.  The full hearing notice can be seen here.

Again, we expect education to be taken up later in the executive session process, but stay tuned, these plans are fluid and can always change on a dime.

Links to Talking Points & Testimony

SAA talking points can be found here.

Testimony from colleagues:

Kevin Klimek, Brown Deer

Lisa Elliott, Greenfield

Dan Arnold, South Milwaukee

 

Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo:

Legislative Fiscal Bureau Memo on Inflationary Increases for Schools

 

Joint Finance Member Emails

Rep.Born@legis.wisconsin.gov

Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.strobel@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.felzkowski@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.ballweg@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.testin@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.wimberger@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.johnson@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.roys@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.zimmerman@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.rodriguez@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.kurtz@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.dallman@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.goyke@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.mcguire@legis.wisconsin.gov

 

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Reminder: Last Budget Listening Session

By Dee Pettack | April 25, 2023

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 26th, the last 23-25 state budget hearing hosted by the Joint Finance Committee will convene in Minocqua.  By the end of the day, the portal through which to submit written testimony will close.  Please consider submitting your written testimony before the window closes tomorrow.

https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments/submit-comment/.

You should also consider sending a copy of your testimony to your local legislators.  If you need assistance obtaining contact information for your legislator, please use this link.

Thank you again to everyone who has taken the time to testify at the previous budget hearings or at the hearing tomorrow.

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State Budget Update & Upcoming Legislative Meetings

By Dee Pettack | April 17, 2023

2023-25 State Budget Update

Last week two public listening sessions were held in Eau Claire and Wisconsin Dells.  Similar to the listening session in Waukesha, K-12 education leaders had a significant amount of speakers at both sessions with clear and consistent testimony about what our needs are.  Thank you to all who came and dedicated your time to support a budget that our schools and students greatly need.  If you are unable to attend the last hearing there is still time to submit written testimony to the committee at budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.  I also encourage everyone to send your written comments to your local legislators, if you need their contact information you can find that here.

The final opportunity to testify in person will be in Minocqua on April 26th at Lakeland Union High School (9573 State Hwy 70).  If anyone has any questions regarding attending that meeting or their testimony please do not hesitate to contact me.  At the conclusion of the public listening sessions next week, SAA will continue to engage with key members of the Legislature’s budget-writing committee and work with our members to ensure we continue to contact legislators to express the great need for a significant investment in our schools.

Assembly Education Committee Hearing (04/20/23)

The Assembly Education Committee will hold a public hearing on 04/20/23.  The following proposals will be heard:

Assembly Bill 24 – This bill requires a school board, the operator of an independent charter school, or the governing body of a private school participating in a parental choice program or in the Special Needs Scholarship Program to post in a conspicuous location in a public area of each school building a sign that contains the telephone number for the local county or state agency that is responsible for receiving reports of, and conducting investigations regarding, child abuse or neglect.

Assembly Bill 77 – This bill allows a private school participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Racine Parental Choice Program, or the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (parental choice program) to allow parents and guardians of pupils participating in a parental choice program to opt to use an automatic application process to attend the private school under the parental choice program in subsequent school years.

Assembly Bill 109 – Beginning with pupils graduating in 2028, this bill requires that, to graduate high school, a pupil must earn at least one-half credit of personal financial literacy that includes financial mindset, education and employment, money management, saving and investing, credit and debt, and risk management and insurance.

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Budget Hearing Update & Reminder

By Dee Pettack | April 6, 2023

The Joint Finance Committee held the first of four statewide listening sessions on the 2023-25 State Budget yesterday in Waukesha (4/5/23).  Wisconsin Public Radio provided this summary of the hearing.  Thank you to our education leaders who came to testify, below is a list of the School Districts who were represented at the hearing:

It is critically important that legislators continue to hear your local stories.  If you are looking for additional support to prepare to give testimony:

  1. Review information on the SAA Website.  Testimony from the public hearing will be posted shortly.  This site also includes how to submit written testimony.  You can submit comments online if you are not attending in-person.  If you are going to appear you can bring one printed copy and give that to the legislative staff and they will scan and put that into the record.  Please also send a copy of your testimony to your Representative and Senator if they do not serve on the Joint Finance Committee.
  2. If you need to make sure you have updated and accurate data/facts to support your local story – Review the resources that Anne Chapman, WASBO Research Director, has made available on the WASBO website and/or reach out to her directly at anne.chapman@wasbo.com for additional support.
  3. If you would like to have your testimony reach a wider audience please send a PDF copy of it to wheeler@thewheelerreport.com – your testimony will then be posted on their website which is used by legislators and state leaders to track statewide news.

Samples of testimony from the 4/5/23 listening session are below:

Kevin Klimek, Brown Deer

Lisa Elliott, Greenfield

Dan Arnold, South Milwaukee

Thank you for considering attending a listening session and providing testimony.  The dates/locations for the remainder of the listening session is listed below:

UW-Eau Claire, Davies Student Center

Ojibwe Grand Ballroom (Third Floor)

77 Roosevelt Ave., Eau Claire

Wilderness Resort, Glacier Canyon Conference Center

Sandstone Meeting Room

45 Hillman Road, Wisconsin Dells

Lakeland Union High School

9573 State Highway 70, Minocqua

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Reminder Joint Finance Committee Public Hearings

By Dee Pettack | April 4, 2023

As a reminder, the Joint Finance Committee begins the statewide public hearings tomorrow in Waukesha:

Waukesha County Expo Center, Main Arena

1000 Northview Rd, Waukesha

 

Other public hearings will be held on the following dates:

UW-Eau Claire, Davies Student Center

Ojibwe Grand Ballroom (Third Floor)

77 Roosevelt Ave., Eau Claire

Wilderness Resort, Glacier Canyon Conference Center

Sandstone Meeting Room

45 Hillman Road, Wisconsin Dells

Lakeland Union High School

9573 State Highway 70, Minocqua

If you are unable to attend a public hearing please email your legislators and provide comments to the Joint Finance Committee via the online portal to submit testimony which will be circulated to all 16 committee members:

https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments/ as well as a dedicated email address: budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Talking points from the SAA can be found here.  They may be useful in crafting your testimony or letters to your legislators.  You can find contact information for you legislators here.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding your testimony.

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2023-2025 Biennial Budget Update

By Dee Pettack | March 27, 2023

The Joint Finance Committee will meet next week to hear from the receive testimony from the following departments:

March 28, 2023 – Agency Briefings:

March 30, 2023 – Agency Briefings:

The hearings will be available on [wiseye.org]Wiseye.  The Department of Public Instruction was not selected to offer testimony to the committee, however K-12 education funding may be brought up during the Department of Administration’s briefing.

DPI Budget Resources:

In addition to the talking points provided last week, DPI has created several resources that may be helpful in crafting letters to your legislators and the Joint Finance Committee members or your testimony for the upcoming public hearings.

They include one big-picture overview, and then five others that are more topic-specific, including mental health, nutrition, special education, academics, and teacher workforce.

https://dpi.wi.gov/policy-budget/2023-25-biennial-budget

FISCAL BUREAU SUMMARY OF GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL:

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau released a summary of Governor Evers’ 2023-25 budget proposal.

Full Document Summary.

Agency Listings.

Summary Tables

Statewide Public Hearings:

As a reminder the Joint Finance Committee announced four public hearings on the 2023-25 state budget. The public hearing schedule is:

Talking points from the SAA can be found here.  They may be useful in crafting your testimony or letters to your legislators.  You can find contact information for you legislators here.

Additionally, Wisconsinites may access the online portal to submit testimony which will be circulated to all 16 committee members:

https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments/ as well as a dedicated email address: budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.

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April Referendums

By Dee Pettack | March 20, 2023

With the April election approaching schools are trying to plan amid state budget uncertainties while still striving to be fiscally responsible with their funds.  Schools are not immune to the economic pressures that are tightening budgets beyond.  In three of the last four budgets, revenue limits for districts have been frozen. Unable to keep pace with inflation and rising costs has forced some districts to utilize one-time federal dollars for ongoing expenses. This will result in a fiscal cliff for those districts and uncertainty around the programming they can offer students. Workforce pressures currently impacting the private sector in Wisconsin are just as present in schools. Schools are struggling to keep teachers and staff, especially when they are competing with private companies offering hiring bonuses, high pay, and in some cases equal benefits with less liability.

School boards are looking at maintenance needs, upkeep and upgrades and weighing decisions on whether to wait or borrow the funds now.  Schools are experiencing increased project costs due to inflation, an increase in supply needs and interest rates.  Schools may be choosing to go to referendum now to offset expanding inflation, economic pressures, and to provide some predictability in their budgeting.  The level of commitment of state funding is still unknown and planning for the next school year is well under way.

Below is the list of referendums provided by The Wheeler Report:

 

District District Name Total Amount Type Brief Description
0014 Adams-Friendship Area $12,000,000.00 NR – 2023 To exceed revenue cap $3,000,000 for 4 years beginning 2023-2024.
0112 Altoona $26,000,000.00 Issue Debt Buying building and improvement to building and other district-wide maintenance, infrastructure and site improvements.
0154 Arcadia $2,250,000.00 NR – 2023 Referendum question to exceed the revenue cap in the amount of $750,000 each year for three years beginning with the tax levy year of 2023 and ending with the tax levy year of 2025.
0182 Ashwaubenon $19,500,000.00 NR – 2023 Operational referendum 5 year
0196 Athens $5,270,000.00 NR – 2023 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES
0203 Auburndale $1,200,000.00 NR – 2023 For a non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap in the amount of $600,000 for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
0287 Barneveld $3,450,000.00 NR – 2023 Operating Costs and Maintenance
0413 Beloit $19,500,000.00 Issue Debt Construction and district-wide capital maintenance improvements including roofing and building infrastructure updates to heating, ventilation, and cooling system, safety and exterior upgrades, and renovations to athletic facilities at Beloit Memorial High School.
0413 Beloit $23,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Exceed the revenue limit by $14,000,000 in 2023-24 and $9,000,000 in 2024-25 for operational and maintenance expenses, including for technology, curriculum and instructional materials, and social and emotional behavioral programs.
0434 Berlin Area $12,500,000.00 NR – 2023 5 year nonrecurring operational 2,500,000
0434 Berlin Area $20,000,000.00 Issue Debt Debt Issue of $20,000,000
0485 Blair-Taylor $4,500,000.00 NR – 2023 The purpose of the non-recurring referendum is to maintain current operations and opportunities for our students, attract and retain staff, rebuild our fund balance.
0609 Boscobel $21,500,000.00 Issue Debt To pay the cost of $21,500,000 for the public purpose of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of renovations and construction of additions and a gymnasium at the MS/HS.
0658 Brillion $4,380,000.00 NR – 2023 Resolution to Exceed Revenue Cap Commencing with the 2023-2023 School Year (3YR)
0665 Bristol #1 $2,400,000.00 NR – 2023 3-year non-recurring Operational Referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 per year beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year consisting of expenses to sustain and maintain current operational and maintenance practices.
0777 Burlington Area $24,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Exceed revenue limit by $8 million per year for 3 years non-recurring for operational and maintenance expenses
0870 Cadott Community $9,965,000.00 Issue Debt For the purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project at the Junior/Senior High School
0896 Cambridge $2,400,000.00 RR – 2023 Recurring operational referendum: sustain class size, curriculum, technology, school safety and retain highly qualified staff.
0903 Cameron $6,100,000.00 Issue Debt Referendum not to exceed $6,100,000 through the issuance of general obligation bonds of the District for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of:  building systems, infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements at the Middle and High Schools; secure entrance improvements and main office remodeling at the Elementary, Middle and High Schools; school bus and district vehicle replacement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
1309 Deerfield Community $49,700,000.00 Issue Debt Funds to be used to renovate and to build on additions to the existing Deerfield High School.
1540 East Troy Community $9,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Exceed the revenue limit by $3,000,000 per year beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses to help maintain existing programs and staffing.
1638 Elkhorn Area $30,000,000.00 NR – 2023 $6,000,000 per yearfor five years beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 schoolyear, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to maintaining currentinstructional programs and class sizes, staffing, ongoing safety and facility maintenance.
1638 Elkhorn Area $500,000.00 RR – 2023 $500,000 beginningwith the 2023-2024 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses related toproviding additional resources for the four-year-old kindergarten program.
1883 Fort Atkinson $3,000,000.00 RR – 2023 Recurring Referendum for $3M beginning in 2023-24.
1883 Fort Atkinson $20,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Non-recurring referendum for $5M per year for four years (FY24-FY27)
2114 Gibraltar Area $29,800,000.00 Issue Debt School facility improvement project at the school building and site consisting of:renovations, safety and security, building infrastructure and building systems improvements; construction of additions for classrooms, offices and a replacement gymnasium; removal and replacement of older portions of the school building; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
2576 Horicon $4,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 for 5 years for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses.
2611 Hudson $29,000,000.00 Issue Debt To pay for the costs of facility and grounds improvements to the EP Rock andNorth Hudson Elementary Schools and the Hudson Middle School and equipmentacquisition related to said projects.
2611 Hudson $8,000,000.00 RR – 2023 The final school district budget shall include an amount of$8,000,000 each year in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of theWisconsin Statutes commencing with the 2023-24 school year on a recurring basis for thepurpose of paying District operation, maintenance and staffing costs.
2625 Hustisford $19,500,000.00 Issue Debt School building and facility improvement project consisting of consolidation into one PK-12 school facility
2849 La Crosse $60,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Resolution authorizing the School District budget to exceed revenue limit for six years for non-recurring operational and maintenance expenses.
2940 Laona $2,236,000.00 NR – 2023 Exceed revenue limit for nonrecurring purposes
3206 Loyal $6,700,000.00 NR – 2023 Authorizing the School District budget to exceed revenue limit for five years for non-recurring purposes.
3290 Manitowoc $61,700,000.00 NR – 2023 5 Year Non-Recurring Referendum to Exceed the Revenue Cap for the Following Amounts Per Fiscal Year:2023-24 – $5,200,0002024-25 – $11,000,0002025-26 – $13,000,0002026-27 – $15,000,0002027-28 – $17,500,000
3318 Marion $6,900,000.00 Issue Debt Capital referendum not to exceed $6,900,000.00 to support safety & security upgrades, capital maintenance, building infrastructure & building systems improvements and furnishings, fixtures & equipment.
3318 Marion $300,000.00 RR – 2023 Recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap by $300,000.00 for operational expenses, including to sustain educational programming and services and expand course offerings and staff.
3339 Marshfield $99,500,000.00 Issue Debt Shall the Unified School District of Marshfield, Wood, Marathon and Clark Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $99,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide school building and facility improvement project consisting of:  construction of additions, including for a secure entrance, career and tech ed space, classrooms, student services, and cafeteria/commons and fitness areas, renovations and capital maintenance, building systems, infrastructure and site improvements at Marshfield High School; capital maintenance and building systems improvements at Marshfield Middle School; renovations and building systems, infrastructure, safety and site improvements at the elementary schools; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?
3484 Mercer $2,235,000.00 NR – 2023 A nonrecurring levy to support operations, programs and facilities of the Mercer School District.
3612 Milton $9,500,000.00 RR – 2023 Authorization to increase the review limit by $4,000,000 for the 2023-2024 school year; by an additional $1,000,000 (for a total of $5,000,000) for the 2024-2025 school year; by an additional $1,000,000 (for a total of $6,000,000) for the 2025-2026 school year; and by an additional $3,500,000 for the 2026-2027 school year (for a total of $9,500,000 and to remain at this amount), for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing educational programming, staffing and maintenance expenses.
3675 Monona Grove $13,800,000.00 RR – 2023 Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $6,000,000 for the 2023-2024 school year; by an additional $1,600,000 for the 2024-2025 school year; and an additional $6,200,000 for the 2025-2026 school year and there after for recurring purposes consisting of maintaining current programs and staff and operation expenses.
3871 Necedah Area $7,000,000.00 Issue Debt School facility improvement project at the school building and facilities
3899 Neillsville $12,500,000.00 Issue Debt Facility improvement project consisting of:  building, infrastructure, systems and site improvements; building renovations, accessibility upgrades and asbestos abatement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures, technology and equipment.
3934 New Glarus $4,800,000.00 NR – 2023 Question:  Shall the School District of New Glarus, Green and Dane Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,400,000 for the 2023-2024 school year, by $1,600,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, and by $1,800,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to staffing, operating and maintaining current school facilities, and maintaining current educational programming, extracurriculars, and services?
3514 North Lake $3,600,000.00 NR – 2023 Referendum to Exceed the Revenue Limit for Three Years for Non-Recurring Purposes
1945 Northern Ozaukee $8,500,000.00 NR – 2023 To exceed revenue limit for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including to maintain current educational programs, services, and facilities.
3990 Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton $24,900,000.00 Issue Debt Capital referendum project for building updates, maintenance, and added programming spaces for educational instruction and co-curricular activities. The project includes: the addition of a new track & field space,
4060 Oconomowoc Area $38,650,000.00 Issue Debt School building and facility improvement project consisting of:  building systems and capital maintenance improvements at the High School, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and roof replacement; construction of a classroom addition, capital maintenance and site improvements at Ixonia Elementary School, including roof and floor replacement; removal of modular classrooms; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
4060 Oconomowoc Area $36,800,000.00 Issue Debt School building and facility improvement project at the High School consisting of:  renovations, including for art, music and commons space; construction of an addition and renovations, including for a gymnasium, weight and fitness training spaces, locker rooms, storage, offices and an expanded cafeteria/commons; capital maintenance, parking lot and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
4151 Parkview $4,350,000.00 NR – 2023
0490 Pecatonica Area $18,800,000.00 Issue Debt Capital referendum not to exceed $18,800,000.00
4536 Poynette $9,250,000.00 NR – 2023 Non-Recurring Refererendum for Purpose of Providing for Operational Needs Of the School District
4627 Randall J1 $9,500,000.00 Issue Debt Referendum to support the District in capital projects that include, but not limited to improving safety, security, roofing, heating & cooling systems. Additionally, create a secure single entrance to the building that also ensures the opportunity for social/emotional support for our greater school community.
4627 Randall J1 $3,600,000.00 NR – 2024 Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $900,000 per year for the 2024-25 school year through the 2027-2028 school year.
4956 Rosendale-Brandon $3,000,000.00 NR – 2023 $3 million over 2 years for operating purposes
4956 Rosendale-Brandon $35,700,000.00 Issue Debt $35.7 million for updates to high school and intermediate school so that two elementary schools can be closed.
5355 Shorewood $27,500,000.00 NR – 2023 Operational and maintenance expenses, including salaries, benefits and instructional and extra-curricular programming
5369 Silver Lake J1 $2,400,000.00 NR – 2023 Non-Recurring Operational Referendum  to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91,Wisconsin Statutes, by $800,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2023-2024 schoolyear and ending with the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting ofoperational and maintenance expenses.
5376 Siren $1,200,000.00 NR – 2024 Operating Referendum
5376 Siren $5,000,000.00 Issue Debt Construction of Playground, Track, Football field
5432 Somerset $22,900,000.00 Issue Debt Issue bonds not to exceed $22.9M for facility improvements and renovations at the ES and athletic fields, and to construct an auditorium at the HS
2485 Southwestern Wisconsin $3,900,000.00 NR – 2023 To exceed revenue caps for operation to maintain programs due to increased costs and inflation.  This money will be used to maintain current staff levels, programs for students, and overall operation of the district.
5474 Spooner $5,850,000.00 NR – 2023 non recurring purposes
5586 Spring Valley $1,500,000.00 NR – 2023 REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $500,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES
5586 Spring Valley $7,100,000.00 Issue Debt REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,100,000
5628 Stratford $990,000.00 RR – 2023 Exceed revenue limit by $990,000 beginning with the 2023-24 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of sustaining educational programming and operational expenses.
5747 Tomah Area $10,000,000.00 NR – 2023 Resolution to authorize the Tomah Area School District to exceed the revenue limit by $2,500,000 during the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and the 2026-2027 school years.
4375 Tri-County Area $1,450,000.00 RR – 2023 Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $1,450,000 for Recurring Purposes”
5866 Valders Area $9,900,000.00 Issue Debt Updates and repairs to MS/HS; building expansion
5866 Valders Area $7,500,000.00 NR – 2023 Operational expenses
6022 Walworth J1 $4,800,000.00 NR – 2023 a non-recurring three year referrendum of $1.4M in 2023-2024, $1.6M in 2024-2025, and $1.8M in 2025-2026 in order to meeting the operating costs of Walworth Joint School District #1.
6069 Washington $1,870,000.00 NR – 2023 A non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap for operational purposes for two years.
6104 Washington-Caldwell $1,400,000.00 NR – 2023 Operational  – to maintain current class sizes, sustain the current level of educational programming and support the day-to-day operations of the school district.
6104 Washington-Caldwell $2,500,000.00 Issue Debt Facility upgrades and improvements at school including updates to safety and security  and the boiler and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
6083 Waterford UHS $24,500,000.00 Issue Debt Authorize a borrowing in an amount not to exceed $24,500,000 through the issuance of general obligation bonds of the District for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project at the district building and grounds consisting of: improving safety and security, renovating a former elementary building and making other site improvements: updating older portions of the high school; improving the softball and soccer complexes: performing capital maintenance and building systems upgrades and acquiring furniture, fixtures and equipment.
6118 Waterloo $1,770,000.00 NR – 2023 Resolution authorizing the school district budget to exceed revenue limit by $590,000 per year for three years for non-recurring purposes.
6237 Wautoma Area $41,300,000.00 Issue Debt Initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $41,300,000.00
6321 Westby Area $5,700,000.00 NR – 2024 Exceed Revenue Limit to sustain educational programs and to operate the District
6426 Whitehall $1,700,000.00 NR – 2023 Exceed revenue limit for two year for operating expenses
6545 Wilmot UHS $8,400,000.00 NR – 2023 Operational referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $5,500,000 for the 2023-2024 school year and by $2,900,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including for salary, benefits and security improvements.
6608 Winneconne Community $28,300,000.00 Issue Debt Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $28,300,000 for Middle School facility improvements/remodeling and reconstruction of the High School Parking Lot
6748 Yorkville J2 $12,100,000.00 Issue Debt
6748 Yorkville J2 $900,000.00 RR – 2023

Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »

State Budget Update

By Dee Pettack | March 10, 2023

The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has announced the statewide budget hearings (see post).  The Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s (LFB) summary of Governor Evers’ State Budget proposal will be released shortly.   After which JFC will conduct state agency briefings before holding statewide public hearings. We will follow up with a separate post on coordinating SAA member testimony at the JFC budget hearings.

 

As the 2023-25 State Budget process begins to pick up speed, I would like to thank all those SAA members that have already begun conversations with their legislators regarding the Governor’s budget recommendations.  For those that have yet to communicate with their legislators, talking points are attached to assist with your conversation. To be successful on this state budget, SAA members in every school district must contact their legislators repeatedly throughout the long budget process.

 

I suggest that each district leadership team, behind the leadership of the superintendent and business manager, develop your district message and craft your plan for influencing your parents, your staff, your community, your media and your lawmakers — and then coordinate the delivery of that message.  With frozen revenue limits and a looming fiscal cliff this budget will be vitally important for your school district and the children you serve.   It is critically important for you to reach out to your legislators and your community.

 

Attached are talking points to aid in your communications and help prepare you for conversations with your legislators and community which cover the following:

 

  1. Consider inviting your legislators to your school(s).  Use the opportunity to show them some of the great educational opportunities afforded to the children in your district.  Show them what learning looks like today in your district.
  2. Discuss your district’s spending of ESSER dollars. Some legislators have openly expressed the opinion that, because of this one-time federal aid, public schools in Wisconsin didn’t need ongoing support in the 2021-23 state budget.  Due to the lack of state funding were you forced to use one time federal funding for ongoing operational expenses?
  3. Express your strong support for the Governor’s proposal to increase the level of special education aid to reimburse aidable costs in a meaningful way. Wisconsin school districts collectively transfer over $1 billion annually from district general funds to cover the funding gap between required special education costs and current state funding.  Explain your district’s “general fund to special education fund” annual transfer and how significant increases in special education aid can help meet the needs of all students in your district.
  4. Express your strong support for a per pupil general revenue increase in each year of the biennium.  Explain the importance of these increases in per pupil revenues in both fiscal and human terms.  Emphasize the impact on educational opportunities for your students.
  5. Tell your district’s story. Talk about your student population.  Your legislators need to hear it.
  6. Encourage your legislators to stand up for the children you serve.
  7. Thank them for listening and for serving the citizens of Wisconsin.

 

Legislators may be proactively reaching out to you for information, if not, I encourage you to reach out to the members of the Joint Finance Committee and your legislators as soon as possible.  Many SAA members prefer sending letters or emails to their legislators.  Some members have found that their legislators prefer phone conversations.  In the past some members have even produced videos to advocate for the needs of their students. All these methods work great.  All I ask is that you copy your written or video communications to the SAA so we can post them as examples for your colleagues.

I know many of you have already discussed these issues with your legislators, and I thank you.  For your convenience, I have provided links to the Senate Directory, the Assembly Directory and Who Are My Legislators.

 

Thanks for your attention, and for all your efforts on behalf of the children you serve.

Topics: Legislative Action, SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »

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