DPI Releases 2017-19 State Budget Summary
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | October 4, 2017
The DPI has released its full summary of the 2017-19 State Budget as it affects K-12 education, public libraries, etc…
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
SAA Testifies Against Competitive Bidding Bill
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | October 3, 2017
SAA Executive Director John Forester testified in opposition to Senate Bill 236 today at a public hearing held before the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Commerce and Local Government, chaired by Sen. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac).
In addition, Waunakee Superintendent Randy Guttenberg and Julie Waner, Vice President of the Waunakee Board of Education, did a fabulous job in testifying in opposition to SB 236.
You might recall that, Senate Bill 236 would require that a school board, before entering into a contract for the construction, repair, remodeling, or improvement of a public school building or public school facilities or for the furnishing of supplies or materials with an estimated cost greater than $75,000 (Senate Amendment 2 would reduce that figure to $50,000), must advertise or direct the school district clerk to advertise for proposals and must let the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
The bill would also prohibit a school board from using a bidding method that gives preference based on the geographic location of the bidder or that uses criteria other than the lowest responsible bidder in awarding a contract.
Chairman Feyen has scheduled an executive session (committee vote) on the bill for this Thursday, October 5th. The SAA will keep you informed of any developments regarding this important legislation.
Topics: Legislative Action, SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Wisconsin Gerrymandering Case
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | October 3, 2017
U.S. Supreme Court justices showed deep divisions Tuesday over a gerrymandering case from Wisconsin that could have far-reaching national implications.
Check out the coverage from the Milwaukee journal Sentinel here.
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Hearing Scheduled on Bill Requiring Schools to Use Competitive Bidding
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 27, 2017
The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Commerce and Local Government, chaired by Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville), will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 236 requiring all school districts (including MPS) to utilize competitive bidding for school construction projects or for the furnishing of supplies or materials in excess of $75,000, next Tuesday, October 3 at 10:30am in Room 330SW, State Capitol. An amendment to the bill that has been introduced would reduce the bidding threshold in the bill to $50,000, down from $75,000. The bidding threshold in current law for counties, municipalities and other local governments other than schools is $25,000.
Senate Bill 236 would require that a school board, before entering into a contract for the construction, repair, remodeling, or improvement of a public school building or public school facilities or for the furnishing of supplies or materials with an estimated cost greater than $75,000, must advertise or direct the school district clerk to advertise for proposals and must let the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
The bill would also prohibit a school board from using a bidding method that gives preference based on the geographic location of the bidder or that uses criteria other than the lowest responsible bidder in awarding a contract.
The SAA testified in opposition to Assembly Bill 307, the companion bill to SB 236, at an Assembly hearing in July (See SAA Testimony).
The SAA opposes SB 236. SAA members interested in testifying against the bill should contact SAA as soon as possible.
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DPI Posts Info on Licensure Changes
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 27, 2017
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) posted new information this morning regarding licensure changes made in the 2017-19 State Budget. Specifically, this information deals with the Lifetime License for Educators adopted in the budget bill. The DPI also notes that they will have a full budget summary available in just a few days.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »