Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance - Representing the Interests of Wisconsin Students

Changes to Wisconsin Pupil Records Law

By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 4, 2016

From the Legal Side…

The Boardman & Clark law firm recently published this School Law Update. The Wisconsin Legislature recently revised the state pupil records law (Wis Stat. s. 118.125). This update briefly describes the new law and its impact on school district practices and policies. The SAA regularly receives these updates and we believe this is valuable information for SAA members. We are distributing this update to SAA members with the permission of Boardman & Clark.

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

Rep. Al Ott Will Not Seek Re-election

By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 4, 2016

From WisPolitics.com …

In case you missed it last week, GOP state Rep. Al Ott, first elected to the Assembly in 1986, announced he will not seek re-election this fall.

“Thirty years ago, I ran for the state Assembly out of my genuine desire to serve the public and bring the voice of northeast Wisconsin to Madison,” Ott said. “While much has changed during my tenure, my commitment to my constituents and my desire to enact sound public policy has not. I am truly blessed and humbled to have had this opportunity.”

Ott, R-Forest Junction, is the longest continuously serving member of the Assembly. Rep. Fred Kessler, D-Milwaukee, served in the body in the 1960s. But he left for more than three decades before he was elected again in 2004. Likewise, Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, was first elected in 1984 but left in the early 1990s before winning his current seat in 2008.

Ott becomes the ninth member of the Legislature to opt against seeking re-election this fall. The two Dems are Sen. Nikiya Harris Dodd, of Milwaukee, and Rep. Andy Jorgensen, of Milton. The Republicans are: Sens. Rick Gudex, of Fond du Lac, and Mary Lazich, of New Berlin, and Reps. Dave Heaton, of Wausau; Dean Knudson, of Hudson; Tom Larson, of Colfax; and John Murtha, of Baldwin.

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Voucher School Investigation Prompts Legislation

By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 28, 2016

Check out this news story from FOX6 Milwaukee about how their investigation prompted legislation to close a loophole in the state’s voucher school law.

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April 5th School Referenda

By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 28, 2016

From The Wheeler Report:

SCHOOL REFERENDUM SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

District Name	Total Amount Type	Brief Description
Albany	$1,200,000.00 RR – 2016	Recurring referendum 2016-17 $800,000; 2017-18 $200,000; 2018-19 $200,000
Algoma	$4,860,000.00 Issue Debt	Renovations, improvements and additions to the elementary school; high school restroom renovations; parking lot improvements at each school building; and equipment acquisition related to said projects.
Antigo	$25,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue Debt in an amount not to exceed $25,900,000 to build an new elementary school and additions and remodeling at the remaining two elementary schools.
Argyle	$6,500,000.00 Issue Debt	General obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school improvement program at District buildings and grounds consisting of: HVAC upgrades and improvements; roof and flooring repairs and replacement; additions for technical education classroom and shop space, new storage and office space and a new maintenance and storage garage; remodeling and renovations to classroom space, the Elementary School gymnasium and locker rooms; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Argyle	$2,600,000.00 Issue Debt	General obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,600,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of constructing a new High School gymnasium, restrooms, office and storage space.
Ashland	$34,360,000.00 Issue Debt	BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Ashland, Ashland and Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin that there shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,360,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and improvement program at all District facilities and grounds consisting of: additions for classrooms and learning space; remodeling and modernization of facilities; energy efficiency and management system upgrades; technology, safety and security improvements, including secure main entrances; construction of a new fieldhouse; parking and site improvements; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Auburndale	$500,000.00 RR – 2017	Shall the School District of Auburndale be allowed to exceed the revenue limit specified in § 121.91, Wis. Stats., by up to $500,000 commencing with the 2017-2018 school year on a recurring basis; by up to an additional $200,000 in the 2018-2019 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $700,000; by up to an additional $300,000 in the 2019-2020 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $800,000; and by up to an additional $400,000 in the 2020-2021 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $900,000, all for the purpose of maintaining current levels of educational programming, expenditures and operations?
Auburndale	$900,000.00 NR – 2018	Shall the School District of Auburndale be allowed to exceed the revenue limit specified in § 121.91, Wis. Stats., by up to $500,000 commencing with the 2017-2018 school year on a recurring basis; by up to an additional $200,000 in the 2018-2019 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $700,000; by up to an additional $300,000 in the 2019-2020 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $800,000; and by up to an additional $400,000 in the 2020-2021 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $900,000, all for the purpose of maintaining current levels of educational programming, expenditures and operations?
Barron Area	$4,500,000.00 NR – 2017	Non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap for five years 2017-18 through 2021-22 for the purpose of completing multiple necessary major maintenance projects and retaining high quality staff.
Bloomer	$3,500,000.00 Issue Debt	$3,500,000.00 for constructing an addition on our Middle School for classroom space, a technical education and agricultural room, a computer lab, bathrooms and additional storage space; Middle School bathroom, kitchen and storage room remodeling; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Boscobel	$20,000,000.00 Issue Debt	To pay the cost of a school building improvement program, consisting of constructing a building addition to the high school and making related improvements to combine all grades at one location, and acquire furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Boscobel	$1,800,000.00 RR – 2016	To Exceed the revenue cap on a recurring basis for continuing and enhancing the educational programs of the District and maintaining the current level of District Operations
Brodhead	$2,850,000.00 NR – 2016	To exceed the revenue limit by $950,000, on a non-recurring basis, for each of the 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, to be used to maintain facilities and programs, and for debt retirement.
Chilton	$5,200,000.00 NR – 2016	educational programming
Cumberland	$2,100,000.00 RR – 2016	Recurring purposes consisting of operating expenses and educational programming.
Darlington Community	$2,200,000.00 RR – 2016	For recurring purposes consisting of maintained and enhanced educational programming beginning 2016-2017 and thereafter.
Dodgeville	$19,995,000.00 Issue Debt	Borrowing amount not to exceed $19,995,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school improvement program consisting of district-wide infrastructure improvements; additions and remodeling at Dodgeville High School; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Ellsworth Community	$31,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Constructing and equipping a new four year old kindergarten through grade 5 elementary school with administrative offices.
Gillett	$3,800,000.00 NR – 2016	Non recurring referendum to exceed revenue limit by $950,000 for 4 years
Goodman-Armstrong	$1,650,000.00 NR – 2016	Exceed revenue cap by $550,000 for three years
Grafton	$47,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue GO Bonds not to exceed $47,700,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of additions, remodeling, renovations and upgrades to all District buildings including constructing a new middle school facility and new technical education center adjacent to the high school, converting the existing middle school to an elementary school facility, upgrades and additions to the Woodview and Kennedy Elementary Schools and Grafton High School and equipment acquisition related to the project.
Grafton	$1,800,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue bonds not to exceed $1,800,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improvements and repairs to outdoor physical education, athletic and community recreation areas and equipment acquisition related to the project.
Green Lake	$2,400,000.00 NR – 2016
Greenwood	$3,850,000.00 NR – 2016	For non-recurring purposes to maintain academic, co-curricular and athletic programs for students, upgrade technology education equipment, and continued maintenance of district facilities.
Gresham	$6,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue debt to replace high school section of facility, raze the current high school, construct additional academic and administrative space in location of razed portion of building, and renovations to remaining facilities and parking improvements.
Gresham	$3,200,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue debt for the purpose of expanding academic, athletic, and recreational space at the school including a new gymnasium and locker rooms, replacing soccer field and track and field areas, additional parking.
Hudson	$74,300,000.00 Issue Debt	High School Additions, Renovations and Upgrades
Hudson	$7,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Middle School Additions, Renovations and Upgrades
Hudson	$8,200,000.00 Issue Debt	High School Multi-Use Athletic Facilities and High School Auditorium Renovations and Upgrades
Iowa-Grant	$1,800,000.00 RR – 2016	To authorize the District to exceed the revenue cap on a recurring basis of $1,800,000 starting in the school year 2016-17 for District programs and operations including building and maintenance projects.
Juda	$5,700,000.00 Issue Debt	General Obligation Bonds or Promissory Notes in an amount not to exceed $5,700,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improvements, remodeling, renovations and repairs to the District’s buildings and grounds and equipment acquisition to address key areas of needs in facilities, safety/security, curriculum/instruction and technology.
Juda	$150,000.00 RR – 2016	School district budget shall include an amount not to exceed $150,000 in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes each year beginning with the 2016-17 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operation costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs.
Lake Holcombe	$2,025,000.00 NR – 2016	Exceed revenue caps by $675,000 for three years beginning with the 2016-17 school year through the 2018-19 school year for operational & maintenance expenses.
Lena	$3,250,000.00 NR – 2016	Referendum to exceed the revenue limit for 5 years starting with the 2016-17 school year.
Medford Area	$3,205,000.00 Issue Debt
Medford Area	$975,000.00 Issue Debt
Menomonee Falls	$32,700,000.00 Issue Debt	$32,700,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide facility improvement program
Menomonee Falls	$3,750,000.00 RR – 2016	Exceed the revenue limit by $1,250,000 in the 2016-2017 school year and by an additional $1,250,000 a year in each of the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years for a total of $3,750,000 for the 2018-2019 school year and remain at $3,750,000 each year going forward, for recurring purposes consisting of safeguarding learning opportunities and sustaining class size.
Mishicot	$10,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue GO bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school improvement program at District buildings consisting of: technology improvements, plumbing, HVAC and electrical infrastructure improvements; student instructional spaces, restroom, office, corridor, athletic space and kitchen renovations and remodeling; a locker room addition and renovations; door replacement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Monona Grove	$13,000,000.00 NR – 2016	Shall the Monona Grove School District, Dane County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by up to $2,600,000 per year for a period of five years on a non-recurring basis beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, and ending with the 2020-2021 school year, for the purpose of funding School District operations, including, but not limited to, costs associated with curriculum, technology, personnel, maintenance, equipment purchases, and facility improvements.
Montello	$3,600,000.00 NR – 2016	To maintain instructional programming.
Mosinee	$44,970,000.00 Issue Debt	construction project as indicated.
Mosinee	$383,000.00 Issue Debt	operating cost referendum
Mukwonago	$49,500,000.00 Issue Debt	School building and improvement program at Mukwonago High School
Mukwonago	$7,000,000.00 NR – 2017	Operational and maintenance expenses at Mukwonago High School
Muskego-Norway	$43,180,000.00 Issue Debt	To build a new middle school on district-owned property and construct additions and renovations to other existing school buildings.
Nicolet UHS	$18,900,000.00 NR – 2016	Resolution authorizing the Nicolet Unified High School District budget to exceed revenue limit by $3.15 million for six years for non-recurring purposes.
Oshkosh Area	$28,000,000.00 NR – 2016	To Exceed the revenue cap on a non-recurring basis by $4,000,000 for 7 years.
Peshtigo	$33,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Construct a new middle-high school and auditorium; demolish and remove existing middle-high school; develop surrounding green space; acquire furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Portage Community	$13,000,000.00 NR – 2016	Operational Referendum
Prairie Du Chien Area	$1,340,000.00 RR – 2016	Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit for Recurring Purposes
Prairie Du Chien Area	$18,900,000.00 Issue Debt	AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $18,900,000
Richland	$475,000.00 RR – 2016	Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget To Exceed Revenue Limit By $475,000 for Recurring Purposes
Richland	$3,470,000.00 Issue Debt
Richland	$5,260,000.00 Issue Debt
Rio Community	$2,700,000.00 NR – 2016	Exceed Revenue Limit for Three Years for Operating Purposes
Solon Springs	$500,000.00 RR – 2016	For the purpose of maintaining current educational programming, expenditures, and operations
Somerset	$4,298,000.00 NR – 2016
Spencer	$4,875,000.00 NR – 2016	Authorize School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $975,000 for five years for non-recurring purposes
Spring Valley	$3,200,000.00 NR – 2016	REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMITS BY $800,000 FOR FOUR YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES
Stratford	$15,995,000.00 Issue Debt	School improvement program at the High School and Elementary School consisting of renovations, remodeling, infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements, a classroom addition, technology and security upgrades, asbestos abatement and site improvements; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Stratford	$7,995,000.00 Issue Debt	Construct and equip an auditorium, gymnasium, lobby and restrooms.
Sturgeon Bay	$6,850,000.00 NR – 2016
Superior	$92,500,000.00 Issue Debt	Capital building referendum
Tomah Area	$4,500,000.00 NR – 2016	RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $1,5OO,OOO FOR THREE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES
Waterford UHS	$12,210,000.00 Issue Debt	FIELD HOUSE AND FITNESS CENTER CONSTRUCTION
West Salem	$500,000.00 Issue Debt	Renovating and improving the District transportation facility; and acquiring related fixtures and equipment.
West Salem	$1,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Renovating and improving the District swimming pool and pool house; and acquiring related fixtures, furnishings and equipment.
Westby Area	$2,995,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue debt for paying for the cost of constructing and equipping a Performing Arts Center.
Winneconne Community	$12,500,000.00 Issue Debt	paying the cost of a school building improvement program at the Winneconne High School – addition to and renovation of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) facilities and construction of related improvements; addition of an auditorium; acquiring furniture, fixtures & equipment.
Winneconne Community	$1,200,000.00 NR – 2017	for purposes of paying operation and maintenance expenses relating to facilities for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programs and the auditorium at Winneconne High School