by Dan Rossmiller | Feb 22, 2023 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue
The Legislature’s Joint Legislative Council has released the final report of a special legislative study committee that spent much of the summer and fall reviewing current barriers to the sharing of administrative or other services between school districts, exploring the statutory creation of incentives to encourage efficiencies, including school district consolidation, and considering methods for sharing services.
The report of the study committee, comprised of both lawmakers and school officials, includes a number of recommendations for legislation, including recommendations aimed at making the school district consolidation process more feasible for districts that may wish to pursue consolidation due to declining enrollment or financial considerations. (more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Feb 9, 2023 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has released a new report on teacher supply and demand in Wisconsin, entitled “2021 Educator Preparation Program and Workforce Analysis Report.”
Among the key findings of the report:
- Teaching areas in which shortages are most acute include, special education (particularly cross categorical), Language Arts (reading), Math, Science, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Art and Music, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
(more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Feb 6, 2023 | Legislative Update Blog, State Budget, State Issue
Governor Evers is scheduled to give his 2023-25 state budget address next Wednesday evening, Feb. 15 before a joint session of the state Senate and Assembly in the state Capitol. The speech will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly chambers.
At that time, the governor will unveil and highlight his budget proposal, which by law will then be introduced by the Joint Finance Committee. That will mark the start of several months of legislative discussion and debate over the state’s next biennial (or two-year) budget. If all goes as planned. that discussion and debate will result in passage of the budget bill in late June or early July. (more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Feb 6, 2023 | Federal Issue, Legislative Update Blog, State Issue
Last Friday (Feb. 3), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is proposing significant changes to standards governing school meals. The changes are aimed at making the meals healthier, with a particular emphasis on reducing sugar and salt.
A 60-day public comment period on the proposal starts tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb.7). The proposed changes are the product of a multiyear effort, and were developed with input from school nutrition professionals, public health experts, industry and parents, according to a USDA statement.
(more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Feb 2, 2023 | Legislative Update Blog, WASB
The resolutions adopted by the 2023 WASB Delegate Assembly on Jan 18 have been posted on the WASB website. You can access that document HERE.
Resolutions adopted by the annual Delegate Assemblies set the policy direction for the WASB and its lobbying efforts. Once adopted, these resolutions remain in force unless amended or repealed.
More information can be found on the Delegate Assembly website.
