by Dan Rossmiller | Oct 9, 2020 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue, Uncategorized, WASB
Many school districts across the state are facing teacher and staff supply challenges that have been made worse by the pandemic. As we reported in an earlier blog post, the WASB–along with other K-12 advocacy groups–has urged legislative leaders to take up and pass a set of statutory changes to address, among other things, teacher licensing flexibility, and potential revenue losses due to fluctuations in September pupil counts.
In response to calls for greater teacher licensure flexibility amid that challenges posed by the pandemic, the DPI has initiated rulemaking changes to Chapter PI 34, the administrative rules chapter relating to teacher licensing. The department is referring to these changes as “Licensing flexibilities during a pandemic declaration” in its scope statement. (more…)
by Chris Kulow | Sep 28, 2020 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue, WASB
The Office of School Safety has announced a newly updated 6th Edition of the Safe Schools Legal Resource Manual is now available for download here: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/office-school-safety/school-safety-resources.
Many of the issues addressed in the manual will also be discussed in a WASB webinar tomorrow:
Webinar: Interactions with Law Enforcement, Part 2: The Legal Considerations, Sept. 29, 10 am
Whether or not they have a school resource officer, schools will need to work with law enforcement. This legal webinar explores issues such as parent notification, staff presence during interviews with agency personnel, student rights, searches and more.
Registration: Not Required
by Chris Kulow | Aug 28, 2020 | Legislative Update Blog, WASB
We want to remind member boards that the September 15 deadline for submitting a resolution to the WASB for consideration to become an official policy or position for the Association is quickly approaching. Before a resolution can be submitted, it must be officially voted on and approved by your board.
To submit your resolutions to the WASB, you can use the following new and improved form: 2021 Resolutions Submission Form
Here’s a refresher on how the WASB resolution process works and why it is important: (more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Aug 7, 2020 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue, WASB
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released its new COVID-19 Regulatory Flexibility Framework this morning (Friday 8/7) via a letter from State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor posted to the District Administrators’ chronological email webpage.
The framework consists of two parts: a COVID-19 flexibility application form and a series of policy provisions on key topics to address districts’ flexibility needs.
The policy provisions begin with the information attached to the State Superintendent’s letter, and cover topics such as pupil count dates, transportation, licensure, school nutrition, and the school day milk program. (more…)
by Chris Kulow | Jun 23, 2020 | Legislative Update Blog, WASB
The Resolutions Adopted by Delegate Assemblies book, containing the collected policy positions adopted by Delegate Assemblies throughout the years, has been updated to reflect resolutions adopted in January 2020.
Resolutions adopted by the annual WASB Delegate Assemblies set the policy direction for the WASB and its lobbying efforts. Once adopted, these resolutions remain in force unless amended or repealed.The resolution process is member-driven. Each member board has an opportunity to put its imprint on the WASB. The process begins when member boards submit resolutions proposing new language or changing existing resolution language. Those board resolutions must be submitted by Sept. 15. (more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Apr 20, 2020 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue, Uncategorized, WASB
Last Monday (4/13), the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) filed a scope statement in preparation to promulgate an emergency rule relating to expanding virtual summer and interim session courses. This proposed emergency rule, to amend Wis. Admin. Code, Chapter PI 17, would expand the grade levels in which school districts may receive state aid in providing virtual instruction during summer and interim session courses.
DPI will hold a preliminary public hearing and comment period on the scope statement on Thursday, April 23, 2020. More information and details can be found here.
The WASB encourages school leaders who share concerns about what online classes at what grade levels are eligible for aid to testify or submit comments in support of the proposed emergency rule.
(more…)
