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.
Under current law, state aid may be paid to each district for those academic summer classes or laboratory periods that are for necessary academic purposes, as defined by the state superintendent by rule. Currently, it is clear that online classes in grades 7-12 necessary for academic purposes can be counted for aid. This rule would presumably further define online classes in grades beyond those specified in existing statutes that are considered necessary for academic purposes and can thus be eligible for aid.
(Note: Recreational programs and team sports offered during summer school or interim sessions are not be eligible for aid under current statutes, and pupils participating in such programs cannot be counted for membership purposes. The proposed rule cannot change this.)
A copy of the scope statement for the proposed emergency rule can be accessed here. (A scope statement is required for all proposed rulemaking and must be approved by the governor before rulemaking can proceed.)
Please note that due to restrictions imposed by the public health emergency declaration, the public hearing will be held via teleconference. [To join the teleconference, dial this Phone number: 608-620-9781 and enter the Conference ID: 220 029 048#.]
Written comments received no later than the date of the hearing will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearing. Written comments may be submitted online by April 23 using this form, or can be sent by U.S. mail to Carl Bryan, DPI Administrative Rules Coordinator, 125 South Webster Street, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841.
