by Chris Kulow | Aug 29, 2019 | State Issue
State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) are circulating a bill draft for other legislators to sign on and support (see cosponsorship memo) relating to contracts with parents to transport students to private and (sometimes) public schools. The bill would require the contract must compensate the parent or guardian a total amount for all pupils residing in the household who attend the same school, rather than a per pupil amount.
This change will potentially save districts money when multiple children in the same household are being transported to the same school in the same vehicle.
WASB supports this bill based on our member-approved resolutions and encourages you to contact your state legislators to cosponsor the “Marklein/Novak LRB 2448” before the Sept 10 deadline. (more…)
by Chris Kulow | Aug 27, 2019 | State Issue
One of the most important steps in developing relationships with your state lawmakers so you can effectively advocate for your students and districts is to get them into your schools. Back to school events are a great opportunity to do so. Even if you do not hold a formal event, you can invite them for a tour.
These sorts of events or tours are a great opportunity to “educate” your legislators. While you certainly want to show off all the great things you are doing, also make sure to take the opportunity to inform them of your challenges and needs. The more time your legislators spend with you and your students, the more likely they will be to support your cause (or at least understand it better).
Take photos of the visit and post them on your website and social media. If your local newspaper covers your meetings, invite them to take a photo for the paper.
If your legislator was particularly helpful on a particular issue or with regard to the state budget make sure to thank them for their support.
by Dan Rossmiller | Apr 26, 2019 | State Budget, State Issue
Testifying before the Joint Finance Committee isn’t the only way to advocate for your district and students on the state budget.
You can also attend a budget listening session, where you can meet with your legislator in a small group (or sometimes even in a one-on-one) setting.
The WASB staff found announcements of the following upcoming listening sessions:
(Note: These were all “upcoming” at the time this information was originally posted.) (more…)
by Chris Kulow | Apr 25, 2019 | State Budget, State Issue
Thank you to the school board members who testified st the Joint Finance Committee budget hearing in Green Bay on Wednesday, April 24 at UWGB.
I will say right at the start that I am probably missing people so my apologies in advance. Please contact me if you were there and I missed you so you are recognized and get the WASB board member recognition points you deserve. (more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Apr 24, 2019 | State Budget, State Issue
From time to time we highlight exemplary advocacy efforts by school boards. Today, as part of that effort, we want to call your attention to a proclamation and letter issued by the Appleton Area School Board.
The proclamation declares April 24 to be “Advocate for Kids in the Appleton Area Day” and urges “all citizens and stakeholders to support the future of our children by attending the Joint Finance Committee (budget) hearing in Green Bay and/or contacting the Governor and Legislators to advocate for the areas of needs for all children in the Appleton Area School District.” (more…)
