4. The bill provides that in the 1995-96 school year, the amount paid per pupil is the same as in the 1994-95 school year. Beginning in the 1996-97 school year, the private school receives that amount, increased by the increase in the consumer price index (CPI), or the private school's operating cost per pupil, whichever is less.
5. The bill provides that the MPS aid reduction described above must come first from aid paid to MPS for its special transfer program, commonly known as chapter 220.
6. Finally, the bill directs DOE, when making the payment, to send a check to the private school that is made out to the pupil's parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must restrictively endorse the check for the use of the private school.
*** Analysis from -1972/6 ***
Current law authorizes a school board on its own initiative, or upon receipt of a petition signed by at least 10% of the teachers employed by the school district or by at least 50% of the teachers employed at one school, to contract for the operation of up to 2 schools as charter schools. A charter school is exempt from most laws governing public schools. A school board may not establish a charter school without the approval of the state superintendent, who must approve the first 10 requests for approval and must ensure that charter schools are established in no more than 10 school districts. If the school board acts on its own initiative or if a petition is granted, the school board may contract for the operation of a school as a charter school. The contract must specify the amount that the school district will pay the charter school each year. Charter school employes remain school district employes and may participate in the Wisconsin retirement system.
This bill makes a number of changes in the provisions governing charter schools, including:
1. The bill deletes the requirement for state superintendent approval to establish a charter school, deletes the limit on the number of charter schools that a school board may establish and deletes the 10-school-district limit.
2. The bill deletes a provision that prohibits a school board from spending more per pupil enrolled in a charter school than it spends per pupil enrolled in a public school.
3. The bill provides that a requirement for all charter schools to be nonsectarian in their programs, admission policies, employment practices and other operations does not apply to charter schools established by MPS.
4. The bill deletes the requirement that all charter school personnel be school district employes.
5. The bill authorizes a school board to enter into a contract for the operation of a charter school that results in the conversion of a private school to a charter school. Current law prohibits a school district from entering into such a contract.
This bill authorizes MPS to contract with nonprofit, private schools or agencies located in the city of Milwaukee to provide educational programs to pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten to 12. The bill allows pupils enrolled in MPS to attend, at no charge, any private school or agency with which the board has contracted. The board must establish educational standards for pupil performance for each contracting private school and agency.
This bill authorizes the MPS board to contract with any person to manage or operate one or more schools. The bill also authorizes the MPS board to close a school that it determines is low in performance by adopting a resolution to that effect. The bill provides that if the board closes a school, or reopens the school, the superintendent of schools may reassign staff members without regard to seniority in service.
*** Analysis from -2062/2 ***
This bill directs the secretary of education to reorganize the 12 cooperative educational service agencies (CESAs) into 15 CESAs, effective on July 1, 1997. Each reorganized CESA is coterminous with a technical college district, except that reorganized CESA no. 5 is coterminous with the territory of 2 technical college districts and except that the school board of a school district that is located in more than one technical college district must select the reorganized CESA in which the school district will participate.
The bill adds 2 members to each technical college district board: one member of the board of control of the CESA that is located in the district and one employe of a school district or CESA who represents a school-to-work program. Both are appointed by the board of control.
The bill also adds members to each CESA board of control: one member of the technical college district board of the technical college district located in the CESA and a representative of each University of Wisconsin System institution and center that is located in the agency.
The bill authorizes a CESA to contract with all public and private entities and to apply for state and federal grants for the CESA and on behalf of school districts.
*** Analysis from -1955/2 ***
This bill authorizes a school district, as an alternative to the employment of teachers, to contract with any person for the performance of teaching or other educational services by individuals who are licensed by the state superintendent but who are not employes of the school district.
If a school district decides to subcontract work that would otherwise be performed by employes in a collective bargaining unit for which a representative is recognized or certified, and the decision is primarily related to the wages, hours or conditions of employment of employes in the bargaining unit, the school district must first bargain collectively with the representative concerning that decision. See Unified School District No. 1 of Racine County v. Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, 81 Wis. 2d 89 (1977).
The bill also provides that the statutory duties and powers of school boards are to be broadly construed to authorize any action that is within the comprehensive meaning of the terms of the duties and powers, if the action is not prohibited by federal or state law.
*** Analysis from -0944/4 ***
With certain exceptions, this bill authorizes DPI, upon request of a school board, to waive any school board or school district requirement in the laws administered by DPI or in the administrative rules promulgated by DPI. Before requesting a waiver, the school board must hold a public hearing in the school district on the issue.
In determining whether to grant a waiver, DPI must consider whether the requirement impedes progress toward achieving a local improvement plan under the federal Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and whether the school board has adopted educational goals. A waiver is effective for 4 years and may be renewed for additional 4-year periods.
*** Analysis from -2535/2 ***
Under current law, teachers employed at a public school located in Milwaukee County are permanent employes upon the gaining of a 4th contract in the school or school system after a continuous and successful 3-year probation. This bill repeals the permanent employment status provision.
Under current law, each school board must employ a reading specialist, licensed by the state superintendent, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive reading curriculum in grades kindergarten to 12. This bill eliminates the requirement to employ a reading specialist.
Current law requires each school board to administer pupil assessment examinations adopted or approved by the state superintendent to all pupils enrolled in the 8th and 10th grades. A school board may administer additional examinations only if they are aligned with the school district's curriculum. This bill eliminates this latter requirement.
Current law requires MPS to use 67% of certain funds allocated to MPS to provide a mentor teacher program and a peer coaching program, and the balance for school administrator assessment and development. This bill directs MPS to use all of these funds for professional staff development.
*** Analysis from -1962/2 ***
This bill authorizes a school board to establish a performance recognition plan that annually allocates at least 2% of the school district's payroll, excluding the cost of fringe benefits, for performance recognition awards to school district employes. If a school board adopts a performance recognition plan, it must establish a committee to develop employe performance standards and a committee to develop a process to review employe performance and make recommendations to each principal regarding award recipients and the amount of each award. The committees are composed of school district employes, school administrators and parents or guardians of pupils enrolled in the school district. The principal of each school determines award recipients and award amounts, subject to the total amount allocated to that school.
Currently, with certain exceptions, governmental bodies are required to provide public notice of their meetings and meet in open session. This bill excludes committees that make recommendations concerning school district performance recognition awards from the application of this law.
*** Analysis from -2568/6 ***
Under current law, the general school aid appropriation is a sum certain amount. Beginning in the 1995-96 school year, however, the appropriation is changed to a sum sufficient. The amount appropriated is the amount necessary to ensure that the total amount appropriated as general school aid and minimum aid is sufficient to allow school districts the maximum revenue increase possible under the school district revenue limit, as determined by the joint committee on finance (JCF).
This bill maintains the general school aid appropriation as a sum certain amount.
*** Analysis from -2567/3 ***
Under the current school aid formula, the guaranteed valuation is the amount of property tax base support that the state guarantees to each pupil. The current formula has 2 levels of state support, a primary guaranteed valuation and a secondary guaranteed valuation. The secondary guaranteed tax base applies to costs above a certain level. Because the secondary guarantee is lower than the main, primary guarantee, it generates less state aid on the costs to which it applies. The dividing point between use of the primary and secondary guarantees is called the primary ceiling cost per member. Currently, the primary ceiling cost per member is set annually at the previous school year's ceiling increased by the percentage change in the CPI.
This bill adds a tertiary level of state support beginning in the 1996-97 school year. Under the bill, the primary ceiling cost per member is $1,000. In the 1996-97 school year, the secondary ceiling cost per member is the 1995-96 primary ceiling cost per member increased by the percentage change in the CPI. Thereafter, the secondary ceiling cost per member is the secondary ceiling cost per member in the previous school year increased by the percentage change in the CPI.
Under current law, a school district may receive minimum state aid in an amount that is based on the district's median household income and the amount of aid that it receives under the school equalization aid formula. The current amount that a school district may receive under the minimum state aid program is a minimum of $175 per pupil and a maximum of $400 per pupil. This bill eliminates the minimum aid program beginning in the 1996-97 school year.
*** Analysis from -1704/2-2568/6 ***
Current law limits the increase in the total amount of revenue that a school district may receive from general school aids and property taxes in the 1993-94 to 1997-98 school years. In the 1993-94 school year, the maximum allowable increase per pupil was $190 or the per pupil revenue amount multiplied by the rate of inflation, whichever was greater. Beginning in the 1994-95 school year, the $190 per pupil amount is adjusted each year by the rate of inflation. The limit is based on the difference between the average of the number of pupils enrolled in the 3 previous school years and the average of the number of pupils enrolled in the current and 2 preceding school years. If a school district exceeds its revenue limits, the state superintendent is required to deduct from the district's general state aid (or other state aids, if necessary) an amount equal to the excess revenue. If these state aids are not sufficient to cover the amount of the excess revenue, the state superintendent must order the school board to reduce the property tax obligations of its taxpayers by an amount that equals the remaining excess revenue after the deduction of state aids. If these property tax obligations are not reduced, any resident in the school district may seek injunctive relief in court. The state superintendent must also make sure that any such reductions in state aid lapse to the general fund and that the amount of the excess revenue is not used in calculating the school district's revenue limit in the following year.
This bill modifies the formula used to compute a school district's revenue limit by expanding the types of school aid under the limit. The bill includes in state aid all current categorical aids to schools that are formula-driven, such as handicapped education aid and pupil transportation aid. The bill does not include those categorical aids that are grant programs.
*** Analysis from -1954/2 ***
The bill also makes the revenue limits permanent and freezes the allowable annual increase in revenue per pupil at $194 beginning in the 1995-96 school year.
*** Analysis from -0782/4-2568/6 ***
The bill exempts from the revenue limits those school districts whose base revenue per pupil is less than $5,200 in the 1995-96 school year and $5,500 in each subsequent school year. Base revenue per pupil is determined by calculating the sum of general school aid received in the previous year and property taxes levied for the previous year, less funds expended on school district debt service, and the costs of a county handicapped children's education board program, dividing this amount by the sum of the average of the number of pupils in the 3 previous school years and the number of pupils who are school district residents who are solely enrolled in a special education board program provided by a county handicapped children's education board program in the previous school year, and adding $194 to the quotient.
Finally, if a school district exceeds its revenue limit, the bill provides that the reductions in state aid that lapse to the general fund are to be paid to the school district in the succeeding school year. The school board is required to reduce the school district's property tax levy by an amount that equals the amount that lapsed to the general fund in the prior school year.
*** Analysis from -0904/3 ***
Currently, with certain exceptions, no school district may grant to its nonrepresented professional employes for any 12-month period ending on June 30 an average increase in compensation, for all such employes, prior to July 1, 1996, having an average cost per employe of more than 2.1% of the total cost per employe of compensation and fringe benefits provided by the district to its nonrepresented professional employes.
This bill provides, instead, that no school district may grant to its nonrepresented professional employes for any 12-month period ending on June 30 an average increase in compensation, for all such employes, prior to July 1, 1996, having an average cost per employe exceeding the highest average total percentage increased cost per employe of compensation provided by the school district to its represented employes in any collective bargaining unit during either of the 2 most recent 12-month periods ending on June 30 preceding the date that the increase for nonrepresented professional employes becomes effective.
*** Analysis from -1922/4 ***
This bill eliminates the reimbursement rates for handicapped education costs and school age parents program costs of 63% for program staff and transportation costs and 51% for the costs of psychologists and social workers. The bill directs that aidable costs be fully reimbursed, subject to the availability of funds.
*** Analysis from -2467/5 ***
Under current law, the state provides state aid to school districts to support voluntary efforts by school districts to reduce racial imbalance. Aid is provided for both interdistrict transfer and intradistrict transfer programs. Aid for an intradistrict transfer program is calculated by multiplying the general state aid per pupil in the school district by the number of pupils participating in the program, weighted such that each transfer pupil is counted as an additional 0.325 of a pupil. Interdistrict transfer aid is calculated in such a manner that each transfer pupil continues to be counted as 1.0 pupil in aid by the school district of residence; the gaining school district is paid the per pupil cost of that school district for each transfer pupil or, if such pupils constitute at least 5% of the total enrollment of the gaining school district, 20% more.
Beginning in the 1996-97 school year, this bill provides that the gaining school district is paid, for each interdistrict transfer pupil, the per pupil cost in the gaining school district or $7,000, whichever is less.
The bill also provides that if a school district receives intradistrict transfer aid in the 1995-96 school year, in each subsequent school year its aid may not exceed the amount determined by multiplying the amount per transfer pupil received in the previous school year by the CPI. If a school district does not receive intradistrict aid in the 1995-96 school year, its aid in the first school year in which it receives such aid is calculated as under current law. In each subsequent school year, its aid may not exceed the amount determined by multiplying the amount per transfer pupil received in the previous school year by the CPI.
*** Analysis from -2288/2 ***
Current law appropriates money to DPI for the purposes of correcting the academic deficiencies of educationally and economically disadvantaged pupils and achieving a more effective and responsive educational program in MPS. In the 1993-94 school year, the funds were distributed according to a plan developed by the governor and the state superintendent and approved by JCF.
For the 1995-96 school year, this bill directs the MPS school board to submit a proposal for the expenditure of the funds to the governor for his or her approval. In subsequent school years, the governor must submit a proposal to JCF for its approval.
*** Analysis from -2543/4 ***
Under current law, DPI awards grants to school districts for various programs, including all of the following:
1. Learning assistance programs.
2. Programs that enhance the instruction of mathematics and science in the elementary grades.
3. Staff development programs.
4. Programs designed to promote the interaction of pupils and teachers with professional scientists, engineers and mathematicians.
5. Human growth and development programs.
This bill eliminates all of the above grant programs.
This bill authorizes DPI and the division of technology management in the department of administration (DOA), which is created by the bill, jointly to award a grant to a school district, or to a school district acting in conjunction with one or more other school districts, cooperative educational service agencies or technical college districts, for the purchase of instructional technology and the cost of providing staff development and training related to instructional technology.
*** Analysis from -0825/2 ***
Current law requires the state superintendent to adopt or approve examinations that are designed to measure pupil attainment of knowledge in the 8th and 10th grades. Each school board must administer the examinations to all pupils enrolled in the school district in the 8th and 10th grades. The pupil assessment program expires at the end of the 1997-98 school year.
This bill eliminates the expiration of the program. The bill directs the state superintendent to adopt or approve a 4th grade examination as well, and requires each school board to administer the examination to all pupils enrolled in the school district in the 4th grade beginning in the 1996-97 school year. The bill authorizes school boards to administer the examination in the 1995-96 school year.
*** Analysis from -0872/6 ***
Under current law, the term of an employment contract of a school district administrator, business manager or school principal or assistants to such persons may not exceed 2 years and must expire on June 30 of an odd-numbered year.
This bill eliminates the restriction on term length and eliminates the requirement that contracts expire on June 30 of an odd-numbered year. The bill provides that the initial employment contract must be for a term of at least 2 years. The bill also provides that if the employing school board fails to give notice of either renewal of the contract or of refusal to renew the contract at least 4 months before it expires, the contract then in force continues for 2 years.
*** Analysis from -2544/1 ***
Current law provides that a pupil may be suspended from school for noncompliance with school rules, or for knowingly conveying any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made to destroy any school property by means of explosives, or for conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority that endangers the property, health or safety of others, or for conduct while not at school or while not under the supervision of a school authority that endangers the property, health or safety of others at school or under the supervision of a school authority or endangers the property, health or safety of any employe or school board member of the school district in which the pupil is enrolled.
A school board may expel a pupil from school if it finds that the pupil engaged in any of the conduct described above or finds the pupil guilty of repeated refusal or neglect to obey the rules, and is satisfied that the interest of the school demands the pupil's expulsion.
This bill provides that a pupil may be suspended or expelled for conduct while going to or coming from school that endangers the property, health or safety of others.
Current law requires each school board to provide safe and healthful facilities. This bill requires, in addition, that each school board ensure that facilities, school-related events and school-related transportation be provided in a manner that is completely safe for both pupils and adults.
*** Analysis from -0819/2 ***
Current law directs the state superintendent annually to conduct a general on-site audit of at least 10% of all school districts to ensure compliance with the state's educational standards. This bill eliminates this requirement. Instead, the bill directs DPI to conduct an inquiry into compliance with the standards upon receipt of a complaint, and authorizes DPI, on its own initiative, to conduct an audit.
*** Analysis from -2002/1 ***
Under current law, the school district administrator and business manager of every school district other than MPS are required to be licensed by the state superintendent. In Milwaukee, prior to July 1, 1995, the school board may appoint a school district administrator who is not licensed. This bill deletes the expiration date for the school district administrator provision in MPS and also authorizes the MPS board to employ a business manager who is not licensed by the state superintendent.
*** Analysis from -1532/2 ***
Current law authorizes the state superintendent to maintain a summer school for deaf persons at the school for the deaf and requires a summer school for visually handicapped adults at the school for the visually handicapped. This bill allows the state superintendent to maintain a summer school for visually handicapped minors at the school for the visually handicapped.
*** Analysis from -0941/5 ***
Current law directs MPS to establish one or more youth service centers for the counseling of children who are taken into custody for being absent from school without an acceptable excuse. MPS must contract with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee for the operation of the centers. Under current law, state funding for the centers is due to expire at the end of the 1994-95 fiscal year. This bill extends the funding through the 1995-96 fiscal year. Beginning on July 1, 1996, the bill provides that MPS may establish such centers. Currently, all other school districts are authorized, but not required, to establish such centers.
The bill also continues state funding, through the 1995-96 school year, for the salaries and fringe benefit costs for up to 4 law enforcement officers in the city of Milwaukee to work in truancy abatement and burglary supression.
