Expanded powers for state superintendent, school safety bills pass
Legislature adjourns until January
By Joe Quick, WSPRA Legislative Liaison
With the typical flurry of the waning days of session, in two weeks the state Legislature passed numerous education-related bills ranging from a school safety/bullying prevention law and modifications to the SAGE (Student Achievement Guarantee in Education) program to expanded powers for the state superintendent regarding low-performing schools/districts. The bills await action by Governor Doyle.
Following the rejection of the state’s “Race to the Top” (RTTT) application from Washington D.C., legislators renewed discussion of providing expanded powers to the state superintendent to improve the academic performance in the lowest 5% of the state’s schools. Currently, all of these schools are in Milwaukee, but the bill is applicable to the entire state. Senate Bill 437 would allow the state superintendent to change curriculum, expand the school day/year, implement a professional development program to improve student performance and other new powers.
No changes in a struggling school district could be made contrary to the current collective bargaining agreement in a district, a provision derided by Republicans who said the bill would not enhance prospects for approval of Wisconsin’s next RTTT application in June. The bill became a fallback position for legislators when the Milwaukee Public Schools-mayoral governance issue could not get legislative backing.
The Legislature also gave approval to SB 154, requiring districts to adopt bullying policies and school safety plans and allowing the exchange of select information between law enforcement and school personnel. Luis Yudice, MMSD Security director, served on the Legislative Council study group of legislators and public members who crafted the bill.
Another bill sent to the Governor, Assembly Bill 808, makes changes in the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) program. Current SAGE classes are at a 15:1 pupil-teacher ratio. This bill allows school boards to increase classes to 18 students. The bill also re-opens the SAGE program to all school districts for one year, and eliminates the DPI-waiver option (e.g. Madison has four schools that have 15:1 for math and literacy classes, but received a waiver from DPI to have 22-23 students in social studies, music and other classes).
The changes to SAGE were precipitated by legislators concerned that schools/districts are dropping out of the program. A participating school receives $2,077 per low-income child, but depending on the number of low-income children in a particular class, the state grant might not cover the costs for the teacher. Since 2007 there are 5,600 fewer students statewide in SAGE due to districts leaving the program. Menasha’s school board voted 6-1 in April to drop out of the program, eliminating 32 teaching positions and saving an estimated $1.4 million.
The Legislature stands adjourned until next January, unless the Governor calls a special session, which is unlikely. A brief description of other education-related bills passed at session’s end follows.
SB 25 – Following a complaint by a resident in a school district, the bill allows the state superintendent to schedule a hearing and make a determination related to the district’s use of race-based school mascot and/or logo.
SB 681 – Sets national standard for educating children of military personnel.
SB 598 – Provides alternative timelines for school district consolidation referenda.
SB 379 – Stipulates school district protocol regarding closing and re-opening schools due to public health threats.
SB 407 – Alters eligibility criteria for academic excellence higher education scholarships.
SB 342 – Allows school boards to restrict habitually truant students from attending a school district under the state’s open enrollment program.
AB 725 – Requires all school districts to offer training/instruction on CPR, cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) and defibrillators to high school students.
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