Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB193

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Grants for feasibility studies of school district consolidation or whole grade sharing and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The legislation does not amend existing laws regarding school district operations directly but introduces a mechanism for state support that previously did not exist. By providing financial assistance for feasibility studies, it encourages school districts to consider collaborative operations that could lead to enhanced educational efficiencies and resource management. This initiative is expected to foster more sustainable practices among local school boards, particularly in areas facing declining student populations or financial constraints.

Summary

Assembly Bill 193 proposes to establish a framework for supporting school district consolidation or whole grade sharing agreements through state funding. The bill mandates the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to provide grants of up to $25,000 to consortia of two or more school boards. Such funding aims to facilitate professional financial analyses, which may include population studies, to assess the impacts of proposed consolidations or grade-sharing arrangements. The total appropriation allocated for this program in the 2023-2024 fiscal year is set at $200,000.

Contention

Although the bill appears beneficial in promoting regional collaboration among school districts, potential points of contention could arise concerning the prioritization of funding and the impact of consolidations on local educational autonomy. Stakeholders might raise concerns about the adequacy of the feasibility studies conducted, the true representation of local needs, and whether such consolidations would genuinely result in improved educational outcomes or financial savings. Furthermore, discussions in legislative circles may highlight the specifics of how decisions will be made, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the consolidation considerations.