Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB529

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/18/23
• Refer: 10/18/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Counting pupils enrolled in four-year-old kindergarten for purposes of state aid and revenue limits. (FE)

Impact

The anticipated impact of AB529 on state laws is notable, particularly in how school districts allocate resources and budget for early education. By increasing the pupil count for full-day attendance, districts may receive more funding, which could enhance program offerings or support additional outreach activities. This legislative change could also serve to incentivize schools to adopt more comprehensive full-day kindergarten programs that could benefit children's early learning and development.

Summary

Assembly Bill 529 (AB529) aims to amend how four-year-old kindergarten pupils are counted for purposes of state aid and revenue limits within Wisconsin school districts. Under existing law, pupils enrolled in such programs are counted as 0.5 pupils, increasing to 0.6 if the program includes a specified amount of outreach activities. The new legislation proposes that starting with the 2024-25 school year, any pupil attending a full-day, five-day-a-week kindergarten program will be counted as one full pupil. This change is expected to have significant implications for state funding directed towards early childhood education.

Contention

Discussions around AB529 may include varying perspectives on the effectiveness of full-day kindergarten programs. Supporters argue that this approach leads to better educational outcomes and provides necessary support for children at a critical stage in their development. However, opponents might raise concerns regarding the financial implications for districts unable to implement or support full-day programs, potentially leaving some pupils at a disadvantage. The bill's potential to shift the focus of educational funding could also spark debates about equity and access to quality education across different districts.