Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB782

Introduced
12/8/23  
Refer
12/8/23  

Caption

Requiring public schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program to employ a full-time librarian and a school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing full-time librarians. (FE)

Impact

The bill introduces a revenue limit adjustment for school districts, allowing them to increase their budget by the amount spent on full-time librarians. This provision is intended to relieve some of the financial burdens on school districts while complying with the staffing requirement. By adjusting the revenue limit based on prior expenditures for librarians, districts can align their budgets more closely with operational necessities while ensuring compliance with the new hiring mandates.

Summary

Assembly Bill 782 seeks to improve library service in Wisconsin schools by mandating that public schools, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in parental choice programs employ a full-time librarian. The bill specifies that each school board must ensure the presence of a licensed instructional library media specialist at each school, thereby enhancing the educational resources available to students. This is expected to bolster instruction and create a more resource-rich environment for learning.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding funding implications and the feasibility of hiring qualified librarians in every school, especially in districts with limited budgets. Some legislators may express concerns about the fiscal impact on districts already operating under tight constraints. Additionally, debates may center on whether the bill's requirements are necessary or if existing library services already meet student needs without the need for full-time staff.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB758

Requiring public schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program to employ a full-time librarian and a school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing full-time librarians. (FE)

WI AB631

The provision of menstrual products in state and local buildings and school buildings and a school district revenue limit adjustment for costs of providing those products. (FE)

WI SB590

The provision of menstrual products in state and local buildings and school buildings and a school district revenue limit adjustment for costs of providing those products. (FE)

WI AB531

A school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing school nurses. (FE)

WI SB509

A school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing school nurses. (FE)

WI AB900

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)

WI SB838

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)

WI AB305

Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)

WI SB330

Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)

WI AB321

Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

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